During The Last Night Which Was Very Mild And Warm, I Went Out Of The Close Cabin On To The Deck, And Placed Myself Not Far From The Compass- Box, Where I Soon Began To Sleep, Wrapt In My Mantle.

One of the sailors came, and giving me a kick with his foot, told me to leave the place.

I thanked him quietly for the delicate way in which he expressed himself, and requesting him to leave me at peace, continued to sleep.

Among the passengers were six English sailors, who had taken a new ship to Odessa, and were returning home. I spoke with them several times, and had soon quite won them. As they perceived that I was without any companion, they asked me if I spoke enough Turkish to be able to get what I wanted from the ship's people and porters. On my answering that I did, they offered to manage everything for me if I would go on shore with them. I willingly accepted their offer.

As we approached land a customs' officer came on board to examine our luggage. In order to avoid delay I gave him some money. When we landed I wanted to pay, but the English sailors would not allow it; they said I had paid for the customs' officer, and it was therefore their time to pay for the boat. I saw that I should only have affronted them if I had pressed them further to receive the money. They settled with the porter for me, and we parted good friends.

Enter page number Go  Previous Next
Page 677 of 708
Words from 179549 to 179809 of 187810