noon
For several hours I paddled steadily on , till , the wind freshening , I thought it advisable to keep in nearer shore ; that , should a regular storm arise , I might find some sheltered bay in which to weather it . ` It was well I did so ; for , scarcely had I reached a quiet cove which promised to afford me the protection I desired , than the sea appeared one mass of foam : great surging waves arose ; and even in the comparative calm of the bay I felt that I was in some danger . ` I passed the night in my cajack ; and next morning , after a frugal meal of pemmican , and a draught of water from my flask , once more ventured forth . The wind had subsided , the sea was tolerably smooth ; and , keeping my eyes busily employed in seeking in every direction to detect , if possible , the slightest trace of smoke , or other sign of human life , I paddled on till noon . ` The aspect of the coast now began to change : the shores were sandy , while further inland lay dense forests , from whose gloomy depths I could ever and anon hear the fierce roar of beasts of prey , the yell of apes , the fiendish laugh of the hyaena , or the despairing death cry of a hapless deer . Seldom have I experienced a greater feeling of solitude than whilst listening to these strange sounds , and knowing that I in this frail canoe was the only human being near . Giving myself up to contemplation , I rested my paddle , and allowed my cajack to drift slowly on .