rge of this case--it contains an important
document, and jewels and money of considerable value. Here, too, is a
purse of gold, to that you are welcome,' and he handed me a purse from
his pocket. `The case I as a dying man commit to your charge, and
solemnly entreat you to take care of it for the benefit of my widow and
orphan child, for the belief is still strong within me that they
survive. You will find within this metal case full directions as to the
person to whom it is to be delivered.' He said this with the greatest
difficulty, and it seemed as if he had exhausted all his strength in the
effort. I promised to fulfil his wishes, and fully intended doing so.
He took my hand, and fixed his eyes on me, as if he was endeavouring to
read my thoughts. I tried to make him take some more food, but he had
no strength to swallow it. Before the evening closed in he too was
gone.

"I had not the heart at once to throw him overboard. As I stood looking
at him, prompted I believe by the spirit of evil, an idea came into my
head. Should I reach shore the purse of gold would enable me to enjoy
myself for some time, and perhaps I might obtain permanent employment in
a respectable position, instead of knocking about at sea. I took off
the dead man's clothes, and dressed myself in them, though I was so weak
that the task was a difficult one. I then lifted the body overboard.
Having secured the box round my waist, I placed the metal case and purse
in my pocket.

"I was alone, and though suffering greatly from thirst, I still felt
that there was some life in me. I gazed around, but no sail was in
sight. A light breeze only was blowing, and the sea had become
tolerably calm, so eating a little more of the grease and meat, I lay
down in the stern-sheets to sleep. I was awoke by feeling the water
splashing over me. It was raining hard. There were two hats and a
bucket in the boat. I quickly collected enough water to quench my
thirst, and at once felt greatly revived. The rain continued long
enough to enable me to fill the bucket. Had it not been for that shower
I must have died.

"Two days longer I continued in the boat, when, just as the sun rose, my
eyes fell on a sail in the horizon. How eagerly I watched her; she was
standing towards me. Securing a shirt to the end of an oar, I waved it
as high as I could reach. I was seen--the ship drew nearer. Being too
weak to pull alongside I made no attempt to do so, an