SOUTH AMERICA. 239 

 to their being conveyed to the King's depot, another Third 



Journey. 



officer entered the cabin. He was an entire stranger to 



me, and seemed wonderfully aware of his own conse- 

 quence. Without preface or apology he thrust his head 

 over my shoulder, and said, Ave had no business to have 

 opened a single box Avithout his permission. I ansAvered, 

 they had been opened almost every day since they had 

 come on board, and that 1 considered there Avas no harm 

 in doing so. 



He then left the cabin, and I said to myself as he went 

 out, I suspect I shall see that man again at Philippi. The 

 boxes, ten in number, Avere conveyed in safety from the 

 ship to the depot, I then proceeded to the Custom-house. 

 The necessary forms Avere gone through ; and a pro- 

 portionate duty, according to circumstances, Avas paid. 



This done, Ave returned from the Custom-house to the 

 depot, accompanied by several gentlemen Avho Avished to 

 see the collection. They expressed themselves highly 

 gratified. The boxes Avere closed, and nothing noAv 

 remained but to convey them to the cart AA-hich Avas in 

 attendance at the door of the depot. Just as one of the 

 mferior officers Avas carrying a box thither, in stepped the 

 man Avhom I suspected I should see again at Philippi. 

 He abruptly declared himself dissatisfied AAdth the valua- 

 tion which the gentlemen of the customs had put upon 

 the collection, and said he must detain it. I remonstrated, 

 but it Avas all in vain. 



