neck, I opened it and fastened the
lanyard around my right wrist. If there was to be a hostile reception, I
intended to cast the boat loose and jump overboard. With the wind and
strong tide, I would land somewhere, even if I had no oars. So I waited
for developments. In a few minutes five men came out of the forecastle.
They came aft in single file, the cook at the head with a lighted candle
in his hand, the mate bringing up the rear. Then, in spite of myself, I
had to laugh. It was the only time in my life at sea that I ever saw a
candle on ship's deck. There are two articles which an old-time
salt-water sailor has the most supreme contempt for--namely, a lantern
and an umbrella. When they got close to me they were a surprised lot of
men. By way of introduction, I said, "Yo soy un saltador Ingles"--"I am
an English deserter." They all commenced to laugh at the mate. We soon
became quite friendly, all hands considering the whole affair as a good
joke. Opening the cabin skylight, they told me to get in and have a good
sleep. The vessel was loaded with mahogany timber. The cabin bulkheads
had been taken out and the lumber loaded through the stern ports,
completely filling the brig from stem to stern. The extra sails were put
in the skylight on top of the cargo. That was my bed, and a good sleep
I had, even if my clothes were wet.

About seven o'clock they woke me and gave me a breakfast. I exchanged
all my neat clothes with them, I getting a ragged blue jumper and
overalls and a ship hat with the rim all frayed out. My shoes,
stockings, and knife I retained for my own use. The boat had been hauled
alongside and loaded with firewood to be taken ashore. When ready I got
into it, and, taking an oar, helped row for shore. The mate gave me a
friendly parting and wished me success. I thanked him, and said:
"Cuidado por los brujos!"--"Look out for ghosts!" When close to shore I
asked to be landed on the beach, as it would not do for me to go near
the Government dock. They pulled close to a ledge of rocks and I jumped
out and thanked them for their kindness. Away I went for the railroad
track.

Having heard that English contractors were building a new branch, it was
my intention to offer them my valuable services. I started down the
track quite lively and independent. The sun became very warm and my feet
sore. Then I got tired of continually looking at the telegraph-poles,
each one being numbered, like houses in a city. What the