Sail was then made for
Port of Spain, the principal town of the island. In going through the
Dragon's Mouth, a narrow, dangerous passage between the mainland of
South America and Trinidad, the Cayosa was nearly wrecked. A sudden
change in the wind when they were rounding the point drove her into the
breakers. Her mast was badly sprung and only with the utmost difficulty
was she saved. Under shortened sail she entered Port of Spain, a
curiously picturesque old town. Here the collection was discharged as
before and the Cayosa beached for an overhauling. Among those
employed to assist in the repairs were three English sailors who were
held prisoners on the charge of mutiny. The prison regulations in
Trinidad were very lax, so much so that the three mutineers were
permitted to come down daily and take a hand in the sloop's
overhauling. They were from Liverpool and hard characters. The captain
of their vessel delivered them over at Trinidad preferring to go
shorthanded rather than have them aboard. On the shady side of the
sloop, that was then high up on the beach, they entertained Scott and
Paul with their varied adventures. One day Paul expressed astonishment
that being prisoners, they were allowed such unusual liberties.
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