d apparently no longer caring what might become of
them. The gentleman, though the most delicate-looking of us all, held
out the best. His eye was constantly ranging over the ocean in search
of the raft or boat which might contain those he loved best on earth. I
had great difficulty in persuading him to let me take the helm again
while he got a little sleep.

"As the day drew on the gale moderated, and the sea went down. So weak
were the three other Englishmen by this time, that I believe we should
not otherwise have been able to prevent the boat being swamped. The
Lascars were in a worse state. Two more died, and as their countrymen
would not heave them overboard, we were obliged to do so. Eagerly we
looked out for a sail, but none appeared. Before the next morning broke
all the Lascars were dead, and I saw that one of my messmates was likely
soon to follow them. Another, however, died before him, but ere the sun
rose high in the heavens, he was gone.

"Besides the gentleman, only I and one man remained, the latter indeed
was near his last gasp. I will not tell you what dreadful thoughts
passed through my mind. Just then, as I was stooping down, I put my
hand under the after seat. There, stowed away, was a large lump of
grease. I felt round farther, and drew forth two bones with a
considerable amount of meat on them. One of the dogs, I have no doubt,
had made it his hiding place. The selfish thought came across me, that
had the Lascars and the other two men been alive, this food would have
gone very little way, but now it might support the existence of my two
companions and me for another day or two. Eagerly I seized the putrid
meat in my mouth, offering a piece to my companions. My messmate
attempted to eat it, his jaws moved for a few seconds, then his head
fell back. He had died in the effort. The gentleman could with
difficulty swallow a few morsels. `Water! water!' he muttered, `without
water it is too late.' I tried some of the grease, and felt revived.

"Not without difficulty we hove the last who had succumbed into the sea,
and then the gentleman and I were alone. His spirits, which had
hitherto kept up, were now, I saw, sinking. He beckoned me to sit close
to him, and I saw that he was engaged in trying to loosen the strap
which held the case to his side. `You are strong, my friend,' he
whispered, `and may possibly survive till you are picked up, I feel that
I can trust you. Take cha