VIOLENT STOEMS. 
101 
was crowded and reeking with damp ; the little birds thought it 
was night-time^ and went to sleep. For three hours the storm 
raged with the utmost fury. Towards sunset it abated^ and the 
men^ placing the towing-line in the felucca or small boat^ pulled 
to the opposite bank^ making it there fast. Those of the crew 
on board the dahabyeh hauled in until we had crossed the river. 
The men then towed from the shore,, and we were again on the 
White Fiver,, where we anchored almost immediately^ as a second 
storm bursty more furious than the first. ^ 
At eight p.m. dragged the anchor^ the wind coming from the 
norths but so violent that we scudded on under bare poles. Re- 
mained on deck until a late hour^ watching the lightning and lis- 
tening to the dread thunder. The rets set a small sail^ but soon 
a crash was heard — the yard had broken in the centre^ and hung 
downwards on each side of the mast. Fortunately no one was 
injured. Anchored and waited for the dawn. 
April ^th . — Before sunrise pulled to the east bank^ where the 
yard was taken on shore for the necessary repairs. Strolled about 
during the day^ shooting and collecting grasses and plants. One 
pretty tree was like the lemon^, and the fruit in form and colour 
appeared the same^ but it is poisonous. 
April lO^A.— Still at our moorings^ the men engaged repairing 
the yard. The soldiers put up a target and practised firing. 
Our three boats were reported in sight. We watched their comings 
but it was tedious^ as they were towed. A storm came on,, again a 
dreadful one. I must get used to them^ as Petherick tells me that 
now they will be of constant recurrence. For three hours the storm 
had its own way,, and then the rain ceasing^ we went forth to meet 
the doctors. My dress on shore was a petticoat of linsey, short, 
