st a small one came alongside with
fruit and vegetables, which those who had money eagerly purchased. I
had a few shillings remaining in my pocket, but Mark had nothing, and I
insisted on buying enough for him and myself. Mark declined taking them
from me, saying he could do very well without them; but I pressed him,
and we discussed a couple of dozen oranges between us. How delicious
they tasted! We both felt like different creatures. Those of the crew
who had money were put into much better humour, but the rest were more
sulky than ever.

In the evening the boats brought off some fresh water, but no
provisions. When the captain came on board at night we learnt that he
had refused to purchase any, on account of their high price. Whether
this was the case or not I don't know, but it made the men very angry.
Next day he went on shore again, returning in the afternoon with four
gentlemen, whom we heard were going as passengers round to Columbia
River, in North America.

We soon found, from hearing them speak, that they were Scotch, and of
this I had no doubt when I learned their names, which were McTavish,
McDonald, McKay, and Fraser. Their vessel had been wrecked off Cape
Frio, and notwithstanding the character borne by Captain Longfleet, they
were glad to have an opportunity of continuing their voyage in the
"Emu." Just before daybreak a small boat came alongside with fruit and
vegetables; but they were all for the cabin, and the crew were none the
better for them.

Next morning we sailed at daybreak with a land wind, followed by three
or four other vessels, some bound round Cape Horn, others to cross the
Atlantic. They were still in sight when it came on to blow very hard.
In a short time a sea got up which made the ship tumble about in a way I
had not experienced since I had been down in the hold. The captain
stood on, wanting to keep ahead of the other vessels. The topmasts bent
like willow wands, and every moment looked as if they would go over the
sides. We carried on, however, until it was nearly dark, when he
ordered the hands aloft to reef sails. I had not as yet been ordered to
perform this duty, but Mark was as active as any one. He and Tom were
on the lee fore-topsail yard-arm. Two reefs had already been taken in
when the sail had to be closely reefed. It was now quite dark. The
operation was being performed, when there was a cry from forward of "A
man overboard!" To round the ship to mi