CARTHAGENA = 



459 



out the walls, and never roused the inhabitants 

 or sought for entrance after nine o'clock, unless 

 on some particular emergency ; but that I was 

 perfectly welcome to take up my abode with 

 them for the night. As they were all miser- 

 ably dirty, and the place had a most uninvit- 

 ing aspect, I declined the proffered civility, 

 trusting to my good stars to procure me a bet- 

 ter bed and shelter than that afforded by a 

 roana laid along the floor of a filthy guard- 

 house. I returned to my boat, and rowed along- 

 side many of the vessels in the harbour, hailing 

 them, and trusting to find an English ship 

 amongst them. At last, in reply to my ques- 

 tion, my ears were saluted by the welcome 

 sounds of my own language, and not the less 

 esteemed for partaking of a strong north-coun- 

 try accent; — they proved to be uttered by a 

 Scotchman left in charge of a vessel, who gave 

 me the best reception in his power, spread- 

 ing sails for my couch, and offering me bread 

 and cheese and a glass of grog for my supper ; 

 after which I lay down, having an awning 

 over me, and slept soundly until morning. 



