The very same scene was
gone through as on the first occasion, and dark came on whilst the
wind shifted, and we were still aground. Dinner was served up, but
poor Mr. Liddell could eat very little; and bump, bump, grind,
grind, went the ship fifteen or sixteen times as we sat at dinner.
The slight sea, however, did enable us to bump off. This morning
we appear not to have suffered in any way; but a sea is rolling in,
which a few hours ago would have settled the poor old ELBA.
'June -.
'The Alexandria cable has again failed; after paying out two-thirds
of the distance successfully, an unlucky touch in deep water
snapped the line. Luckily the accident occurred in Mr. Liddell's
watch. Though personally it may not really concern me, the
accident weighs like a personal misfortune. Still I am glad I was
present: a failure is probably more instructive than a success;
and this experience may enable us to avoid misfortune in still
greater undertakings.
'June -.
'We left Syra the morning after our arrival on Saturday the 4th.
This we did (first) because we were in a hurry to do something and
(second) because, coming from Alexandria, we had four days'
quarantine to perform.
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