y shaved, physicked, and soused into the
cow-pen, he was allowed to return to his cabin, like a drowned rat.

The first lieutenant of marines was a great bore; he was always annoying
us with his German flute. Having no ear of his own, he had no mercy on
ours, so we handed him to the bath; and in addition to all the other
luxuries of the day, made him drink half a pint of salt water, which we
poured into his mouth through his own flute, as a funnel. I now
recollect that it was the cries of the poor marine which brought down
the first lieutenant, who ordered us to desist, and we served him as
hath been related.

Thus far all was hilarity and mirth; but the scene was very suddenly
changed. One of the foretopmen, drawing water in the chains, fell
overboard; the alarm was instantly given, and the ship hove-to. I ran
upon the poop, and, seeing that the man could not swim, jumped overboard
to save him. The height from which I descended made me go very deep in
the water, and when I arose I could perceive one of the man's hands. I
swam towards him; but, O God! what was my horror, when I found myself in
the midst of his blood. I comprehended in a moment that a shark had
taken him, and expected that every instant my own fate would be like
his. I wonder I had not sunk with fear: I was nearly paralysed. The
ship, which had been going six or seven miles an hour, was at some
distance, and I gave myself up for gone. I had scarcely the power of
reflection, and was overwhelmed by the sudden, awful, and, as I thought,
certain approach of death in its most horrible shape. In a moment I
recollected myself: and I believe the actions of five years crowded into
my mind in as many minutes. I prayed most fervently, and vowed
amendment, if it should please God to spare me. My prayer was heard,
and I believe it was a special Providence that rescued me from the jaws
of the fish. I was nearly a mile from the ship before I was picked up;
and when the boat came alongside with me, three large sharks were under
the stern. These had devoured the poor sailor, and, fortunately for me,
had followed the ship for more prey, and thus left me to myself.

As I went up the side, I was received by the captain and officers in the
most flattering manner; the captain thanked me in the presence of the
ship's company for my praiseworthy exertions, and I was gazed on by all
as an object of interest and admiration; but if others thought so of me,
I thoug