. Recollections of a sea wanderer's life; an autobiography of an old-time seaman who has sailed in almost every capacity before and abaft the mast, in nearly every quarter of the globe, and under the flags of four of the principal maritime nations. stle, near the heel of the bowsprit. That wasa glorious night, with a bright moon, thin clouds, gentlebreezes, and calm waters, reflecting the shores with theirmany lights, the moon and stars, and bearing many a craft,not one of which could compare, as I felt, with the GeneralHewitt. Across the water was Wolfes Cove,, and the rivercould be seen diml
. Recollections of a sea wanderer's life; an autobiography of an old-time seaman who has sailed in almost every capacity before and abaft the mast, in nearly every quarter of the globe, and under the flags of four of the principal maritime nations. stle, near the heel of the bowsprit. That wasa glorious night, with a bright moon, thin clouds, gentlebreezes, and calm waters, reflecting the shores with theirmany lights, the moon and stars, and bearing many a craft,not one of which could compare, as I felt, with the GeneralHewitt. Across the water was Wolfes Cove,, and the rivercould be seen dimly far beyond Point Levis and the UpperTown; the Lower Town and its confused noises were nearer,but only dimly visible. The sounds of merriment at inter-vals came across the water from some other vessel, lying MASON. 27 near ours, where other crews were enjoying doubled our pleasure, and added to this was the feelingof security which came to us with the hourly cry of thesentinel on the fort at the Cape, Alls well. Soon after four bells (ten oclock) we went below, andMason showed me to my hammock. In a moment I wasundressed and into the swinging bed, but not to sleep. Thestrange appearance of the focastle in the dim light of a. afloat. single oil lamp, swinging amidships, and the all-pervadingodor of tar and bilge-water, with many other strange sightsand sounds, and above all my lively fancy, kept me awakeuntil five, six, and seven bells struck. Soon after I saw aburly figure enter the focastle, and going to one of the ham-mocks say in a gruff whisper, Eight bells, Mason; turn out. Aye, aye, was the answer, and in a moment Mason fullydressed came to my hammock and said, Hello, my lad ; notasleep yet ? Well, if you cant sleep you might as well turnout and stand your first watch with me. Come, bear ahand. And he climbed the narrow steep stairs to the deck. I hurried on my clothes and followed, just as the sailorwho had been relieved and turned into his hammock began
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectseafari, bookyear1887