WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 



107 



were seen to get off their horses, and lay down 

 by the side of the longed-for object, which they 

 gradually gathered up under their ponchos, and 

 secured possession of by mounting their horses 

 and galloping off to the hills. 



Wednesday, June 10. — Fair quiet weather: 

 the crew employed in strengthening our barri- 

 cade, draining the camp, cutting wood, and 

 drying their beds and clothing. The damp from 

 the ground in our tents was very great, and some 

 few complaints of rheumatism were heard. At 

 6 30' A. M. we had a very severe shock of an 

 earthquake. We saw but few Indians at our 

 present camp, as compared with the numbers 

 who used to surround us at Molquilla. As 

 duty permitted, the officers were allowed to go 

 out with their guns, byjwhich we benefited in a 

 supply of game for our mess, which was highly 

 acceptable ; and the important objects of a di- 

 version of mind and health were gained by ex- 

 ercise over the surrounding country. We began 

 to feel uneasy at not hearing, from some quarter, 

 of a chance of relief ; but we had been told by 

 our friend Mr. Rouse, the Consul, on his first 

 joining us, that we ought to make up our minds 

 to pass the winter where we were, knowing the 



