We approached, and, judging from the writing found upon the walls, it had been the resort of sailors thrown upon that inhospitable coast. In it{26} was a sort of stone fire-place, on which the sailors placed some dried heather found in the hut, which, when ignited, threw out a ruddy blaze that sent its cheering beams directly to the heart. On our way to the hut, we noticed several perforations in the earth. One of the sailors, desirous of investigating the origin of these holes, thrust his hand into one of them, but instantly withdrew it with a smothered oath, and an expression evincing acute pain. Immediately, out rushed a penguin, displaying unmistakable symptoms of a fight. Every hole contained a penguin, secreted there for the purpose of incubation. The sailors, of course, exasperated that a brother shipmate should receive such treatment as a reward for his prying curiosity, routed the whole posse of penguins, and a regular hand-to-hand battle ensued; for to the penguins can never be imputed one particle of cowardice, when the call for action is the defence of her eggs or young. Victory was, of course, conceded to the strongest party. But not always does “might make right.” Nothing could be seen in any direction inland but barren hills; yet, cheerless as was the prospect on shore, no entreaty, or even command, of my husband, could induce me to return to that burning ship. Here was a sad dilemma for my husband to{27} be placed in. A sense of duty called him on board; yet he could not leave me on shore all night without a protector. Finally, at the intercession of the mate, who volunteered to take good care of the ship, he reluctantly consented to remain with me, although he spent the greater part of the night watching the ship. Next morning, as we were about to repair to the boat,—for, upon reflection, I concluded that to be the only way by which the settlement could be reached,—a horseman appeared in the distance, riding at a furious pace directly for us. As he approached, and reined in his jet-black steed in front of our party, I certainly never beheld such a perfect specimen of equestrian grace and manly beauty.