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

BORNINO OP THE PRINCE. 307
They exhibited the most frightful appear¬
ance, nothing human characterized them,
which did not announce their misfortunes in
glaring colours. Some were quite naked;
others had only shirts, rotten and tore to rags.
Lieutenant de la Fond had fastened a piece
of the scarlet cloth about his waist, in order to
appear at the head of his companions.
Though rescued from imminent danger, they
had still to contend with hunger and thirst,
and remained in ignorance whether they should
meet men endowed with humanity in that
region.
While deliberating on the course they
should follow, about fifty Portuguese of the
settlement there established, advanced and
inquired the cause of their presence. Their
misfortunes were soon explained, and the re¬
cital of them proved a sufficient claim for
supplying their wants. Deeply affected by
the account now given, the Portuguese con¬
gratulated themselves that it had fallen to
their lot to relieve the strangers, and speedily
led them to their dwellings. On the way, the
seamen were rejoiced with the sight of a
river, into which they threw themselves,
plunging in the water, and drinking copious