Chap. XIV. VOYAGE ACROSS THE BAY. 



313 



the mud and water, in order to call a couple of 

 chairs and coolies to convey us and our baggage 

 across the mud-flats to Ne~ka-loo." 



Having engaged the junk for ourselves, we 

 were not quite so badly off as our missionary 

 friends, and had no pigs to annoy us. When we 

 got on board we went below to see the berths in 

 the cabin which were set apart for our accom- 

 modation, but they appeared so filthy and stunk 

 so horridly that we were glad to get on deck 

 again. The cabin was also full of smoke, and 

 everything we came in contact with left its mark 

 on our hands or our clothes. It was now deter- 

 mined to have our beds spread down on the deck 

 of the vessel, where, as it was partly covered, we 

 could sleep with more comfort than in the filthy 

 cabin. 



We weighed anchor, or rather we "cast off" 

 about midnight, and stood across the bay. The 

 wind was light and fair, the water was perfectly 

 smooth, and everything seemed to promise a safe 

 and speedy passage. As this part of the bay was 

 sometimes frequented by numerous small piratical 

 craft, I was doubtful about going to sleep, but the 

 boatmen assured me there was no fear from an 

 attack at this time, and as these people are exceed- 

 ingly timid an assurance of this kind from them 

 was deemed satisfactory. 



For some time after we were under way I sat 

 on the foredeck of the vessel contemplating the 

 beauty and stillness of the scene around me. The 



