It was about sunset, the weather was sultry, and towards the south
masses of clouds were forming, which betokened a storm. The sea, too,
began to be disturbed. Two fishing boats, that had ventured too far
into the open sea, came alongside and asked to be allowed to lodge on
board for the night. The lieutenant granted their request, after
conferring with the captain, and told them to make fast their boats to
the stern of the vessel. They did so, and came on board, bringing with
them a large basket of the fish that they had caught.
After they had presented the captain and lieutenant with the two
finest fish in their basket, they exchanged the rest for rum and
brandy.
They took two of the dozen great bottles they received to treat the
crew with. The captain, who had no appetite, gave up his fish to the
crew, and the lieutenant invited his comrades and me to share his with
him.
When the steward came to receive the fish, I said to him, with
peculiar emphasis: "Well, steward! now or never! display your art!"
He understood me perfectly.
"Yes, indeed, Senor," he replied, significantly, "I will make an
English sauce for the gentlemen, such as they cannot find in all
Havana."
He went out, and I went to inquire after the captain.
"I feel much better," he replied to my inquiries; "only give me
something strengthening."
I retired to the cabin, wrote down what I wanted upon a card, and
sent it to the steward. I soon received two dozen oranges and sweet
lemons, a great bottle of Canary, half a loaf of bread, a pound of
sugar, three spoons full of East India cinnamon, and a bottle of old
Malaga wine. From these I prepared most artistically, a strong,
delicious drink. I mixed with it, finally, one hundred and fifty drops
of opium that I took from the medicine chest. The dose was rather
large, but I had to do, not with men, but with beasts. After I had
poured it all into a large bowl, I carried it to the captain, who
immediately took ten or twelve spoons full of it, and was quite
delighted; I told him that he might drink as much of it as he
pleased.
"Well," he said, kindly, "since you are so skilful, go and get two
dozen bottles of Bordeaux; you can share them with the officers."