314 



CHINESE SAILOES. 



Chap. XIV, 



moon was shining dimly through a thick haze, not 

 a sound was heard, except now and then a sail 

 flapping against the mast and the rippling noise 

 which the water made against the bows. Not- 

 withstanding the beauty and stillness of the scene 

 around me I soon began to feel very sleepy, and 

 went and lay down on my couch. How long I 

 had slept I know not, but I was suddenly awakened 

 by being pitched bed and all to the lea side of the 

 deck, when I was brought up by the bulwarks, a 

 part of which were under water. It was now 

 " all hands in-sail." The scene had undergone 

 a complete and it appeared a rapid change ; the 

 moon had set ; it was now dark and blowing half 

 a gale, and the waters of the bay which were so 

 smooth a few hours before were now rolling along 

 in deep waves capped with foam. 



On account of the numerous sand-banks and 

 rocks and rapid tides in this bay, its navigation at 

 all times is exceedingly dangerous if the vessels 

 are driven but a short way out of the proper 

 course. But the Chinese are excellent sailors on 

 their own coasts and in their own vessels. On the 

 present occasion the helm was instantly put down, 

 and the vessel came up to the wind. The crew 

 then ran forward to the masts, the sails were 

 lowered and reefed, and we kept our course again. 

 The sails had to be reduced from time to time as 

 the wind freshened; but as it was fair we were 

 flying through the water with great rapidity, and 

 had the satisfaction of knowing that we should be 



