A SLEEPLESS NIGHT. 
257 
that the excursion was at an end. Captain Allen 
quietly ventured to express an opposite deter- 
mination ; but as it was thought the wiser course 
woidd be, not to waste the precious hours of sleep in 
useless dispute, he deferred till the morrow should 
enable him to execute his purpose, in despite of the 
sacred fetiche. 
In the meantime, to divert their attention, and cut 
short the discussion, a rocket was ordered to be fired, 
which produced the mingled effect of admiration and 
fear, on brains akeady bewildered by potions long and 
deep. 
After strolling up and down the clean street for 
some time, to obtain a little fresh air. Captain Allen 
turned into the chiefs hut, which had been specially 
vacated for his reception ; and was large, and 
apparently clean ; but it was in vain to try and 
sleep ; the continual noise of the lingering gossips 
outside, the scampering of the rats overhead and 
around, the buzzing and tickkng of innumerable sand- 
flies and musquitos, and the many salient points of 
the bamboo frame, which, covered by a mat, formed 
the couch : aU these were sufficient to banish sleep, 
and make us long for the morning, to enable us to 
proceed on our little voyage. Other quarters were pre- 
pared for Mr. Lilly, Terry, and Stirling; but the two 
latter after a short trial, preferred sleeping in a tree. 
When daylight at length arrived, we proposed to 
King Bell, to start before the sun should attain much 
VOL. 1 1. 
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