ing; therefore we
had better "grin and bear it" like men until eight bells, when we might
stand a chance to get some assistance. He moreover told us that he would
not put up with such a disturbance in the forecastle; it was against
al rules; and if we did not clap a stopper on our cries and groans, he
would turn out and give us something worth crying for he would pummel us
both without mercy!

Thus cautioned by our compassionate shipmate, we endeavored to restrain
ourselves from giving utterance to our feelings until the expiration of
the watch.

When the watch was called our wailings were loud and clamorous. Our
sufferings awakened the sympathy of the officers; our condition was
inquired into, and assistance furnished. Both my feet were badly
frost-bitten, and inflamed and swollen. Collins, my watchmate, had not
escaped unscathed from the attack of this furious northwester, but being
provided with a pair of stout boots, his injuries were much less than
mine. In a few days he was about the deck as active as ever.

The result of my conflict with the elements on "the winter's coast" was
of a serious and painful character; and for a time there was reason
to fear that amputation of a portion of one, if not both feet might be
necessary. Captain Page treated me with kindness, and was unremitting in
his surgical attentions; and by dint of great care, a free application
of emollients, and copious quantities of "British oil," since known
at different times as "Seneca oil," or "Petroleum," a partial cure was
gradually effected; but several weeks passed away ere I was able to go
aloft, and a free circulation of the blood has never been restored.

A few days after this furious gale, we found ourselves in warm weather,
having entered the edge of the Gulf Stream. We proceeded in a south-east
direction, crossing the trade winds on our way to the equinoctial line.
Were it not for the monotony, which always fatigues, there would be few
undertakings more interesting than a sail through the latitudes of "the
trades," where we meet with a balmy atmosphere, gentle breezes,
and smooth seas. In the night the heavens are often unclouded, the
constellations seem more interesting, the stars shine with a milder
radiance, and the moon gives a purer light, than in a more northern
region. Often in my passage through the tropics, during the
night-watches, seated on a spare topmast, or the windlass, or the heel
of the bowsprit, I have, for hours a