Page 356 sur 483

I was soon introduced into the presence of the magistrate, an old

benevolent man with calm and mild manners. He looked upon me,

however, with some degree of severity, and then, turning towards

my conductors, he asked who appeared as witnesses on this

occasion.

About half a dozen men came forward; and, one being selected by

the magistrate, he deposed that he had been out fishing the night

before with his son and brother-in-law, Daniel Nugent, when,

about ten o'clock, they observed a strong northerly blast rising,

and they accordingly put in for port. It was a very dark night,

as the moon had not yet risen; they did not land at the harbour,

but, as they had been accustomed, at a creek about two miles

below. He walked on first, carrying a part of the fishing tackle,

and his companions followed him at some distance. As he was

proceeding along the sands, he struck his foot against something

and fell at his length on the ground. His companions came up to

assist him, and by the light of their lantern they found that he

had fallen on the body of a man, who was to all appearance dead.