able. Needham had done all
that they could wish, and was very proud of being left in charge of the
schooner while they were on shore. The first thing to be done was to
refit their vessel before she would be in a fit state again to put to
sea, and to effect this they without delay took the necessary steps to
procure rope and other stores. On returning to the port the Governor
received them with the greatest kindness and hospitality, and as they
sat in the cool dining-room in the castle, they agreed that it was a
perfect paradise compared with their stuffy little cabin when the
noonday sun was striking down on the deck.

"All things are by comparison," observed Adair sententiously. "Some
people now at home would not think this old fort on the African coast
much of a paradise." Several guests, merchants, and others were
present, and they had to recount their adventures to all the party. On
returning on board, having moored the vessel in a safe position, they
turned in and slept as midshipmen thoroughly worn out with anxiety and
fatigue, with good consciences and a comfortable dinner inside them, can
sleep. The next morning all hands set to work with a will to refit the
schooner. By heaving her down they got at what they believed to be the
chief leak, and caulked it, and in four days they considered their craft
once more ready for sea. The Governor supplied them with provisions for
forty days, and very kindly sent them some extra luxuries for
themselves. By the Governor's advice, they took one entire day's rest
for themselves and their crew. Then, in high spirits, anticipating no
further difficulties, they once more put to sea. They had arms and
powder, and a six-pounder gun which had belonged to the schooner, and,
as compared to their previous condition, they felt themselves in a
condition to encounter any gale of wind or any enemies they were likely
to meet with. When they went to pay their farewell respects to the
Governor, he said that the state of their little vessel had been
reported to him, and that he would really advise them to give up the
attempt to take her to Sierra Leone, and to wait till a man-of-war
should call off the castle to receive them on board. Murray's answer
may be supposed, though he thanked the Governor for his advice. The day
was remarkably sultry and close. There was a haze, but not sufficient
to obscure altogether the sun's beams, while the only wind which blew
came off the hot s