We passed two hours in constructing them.

For the cow and ass it was necessary to have an empty cask on each side, well bound in strong sailcloth, fastened by leather thongs over the back and under each animal.

For the rest, we merely tied a piece of cork under their bodies; the sow only being unruly, and giving us much trouble.

We then fastened a cord to the horns or neck of each animal, with a slip of wood at the end, for a convenient handle.

Luckily, the waves had broken away part of the ship, and left the opening wide enough for the passage of our troop.