, the other
south to Navassa Island. Our first trip was to the latter place. The
island was about three miles in circumference and almost inaccessible.
It was the breeding-place of sea-birds. A company belonging to
Baltimore, Md., had possession, and were shipping the guano to different
parts of Europe. We arrived some hours before the mail steamer was due.

A kedge anchor was fastened to a heavy rope and dropped overboard,
fish-lines were brought into service, and the sport began. The only
question with us was, What kind of fish will the next be? Such a variety
I never saw in my life in any part of the world--all different sorts,
sizes, and shapes were landed on deck. The steamer came in sight and our
anchor was pulled up. When the steamer came close by, a boat was sent to
her with mail from our fleet, two cakes of ice were presented to us, and
the vessel started for the passage. Before the mail steamer, being much
the faster boat, was out of sight, it being of no use to convoy a vessel
we could not see, we did the next best thing--returned to Cape Haitien.
The steamer at Turks Island adopted the same tactics, with the exception
of receiving the mail instead of sending it.

The Neptune, Galatea, Proteus, and Nereus certainly had an easy time on
convoy duty.

CHAPTER XXIX

I LEAVE THE SEA AND GO WEST

About the 1st of April I sent in my resignation. I had become tired of
sailor life, the war was nearly ended, and the fact that I was married
made me desirous to make a living on dry land. It was a foolish whim of
mine to throw away such a good opportunity, especially after having
advanced so far in my chosen profession. A fresh supply of naval stores
was needed on the Nereus, and for that reason we were ordered to Key
West, then to return to Cape Haitien. We went first to Navassa and met
the mail steamer, and the letter containing my resignation went in that
mail pouch. We then steered for Cape Mayzi, at the eastern end of Cuba,
and, going around the cape, we sailed west along the coast. Morro Castle
was sighted, and we entered the harbour of Havana. I was well
acquainted with the city, but everything appeared different to me then.
The United States naval uniform allowed me to visit places where
formerly, in common seaman's garb, I should have been denied.

The lottery-ticket venders were as busy as of yore, but, somehow, I did
not feel like patronizing them. I drew the shares of only one prize in
my life,