University of Virginia Library

MAY 29.

We once more saw the " Lizard," and indeed was full time that we should. Besides that our provisions were nearly exhausted by the length of the voyage, our crew was in a great measure composed of fellows of the most worthless description ; and the captain lately discovered that some of them had contrived to break a secret passage into the hold, where they had

broached the rum-casks, and had already passed several nights in drinking, with lighted candles. A single spark would have been sufficient to blow us all up to the moon!