Spangenberg and his companion
had brought provisions to supplement the ship's fare, but long before
the voyage was ended their store of butter and sugar was exhausted.
Dried ham and tongue had a tendency to increase their thirst,
but by soaking tea in cold water they made a beverage
which bore at least a fancied resemblance to that brewed on shore.
Then the supply of water ran low, each man's allowance was reduced
to a pint a day, and even this small amount would have failed had they not
been able occasionally to catch rainwater to replenish their casks.
The Captain at last opened a keg of beer found in his cargo,
and sold his passengers enough to relieve their thirst,
for which they were very grateful.
But unkind words, delay, uncooked food, thirst, were not all
that Spangenberg and his companion had to bear, for actual danger was added
to their experience from time to time. High waves broke over the ship,
winds tore away the sails, and a water-spout threatened total destruction.
So late was the ship in reaching port that she was given up for lost,
and word was sent to Pennsylvania which caused much grief, -- needless grief,
for Spangenberg's days of service were not to be ended thus.
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