having navigated these seas for many years, without having met with any accident.
In taking a stroll through the streets, we met several of the sailors, quite forgetful of their providential escape, cruizing about, and kicking up a dust with the inhabitants, who had supplied them too liberally with ardent spirits, and who now suffered their aggressions with considerate forbearance.
In the evening, a small sail, apparently a boat, was perceived making her appearance from the Straits. A boat from the "Amity" was immediately manned, and, hoping she might be the skiff, we pulled quickly towards her, but, on drawing near, we were mortified by discovering that it was a small Malay proa.
Early next morning, being on the look-out, we discerned a small sail just emerging from the Straits. A boat from the "Amity," and another from the "Merkus," (emulous of each other,) pulled heartily towards her, and, ere long, we had the heartfelt satisfaction of recognizing our companions in the skiff; and Mr. Underwood, the chief mate, gave us the following account of their proceedings since the time of our separation.
On the day we parted company[1], about noon, a sea broke into the boat, and the man who was steering, having, on a former occasion, been swamped, became apprehensive of experiencing a similar accident, and immediately, and without orders, put the helm down. When they saw us proceeding on, they bore up and
- ↑ Vide page 41.
