VOYAGE DOWN THE RIVER. 455 



should have a fair wind. I asked the patron 

 what was to be done with the money if the 

 wind continued foul ; and reasoned with him 

 on the egregious folly of the thing. He ap- 

 peared much annoyed at first, and asserted 

 that it was certain to do good ; but at last he 

 had nothing to say for himself, and went quiet- 

 ly away, doubtful even of his own ideas on the 

 subject. 



Notwithstanding the friendship with the In- 

 dians, the patron begged that all fires and 

 lights should be extinguished at sunset, that 

 we might not be discovered by any stray 

 Indians ; but yet, with all his precaution, he 

 made no preparations in case they should 

 come. I however kept my arms handy and in 

 readiness for them, if they should attack us. 



March 21st. Wind rather more moderate. 

 Still detained, attached to the stump of a tree. 

 In the evening took a little exercise on the 

 beach ; but was fearful of proceeding too far, 

 as there was a good deal of jungle near, in 

 which aUigators and tigers could conceal them- 

 selves. The peons obtained some very good 

 cocoa-nuts. 



