Fears for the safety of Boyton, however, were quickly dispelled by
the disappearance of the creature, whatever it may have been, and all
preparations to give it a warm reception proved needless. Bonfires were
at that time seen at long distances from each other on the African
coast. It was subsequently ascertained that they had been built by
order of Colonel Mathews, the American Consul General at Tagier, as
beacons for Boyton's guidance. A current setting to the westward was
encountered, which drove them in a northwesterly direction and the wind
increased to a gale with a heavy sea. In answer to a hail from the
boat as to whether he had been attacked or needed anything, Boyton
replied: "No, thank you, all's right."
It began to rain and the boat labored, rolling heavily. At 8:30 o'clock
Malabata Point was distant about four miles. The crew was again losing
heart, as matters bore a very serious aspect. For the fourth time they
were obliged to go about and pull in various directions in quest of
Boyton, whom they missed for more than a quarter of an hour.
After nine o'clock the most exciting and anxious moments of the entire
trip were experienced by all concerned. With the wind blowing violently,
the current driving fast to the westward and a high sea increasing every
moment, Paul was lost sight of for nearly forty minutes, in an
unusually heavy overfall.
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