to match those
which were made in the same manner in the boat itself. Afterwards,
with long strings of the rattan, which we split up and made fine,
we sewed the little plank to the boat, just as one would a piece of
cloth on a coat; we covered the sewing with the elemi gum, and were
sure the water could not pass through. The rattan served instead of
hemp, and supplied all our necessities on the occasion.

We worked with ardour at this our new and only means of safety. Once
caulked, we placed in it two large bamboos as beams, for without
those beams we could not have sailed for ten minutes without being
upset. Another bamboo served as our mast; the large sack of matting
that contained our skeleton was transformed into a sail. At last,
before the night was far advanced, every preparation was finished. The
wind was favourable, and we hastened to try our boat, and to struggle
with new difficulties.

We placed in the canoe our arms and the skeleton, the cause of our new
troubles; we then pushed the boat over the sand and got it afloat. It
took us a good half-hour to get clear of the breakers. We were every
moment in danger of being swamped by the large waves, which rolled
on, dashing against the rocks that bound the shore. At last, after
we had overcome a thousand difficulties and dangers, we reached the
open sea, and the regular wave--a real movable mountain--lifted up,
without any sudden shock, our frail boat almost to the skies, and
then in the same quiet manner let it sink into an abyss, from which
it was again raised to the top of a liquid mountain. These large
waves, which follow each other usually from interval to interval very
regularly, cause no danger to a good pilot, who takes the precaution
of turning the prow of his boat so as to meet them. But woe to him
if he forgets himself, and makes a false manoeuvre, he is then sure
to be upset and wrecked. Being used to the management of canoes,
and, more confident in my own vigilance when at sea than in that
of my Indians, I took the helm. The wind was favourable; we set
up our little sail, and went very fast, although every moment I
was obliged to turn the prow to the heavy waves. We were already a
sufficient distance from the shore not to fear, if the wind changed,
that we should be driven in among the breakers. Everything led us to
expect a safe voyage, when unfortunately my poor Indians were taken
ill. They had never sailed before except on the lakes of fresh wate