Читать книгу The Rocks and Rivers of British Columbia - Walter Moberly - Страница 4

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We had beautiful weather all the way to Rio Janeiro, and in passing opposite the mouth of the Oronoco River, a long distance from land, it was easy to distinguish the line between the dirty looking water of the river and the beautiful clear ocean water. I found it very enjoyable at night, when the weather was warm, to stow myself away in a sail on the bowsprit and smoke, watching the beautiful phosphorescent sparks flying out of the ocean at every plunge of the ship. Two porpoises stationed themselves a few feet in front and on each side of the stem of the ship, and accompanied us for a long time.

With the passing days I began to find that we had a peculiar mixture of passengers, notably among whom was a band of the disgusting “free-lovers” from the state of Ohio, and I must say the “ladies” of that party were far from being angels in appearance, language, or manner. Many were the flirtations, and great the jealousy existing between two of our lady cabin passengers. One sultry afternoon, I was alone reading in the saloon close to the adjoining ladies’ cabin, when I was somewhat astonished to hear through the open door remarkably forcible language, followed by what was evidently a fierce encounter. In I went and closed the door, to find the belligerents tugging away at each other’s hair in a most fierce manner. Over went chairs and tables, but I could not separate the Amazons. The purser fortunately made his appearance on the scene; he seized hold of one, and I of the other, and by choking them pretty well, we managed to part them, when their language to each other was certainly not parliamentary. One bright and charming day we steamed into the magnificent harbour of Rio Janeiro, passing the large and apparently formidable fortifications on the north side of the narrow entrance that guards it. We anchored opposite the city, and here we were to remain some time to take in stores, &c. I therefore stayed on shore to see what I could of the city and suburbs. There were not any quays at that time, and the steamer had to lie at anchor in the bay, and load with lighters.