from my danger, and I should be exposed, without shelter, and almost without food.  I half resolved to remain in my present situation; but a moment’s reflection dispelled the idea of such a measure.  I descended; I stood on my frail raft; I cut the rope by which it was fastened to the ship.  I was confused to think of my situation; I could hardly believe that I had dared to enter alone on the waste of waters.  I endeavoured to compose myself, but in vain.  As far as I could see, nothing presented itself to my view but the vessel I had left; the sea was perfectly still, for not the least wind was stirring.  I endeavoured, with two pieces of board, which supplied the place of oars, to row myself along; but the very little progress I made alarmed me.  If the calm should continue, I should perish of hunger.  How I longed to see the little sail I had made, agitated by the breeze!  I watched it from morning to night; it was my only employment; but in vain.  The weather continued the same.  Two days passed over; I looked at my store of provisions; it would not, I found, last above three or four days longer, at the farthest.  They were quickly passing away.  I almost gave myself up for lost.  I had scarcely a hope of escaping.

On the fourth day since my departure from the ship, I thought I perceived something at a distance; I looked at it intently—­it was a sail.  Good heavens! what were my emotions at the sight!  I fastened my handkerchief on a piece of wood, and waved it, in hopes that it would be observed, and that I should be rescued from my fearful condition.  The vessel pressed on its course; I shouted;—­I knew they could not hear me, but despair impelled me to try so useless an expedient.  It passed on—­it grew dim—­I stretched my eyeballs to see it—­it vanished—­it was gone!  I will not attempt to describe the torturing feelings which possessed me, at seeing the chance of relief which had offered itself destroyed.  I was stupified with grief and disappointment.  My stock of provisions was now entirely exhausted, and I looked forward with horror to an excruciating death.

A little water which had remained, quenched my burning thirst.  I wished that the waves would rush over me.  My hunger soon became dreadful, but I had no means of relieving it.  I endeavoured to sleep, that I might for awhile, forget my torments; and my wearied frame yielded for awhile to slumber.  When I awoke I was not, however, refreshed; I was weak, and felt a burning pain at my stomach.  I became hourly more feeble; I lay down, but was unable to rise again.  My limbs lost their strength; my lips and tongue were parched; a convulsive shuddering agitated me; my eyes seemed darkened, and I gasped for breath.