More than once, when hard pressed by thirst, I entered a grog shop and paid for a glass of liquor in order to obtain a refreshing draught of the pure element.
At night, after walking through the streets and listening to the gossip of the sailors collected in groups in the streets, we retired to some lonely wharf, and throwing ourselves down on a pile of SOFT pine boards, and gathering our jackets around us, and curtained by the starry canopy of heaven, we slept as soundly and sweetly as if reposing on the most luxurious couch.
But even this cheap mode of lodging was attended with inconveniences.
One night a shower of rain came suddenly upon us.

This was an event unfrequent and consequently unexpected, and our garments were thoroughly soaked before we could realize our misfortune.

As this happened about three o'clock in the morning, there was nothing left but to wait patiently several hours, wet to the skin and shivering in the night air, until our clothing was dried by the rays of the sun and warmth restored to our frames.
One night an unprincipled knave undertook to rob us while we slept.
Fortunately for us he began his work with Strictland, and took possession of the few effects which his pockets contained before my companion awoke and gave the alarm.

On hearing his cry, I started to my feet and seized the fellow, who, being nearly naked, eluded my grasp and ran.

We chased him the length of a street, when he entered an alley and disappeared among a row of dilapidated buildings.
After these events we considered it expedient to change our capacious lodging house for one of more limited dimensions, where we might be screened from a shower and concealed from the prying eyes of a robber.
We proceeded the next day in quest of such an accommodation, and after a careful survey of various localities, our labors were crowned with success.