All was now ready, and warning my wife that we might find it necessary
to remain all night on the vessel, we tenderly bade adieu and embarked.
Except our guns and ammunition we were taking nothing, that we might
leave as much space as possible for the stowage of a large cargo.
Fritz, however, had resolved to bring his little monkey, that he might
obtain milk for it as soon as possible.
We had not got far from the shore, when I perceived that a current from
the river set in directly for the vessel, and though my nautical
knowledge was not great, I succeeded in steering the boat into the
favourable stream, which carried us nearly three-fourths of our passage
with little or no trouble to ourselves; then, by dint of hard pulling,
we accomplished the whole distance, and, entering through the breach,
gladly made fast our boat and stepped on board.
Our first care was to see to the animals, who greeted us with
joy--lowing, bellowing, and bleating as we approached--not that the
poor beasts were hungry, for they were all still well supplied with
food, but they were apparently pleased by the mere sight of human
beings. We removed any partly spoiled food and added a fresh supply,
along with fresh water.
Fritz then placed his monkey by one of the goats, and the little
animal immediately sucked the milk with evident relish, chattering and
grinning all the while; the monkey provided for, we refreshed ourselves
with a plentiful meal.
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