as I had obtained from the cask lashed on the deck a drink of
water, to wash down the cold fried ham which I had eaten, I set work to
throw overboard the planks on deck.

When I had thrown over a portion from one side I went to the other, and
threw over as many more, that I might, as much as possible, keep the
vessel on an even keel.

This job occupied me the whole of the day; and when I had completed my
task I examined the height of the water at the cabin ladder, and found
that the vessel had risen more than six inches. This was a source of
great comfort to me, and what pleased me more was, that the wind had
gone down again, and the water was much smoother.

I made a supper off some raw ham, for the fire had been extinguished,
and committing myself to the protection of Heaven, lay down as the sun
set, and from the fatigue of the day was soon in a sound sleep.

I awoke about the middle of the night. The stars shone brightly, and
there was but a slight ripple on the water.

I thought of my mother, of my aunt Milly, of Captain Delmar, and I felt
for the seal-skin pouch which was fastened round my neck. It was all
safe.

I calculated chances, and I made up my mind that I should be picked up
by some vessel or another before long.

I said to myself--"Why, I am better off now than I was when in the
wherry, with Peggy Pearson; I was saved then, why should I not be now?"

I felt no desponding, and lay down, and was soon fast asleep.

It was broad daylight when I awoke; I took my spy-glass, and looking
round the horizon, discovered a vessel several miles off, standing
towards me. This gave me fresh spirits.

I made a raw breakfast, and drank plenty of water as before. The wind,
which was very light, increased a little. The vessel came nearer, and I
made her out to be a schooner. In two hours she was close to me, and I
waved my hat, and hallooed as loud as I could.

The schooner was full of men, and steered close to me--she was a
beautiful craft, and, although the wind was so light, glided very fast
through the water, and I could not help thinking that she was the pirate
vessel which the frigate had been in chase of.

It appeared as if they intended to pass me, and I hallooed, "Schooner,
ahoy! Why don't you send a boat on board?"

I must say, that when the idea struck me that she was a pirate vessel,
my heart almost failed me.

Shortly afterwards the schooner rounded to and lowered a boat, which
pulled to