268
TOORUMCHIBUKOO.
night. It was a pretty spot, like a lake enclosed by a few small islands closely grouped together. The night, which was finer than we had enjoyed of late, admitted of our spending a. few agreeable hOllrs on deck before retiring. Unfortunately the fair weather was of very short duration, for the next morning we again opened our eyes to a watery sky. It was with regret we left our snug retreat, for the atmosphere grew thicker and heavier, and the drenching rain and violent win s which succeeded obliged us to tack about a.nd alter ollr course so frequently that at last our captain, after a day of great anxiety, determined to seek some place of refuge. Accordingly we made for the harbour of Toorumchibukoo, where although we couIIl plainly see from the distance what a fearful tempest raged ontsi(le, we passed a moderately calm night. Two officials came on board from the village or town, put the usual questions, and appeared satisfiefl with the replies they elicited. We were informed by them that, owing to the stormy state of the weather, no fishing junk had put to sea for three days-a fact which