Next morning some of the officers started in a whale-boat that had been sent by the Governor. There being an awkward sea running, they capsized off the end of the rickety pier. Owing to precautions taken and the activity of convicts, no lives lost. Unaware of this accident, I followed with young Leicester in the gig, and, waiting for an auspicious moment, we landed safely. From outside, Norfolk Island has the appearance of a lonely rock, but is very different on shore. Mr. Price, the Governor, kindly took us a charming ride to Mount Pitt, and showed us the military barracks, which are capable of holding a regiment. The convict houses are three storeys high, fitted for all sorts and conditions of men; some it was necessary to confine in huge iron cages. Their language, addressed to us strangers, was uncommon strong! There were 115 of these ruffians separately confined. I saw three chapels, Protestant and Catholic. Every trade was encouraged: shoes, boots, coats, and trousers that would have caused envy in the bosoms of Hoby and Stultz. I was glad when the Governor took us to higher land and change of scene. We were soon passing through orange and lemon groves and wooded scenery. The fir peculiar to the island was conspicuous. The india-rubber tree was in full force. Some of the officers from the ship had joined us. The youngsters soon found out that, by striking the drooping plant with a stick, the juice ran out like cream, which no marine servant could extract from a uniform cloth jacket. To spoil this fun the Governor thought it advisable, unless we liked to remain the night, that we should be getting down to the boats. The same whaler took them off. I preferred the gig in which we had landed. Every precaution was taken by the Governor and his officers in case of a capsize. In addition to convicts in cork-jackets, there were others with large round corks netted over with long cords attached, that could be thrown a great distance. In the gig, in addition to young Leicester Keppel, I had some fir-plants of the island, and other odds and ends. Our boat bow was scarcely abreast of the pier head, when a roller lifted the bow into the air and turned over on us. The only precaution I had taken was to get rid of my uniform jacket. I believe a capsize is always great fun for the convicts. On my asking to whom I was indebted for my life, a convict informed me that his name was Emerson, and that he had been in the service of my father. [Illustration: _Rescue by Convicts. Norfolk Island._] I found later that Emerson had been employed at Newmarket, and having “done his horses down,” was taking a stroll in the evening when he came across an old gentleman who did not seem to know his way, and “borrowed his watch.” I had three sovereigns in my pocket, and offered them to him, but he said they were no more use to him than the same number of buttons! I mentioned his case to the Governor, who would see to it.