Accidents > Dangers of the deep, or, Narratives of shipwreck and adventure at sea

162 ADVENTURES IN THE BOATS,
jaw ; but then the males were furnished with
a large shaggy mane, which gave them a most
formidable appearance. And, whereas he
says those he saw were unwieldy, and easily
destroyed; we found some, on the contrary,
that lay at a mile’s distance from the water,
which came down upon us, when disturbed,
with such impetuosity, that it was as much
as we could do to get out of their way; and
when attacked, would turn upon us with
great agility.
Having lost the yawl, and being too many
for the barge to carry off, we were compelled
to leave four of our men behind. They were
all marines, who seemed to have no objection
to the determination made with regard to them,
so exceedingly disheartened and worn out
were they with the distresses and dangers they
had already gone through. And, indeed, I
believe it would have been a matter of indif¬
ference to the greatest part of the rest, whe¬
ther they should embark, or take their chance.
The captain distributed to these poor fellows
arms and ammunition, and some other ne¬
cessaries. When we parted, they stood upon
the beach, giving us three cheers, and called
out, God bless the king. We saw them a