58

LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI.

once or twice, but I had no luck. I either came near chipping off the
edge of a sugar plantation, or I yawed too far from shore, and so
dropped back into disgrace again and got abused.

The watch was ended at last, and we took supper and went to bed.
At midnight the glare of a lantern shone in my eyes, and the night
watchman said—

'THIS IS NIKE-MILE POINT.'
* Come ! turn out!'
And then he left. I could*'not
understand this extraordinary procedure; so I presently gave tip
trying to, and dozed off to sleep. Pretty soon the watchman was
back again, and this time he was gruff. I was annoyed. I said :—
* What do you want to come bothering around here in the middle
of the night for \ Now as like as not I'll not get to sleep again to-
night.'
The watchman said—