" He
brought a cornet-a-piston to practice on, having had three weeks'
instructions on that melodious instrument; and if you could hear
the horrid sounds that come! especially at heavy rolls. When I
hint he is not improving, there comes a confession: "I don't feel
quite right yet, you see!" But he blows away manfully, and in
self-defence I try to roar the tune louder.
'11:30 P.M.
'Long past Cape St. Vincent now. We went within about 400 yards of
the cliffs and light-house in a calm moonlight, with porpoises
springing from the sea, the men crooning long ballads as they lay
idle on the forecastle and the sails flapping uncertain on the
yards. As we passed, there came a sudden breeze from land, hot and
heavy scented; and now as I write its warm rich flavour contrasts
strongly with the salt air we have been breathing.
'I paced the deck with H-, the second mate, and in the quiet night
drew a confession that he was engaged to be married, and gave him a
world of good advice.
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