I told him that I had concluded to run the risk; so he counted out, I believe, two hundred and twentyeight dollars, and then assisted me in stowing it away about my person. First, I took the kerchief from my neck, tied up fifty dollars in it, and put it on again. I then put a hundred in the flap of my shirt, and secured it close to my body; then put twelve in eaeli shoe, and twenty-five in my trowsers, tied up in a piece of cloth given ine by the merchant, and twenty-six I carried in my jacket pockets. This was the manner in which I disposed of my money as near as I can remember; and before I left the house, the merchant opened his door, and gave a look round, in order to see if the coast was clear; " for," said he, " every one that comes here, is watched by the police, as they know that they come here for money." Returning, he said to me, " There are two fellows yonder, that may stop you; but if you keep right along, and don't look at them, it may be that they will not notice you." I had not proceeded more than fifty yards from the door, when they both came up to me, and demanded in Spanish if I had money; they took hold of the bosom of my shirt, and tore it open, when, their eyes resting on a crucifix which I had there, closed my shirt bosom again, saying: " hieno cliristiano, vamos" go, Christian.
I had nothing more to fear, until I reached the first gate, guarded by a soldier, with a drawn sword, whose duty was to prevent money from passing through the gate. When the two fellows clenched me, I thought I was gone; but now I began to think I was brought up all standing, sure enough. But "go ahead ' was my motto, so when within fifty yards of the soldier, I feio-ned drunk, reeling; and stagwring; along;, and when close to the gate, the fellow stepped back and let me pass. When well clear of him, I assumed my equilibrium again, and kept along rather cautiously, until within about fifty yards of the next gate. As I had got so cleverly through the first, I adopted the same plan, and those around the gate began to laugh at the drunken sailor, and let me through without any trouble.
The coast was now clear, until I reached the landing-place, which was about one hundred rods from the last gate. ^ I have often read of devotees doing penance by walking with dried peas in their shoes. I think if they should try to walk with twelve dollars in each shoe, over a rough pavement, they would very soon decide that the latter was the greatest punishment; for the effort to keep the shoe upon the foot, and then so to tread as to prevent the dollars from jingling, was certainly very painful. But as I had begun the hazardous undertaking, 1 was bound to go through with it. When I reached the landing-place, to my great relief our second cutter lay there filling the water breakers.
Here was a soldier whose sole duty was to prevent the exportation of specie; he had authority to search persons or baggage, if he suspected any attempt to violate the law. Now here I was, wrapped up in money, and standing on dollars; and my sole object was to get safely into that boat, and then 1 should be all right. But how shall 1 get into her? that 's the question. She lies ten feet below the top of the wharf, and 1 must get into her here, because if she hauls up to the steps, 1 shall surely be searched, and if I attempt to climb down by the stones, my shoes will come off, and I shall lose my money.
I saw that the soldier had his eye on me, so I showed no desire to get into the boat. At present, Mr. Eagle, the midshipman who understood the matter, held on a few minutes, but very soon some gentlemen came to the landing, who for a few moments, drew the attention of the soldier; in an instant, I whipped the dollars out of my shoes, into my bosom, and was into the boat in less than half a minute, and Mr. Eagle shoved immediately off, and 1 got safely on board with my money. I had not yet been up to Lima, which lies about six miles from Callao. In company with four midshipmen, we left the ship for a visit to that renowned city, obtained horses at Callao, and got off at about 10 o'clock, A.
M. The road is beautifully shaded with tall and stately trees; the entrance to the city is truly magnificent. At the time that we were there (1821) there was but one respectable hotel in the city, which was called Casa Blanca, or white house. It was a large establishment, and much frequented by the fashionable portion of the inhabitants, who came there for its excellent coffee. It was also a great resort for the priests, who often remained until one or two o'clock, in the morning, playing billiards, and drinking wine. On our arrival I went to the landlord and requested him to give us a room, but this he could not do as he kept no spare lodging rooms in the house; but said he would provide a sleeping place for us, T where we could all be together.