nd proportions, hanging in a row upon the guys, like
strings of heads, which had been demanded in the wrath or the caprice of
some despot of Mahomed's creed.

Forster descended the ladder to the main-deck which he found equally
encumbered with cabins for the passengers, trunks and bedding belonging
to them, and many other articles which had not yet found their way into
the hold, the hatches of which were open, and in which lanterns in every
direction partially dispelled the gloom, and offered to his view a
confused outline of bales and packages. Carpenters sawing deals,
sail-makers roping the foot of an old mainsail, servants passing to and
fro with dishes, Lascars jabbering in their own language, British seamen
damning their eyes, as usual, in plain English, gave an idea of
confusion and want of method to Newton Forster, which, in a short time,
he acknowledged himself to have been premature in having conceived.
Where you have to provide for such a number, to separate the luggage of
so many parties, from the heavy chest to the fragile bandbox, to take in
cargo, and prepare for sea, all at the same time, there must be
apparently confusion. In a few days every thing finds its place; and,
what is of more consequence, is itself to be found as soon as it may be
required.

According to the regulations on board of East India ships, Forster
messed below with the junior mates, midshipmen, surgeon's assistant,
etcetera; the first and second mates only having the privilege of
constantly appearing at the captain's table; while the others receive
but an occasional invitation. Forster soon became on intimate terms
with his shipmates. As they will however appear upon the stage when
required to perform their parts, we shall at present confine ourselves
to a description of the captain and the passengers.

Captain Drawlock was a man of about fifty years of age. Report said
that in his youth he had been wild, and some of his contemporary
commanders in the service were wont to plague him by narrating divers
freaks of former days, the recollection of which would create any thing
but a smile upon his face. Whether report and the other captains were
correct or not in their assertions, Captain Drawlock was in appearance
quite a different character at the time we introduce him. He was of
sedate aspect, seldom smiled, and appeared to be wrapt up in the
importance of the trust confided to him, particularly with respect to
the young wome