A TOUCHlNa INCIDENT. 
107 
the sailors, who were crowded together on deck, also showed signs 
of insubordination and approbation of tbe reis^s intentions, who 
then proceeded on deck to give his commands, Petherick followed 
with a rifle in hand in time to hear the rets bid tbe mate put about ; 
but ere he could do so, Petherick determinedly said, If the boaPs 
head be changed from her onward course, I ^11 shoot the man at the 
helm.^^ Again the reis issued his commands ; but the click of the 
lock and the fixed purpose in the ConsuPs face brought him to 
his senses. The boat went on, and in a few moments the penitent ^ 
reis demanded pardon and kissed the hands of his master. 
The river now took an abrupt winding to the south-east ; the 
banks could only be seen from the mast, as the reeds were of great 
height and advanced far into the river. The breeze having failed, 
the round-robin towing was resumed. 
April ISth . — Still towing; hippopotami numerous; also mos- 
quitoes. Very little distance had been accomplished before sunset. 
April 19th . — A repetition of yesterday^s weary work, some wind, 
but against us. The Nouaer territory on both shores. No villages 
seen, and it is impossible to land on account of the reeds. 
Sunday j 29th . — A favourable breeze at sunrise, which lasted two 
hours. 
A touching incident occurred at sunset. Seated as usual in 
front of our cabin on deck, our pet sailor and retriever-general 
lingered as he passed to take his turn at the helm. 
What is it ? said my husband. 
Consul, you are more a father to me than the one who begot 
me. My first earnings I owe to you, and I wish to die in your 
