onfess that I had but little real regard for him, I
certainly wish that he was still alive; but as he has gone, I must
endeavour to pay him the respect I would to any fellow-creature, and
give him decent burial." Saying this, he got up and looked about to
settle by what means he could accomplish his object. The shore was
strewn with timber and pieces of plank of all shapes. Hunting about he
soon found a piece which would answer his purpose, though had he
possessed an axe he might have chopped it into a more suitable shape; as
it was, however, it would have to serve his purpose. His next care was
to select some fitting spot for the grave. He pitched on one under the
cliff, where the sand appeared sufficiently soft, while the shape of the
rocks around would make it easily recognised.

He began to dig away, but the sand fell in almost as quickly as he
shovelled it out of the pit, and he had greatly to increase its size
before he could reach any depth. He felt sick at heart as he performed
his unaccustomed task.

Neptune stood by watching him, apparently understanding his object,
although he could render no assistance. At last the grave was dug. His
courage almost gave way as he prepared to place the body of his late
companion--one whom he had known for so many years--in his last
resting-place. While chafing Voules's chest he had observed a locket
hanging to a riband. He undid it, that he might deliver it to his
friends. On opening it he saw that it contained the miniature of a
young and pretty girl.

"Poor thing!" he said. "She thought him probably all that is brave and
good. Now she'll value him the more because he has gone! I wouldn't
undeceive her for worlds, though I have but little chance of ever being
able to deliver this to his friends." He took his watch, and a few
other articles. There was a pocket-book, but he had neither time nor
inclination to look into it. Indeed, in all probability, whatever
writing there was had been obliterated by salt water. Among other
things was a small pocket spyglass, which was likely to prove useful.
He found, on trying to lift the body, that his strength was insufficient
for the task, so that he had to drag it by the collar of the coat to the
edge of the grave, into which he managed to lower it.

"Rest there, my poor shipmate," he said. "I little thought when we were
last on shore, amusing ourselves to our hearts' content, that such would
so soon be your end.