SOME NARROW ESCAPES 
209 
a violent earthquake shock took place on the island. 
The discomforts of being out all night, as well as the 
scare the earthquake gave him, so affected the pay¬ 
master that at daybreak he came down to the 
beach and gave himself up. He and the skipper of 
the Arctic , and about $3,000 found on board, were 
taken back to Yokohama. The skipper was tried 
before the United States Consul, and sentenced to 
six months’ imprisonment. The paymaster was 
sent to the States, where, through influence, he got 
off, but had to leave the service. 
When about to leave Yokohama, I was asked if 
I had room on board for a passenger, a Mr. C., 
who wished to take a trip north. I was informed he 
had been sent away by his family, as he was a hope¬ 
less dipsomaniac if within reach of liquor, but away 
from it excellent company and a very good fellow. 
He called on me, and I agreed to take him, as I had 
a spare cabin. I gave him to understand, however, 
that I would take charge of any wines or liquor he 
might send on board, and should only let him have 
a small quantity daily. This was what he wanted, 
he said. I found him a most agreeable companion, 
well educated, and his behaviour all that could be 
desired. He remained with me until August 18. 
On the day previous we had fallen in with some 
other hunting-vessels, and in visiting them he had 
been asked to drink; and he did, with a vengeance, 
making up for lost time. He sobered up the next 
morning, and, finding one of the schooners was then 
going south to take the owner to Yokohama, he 
decided to go, too. I tried to persuade him to 
remain, as it would be better for him, but without 
success. He reached Yokohama, and put up at one 
14 
