The illness of his wife, and his own fears, brought Captain To more than usual in contact with the doctor, of whom he frequently asked his candid opinion, as to his own chance in a hot country.
"Captain To," said the doctor, "_I_ never would have given my opinion, if you had not asked it, for I am aware, that, as an officer, you would never flinch from your duty, to whatever quarter of the globe you may be ordered; but, as you have asked the question, I must say, with your full habit of body, I think you would not stand a chance of living for more than two months.

At the same time, sir, I may be mistaken; but, at all events, I must point out that Mrs To is of a very bilious habit, and I trust you will not do such an injustice to an amiable woman, as to permit her to accompany you." "Thanky, doctor, I'm much obliged to you," replied the captain, turning round and going down the ladder to his cabin.

We were then beating down the channel; for, although we ran through the Needles with a fair wind, it fell calm, and shifted to the westward, when we were abreast of Portland.

The next day the captain gave an order for a very fine pig to be killed, for he was out of provisions.

Mrs To still kept her bed, and he therefore directed that a part should be salted, as he could have no company.