[112] The term mate, as used at present, implies some one under the master. The real meaning implies persons co-equal. Thus we still speak of ship-mates, etc., without inference to rank.
[113] The coast lies nearer south and by west, than west and by south, so they would certainly have run on shore without any blame attaching to the helmsman.
[114] The quarter deck may be defined as the space betwixt the mainmast and the after-hatchway; it seems also to have been called the half deck. Both terms arising from the fact that before the mainmast, the skids or beams were not planked. We still speak of being on the quarter deck, but under the half deck. The quarter deck is set apart for purposes of parade, and there the officer of the watch should always be sought.
[115] Adjutare—(Latin) to assist.
[116] On a still night, unless the attention of the helmsman be continually excited, it is quite possible that he get into a dreamy state and, if at the same time, the officer of the watch is thinking of “those far away,” the ship may be run for a time some points off her course. In the preceding section, Sir Richard well describes the difficulty of distinguishing betwixt a sandy shore and the water, on a calm bright night.
[117] Cape Saint Thomé?
[118] Now called Saint Anna.
[119] Well soaked in water to remove the salt.
[120] Portulaca sativa—a fleshy-leaved plant, much esteemed in hot countries for its cooling properties.
[121] Great caution should be used in tasting unknown fruits; perhaps this tree was the croton tiglium, every part of which possesses powerful drastic properties.