wful minutes were passed in this state, which left an indelible
impression on our minds. Never," continues Richard Lander, "shall I
forget the chief mate saying to me, 'Now, sir, every one for himself,
a few minutes will be the last with us.' The tumultuous sea was
raging in mountainous waves close by us, their foam dashing against
the sides of the brig, which was only prevented from being carried
among them by a weak anchor and cable. The natives, from whom they
could expect no favour, were busy on shore making large fires, and
other signals, for us to desert the brig and land at certain places,
expecting, no doubt, every moment to see her a prey to the waves, and
those who escaped their fury, to fall into their hands. Wretched
resource! the sea would have been far more merciful than they."

Such was their perilous situation, when a fine sea breeze set in,
which literally saved them from destruction. The sails were loosened
to relieve the anchor from the strain of the vessel, and she rode out
the ebb tide without drifting. At ten a.m. the tide had nearly ceased
running out, and the fury of the sea rather abated, but it was quite
impossible that the brig could ride out another ebb tide where she
lay, with the kedge anchor alone to hold her; the only chance left
them, therefore, was to get to sea, and the captain determined on
crossing the bar, although there appeared to be little chance of
success. At half-past ten a.m. he manned the boat with two of
Lander's men, and two Kroomen belonging to the brig, and sent them to
tow while the anchor was got on board. This had no sooner been done
than the wind fell light, and instead of drifting over to the western
breakers as on the two preceding days, the brig was now set towards
those on the eastern side, and again they had a narrow escape. With
the assistance of the boat and good management, they at length passed
clear over the bar on the edge of the breakers, in a depth of quarter
less three fathoms, and made sail to the eastward. Their troubles
were now at an end; by the protection of a merciful Providence, they
had escaped dangers, the very thoughts of which had filled them with
horror, and with a grateful heart and tears of joy for all his
mercies, they offered up a silent prayer of thanks for their
deliverance.

The bar extends about four or five miles from the mouth of the river,
in a southerly direction, but is by no means known. This river is by
far the best place o