f us, being much less reduced in
frame, and retaining my powers of mind in a surprising degree, while the
rest were completely prostrated in intellect, and seemed to be
brought to a species of second childhood, generally simpering in
their expressions, with idiotic smiles, and uttering the most absurd
platitudes. At intervals, however, they would appear to revive suddenly,
as if inspired all at once with a consciousness of their condition, when
they would spring upon their feet in a momentary flash of vigour, and
speak, for a short period, of their prospects, in a manner altogether
rational, although full of the most intense despair. It is possible,
however, that my companions may have entertained the same opinion of
their own condition as I did of mine, and that I may have
unwittingly been guilty of the same extravagances and imbecilities as
themselves--this is a matter which cannot be determined.

About noon Parker declared that he saw land off the larboard quarter,
and it was with the utmost difficulty I could restrain him from plunging
into the sea with the view of swimming toward it. Peters and Augustus
took little notice of what he said, being apparently wrapped up in moody
contemplation. Upon looking in the direction pointed out, I could not
perceive the faintest appearance of the shore--indeed, I was too well
aware that we were far from any land to indulge in a hope of that
nature. It was a long time, nevertheless, before I could convince Parker
of his mistake. He then burst into a flood of tears, weeping like a
child, with loud cries and sobs, for two or three hours, when becoming
exhausted, he fell asleep.

Peters and Augustus now made several ineffectual efforts to swallow
portions of the leather. I advised them to chew it and spit it out; but
they were too excessively debilitated to be able to follow my advice. I
continued to chew pieces of it at intervals, and found some relief from
so doing; my chief distress was for water, and I was only prevented from
taking a draught from the sea by remembering the horrible consequences
which thus have resulted to others who were similarly situated with
ourselves.

The day wore on in this manner, when I suddenly discovered a sail to the
eastward, and on our larboard bow. She appeared to be a large ship, and
was coming nearly athwart us, being probably twelve or fifteen miles
distant. None of my companions had as yet discovered her, and I forbore
to tell them of her f