is clime one must
obey great Nature's laws. So stout Juan and millions since have found,
and so always it will be.

All was there to testify as of yore, all except the first owners of the
land; they alas! the poor Caribbees, together with their camp fires, had
been extinguished long years before. And no one of human sympathy can
read of the cruel tortures and final extermination of these islanders,
savages though they were, without a pang of regret at the unpleasant
page in a history of glory and civilization.

CHAPTER XIV

Bahia to Pernambuco--The meeting of the _Finance_ at sea--At
Pernambuco--Round Cape St. Roque--A gale--Breakers--The stretch to
Barbadoes--Flying-fish alighting on deck--Dismasted--Arrive at
Carlysle Bay.

From Bahia to Pernambuco our course lay along that part of the Brazilian
coast fanned by constant trade-winds. Nothing unusual occurred to
disturb our peace or daily course, and we pressed forward night and day,
as was our wont from the first.

Victor and I stood watch and watch at sea, usually four hours each.

The most difficult of our experiences in fine weather was the intense
drowsiness brought on by constantly watching the oscillating compass at
night: even in the daytime this motion would make one sleepy.

We soon found it necessary to arrange a code of signals which would
communicate between the tiller and the "man forward." This was
accomplished by means of a line or messenger extending from one to the
other, which was understood by the number of pulls given by it; three
pulls, for instance, meant "Turn out," one in response, "Aye, aye, I am
awake, and what is it that is wanted?" one pull in return signified that
it was "Eight bells," and so on. But three quick jerks meant "Tumble out
and shorten sail."

Victor, it was understood, would tie the line to his arm or leg when he
turned in, so that by pulling I would be sure to arouse him, or bring
him somewhat unceremoniously out of his bunk. Once, however, the
messenger failed to accomplish its purpose. A boot came out on the line
in answer to my call, so easily, too, that I suspected a trick. It was
evidently a preconceived plan by which to gain a moment more of sleep.
It was a clear imposition on the man at the wheel!

We had also a sign in this system of telegraphing that told of
flying-fish on board--manna of the sea--to be gathered up for the
_cuisine_ whenever they happened to alight or fall on dec