He accounted for it
by the fact that having been so frequently drawn under by the
overfalls, the water had entered at the sides of the face. As soon as
he had been provided with a change of clothing, he began to display
evidences of the most complete prostration, coupled with acute pain in
the wrists and hands which were covered with large blisters, while he
was almost blinded by the action of the salt water on his eyes. A fire
was lighted in the cooking stove on board, but it was long ere Paul
could obtain sufficient warmth to stay the violence of his shiverings.
In due time they were all gladdened by the arrival of the pratique boat
alongside, with Colonel Mathew's son, who took the party to the landing
stage, where Boyton was highly honored by the presence of several
officials who were waiting to offer him a welcome and their
congratulations, for which purpose they had exposed themselves to the
discomforts of a cold and cheerless morning. The time was half past
two. Accommodations were provided for the party at the house of Colonel
Mathews. In company with the Consul General next day, Paul visited
the old Sheriff of Tangier, to whom he was introduced as the water god
of America. The superstitious old Moor looked at Boyton with great
respect and remarked, Colonel Mathews interpreting:
"I am well pleased that the water god has made his appearance on these
shores as there has been a terrible drought here for sometime, and we
are sadly in need of a rainfall to moisten the parched lips of our soil
and I hope the great water god of your country will deign to favor us.
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