arked the movements of the shark with
trembling anxiety. He seemed to be so sure of his prey, that he was in
no haste to seize it, but swam leisurely about, crossing and
recrossing betwixt the doomed victim and the shore, as if gloating
himself, and sharpening his appetite by gazing on the anticipated
feast. The officer, too, seemed to be luxuriating in the refreshing
coolness of the water, calmly approaching the canoe, happily
unconscious of his danger; but the shark followed him closely: his
life depended upon a swimmer's stroke, or the whim of a moment. The
anxiety of the spectators became agony; but that moment was
decisive--the swimmer struck out once more--the canoe was gained, and
he was saved.

Then, and then only, did he become aware of the horrible fate that had
threatened him, and of the merciful interposition of Providence in his
behalf.

In the course of this day fourteen proahs and smaller boats were
observed standing towards the island, from the Banca side, and every
heart bounded with joy in the full anticipation that it was a party
sent by Lord Amherst from Batavia, to their relief. Their joy,
however, did not last long, for they soon found that the boats had
come only to gather a kind of sea-weed much esteemed by Chinese
epicures, who use it, as they do birds' nests, in their soup.

Consultations were held that night as to the policy of negotiating
with these people, so as to induce them, by promises of reward, to
convey part of the crew of the Alceste to Java--the four remaining
boats would then be sufficient for the transport of the rest.

But the morning dawn put all such plans to flight, and revealed the
true character of the Malays. No sooner did they perceive the wreck,
than they started off to her and plundered the hull of everything they
could carry away. No assistance was to be expected from these
rapacious thieves; and as the time had elapsed which was required to
bring succour from Batavia, measures were taken to repair the launch
and to construct a raft to enable the people to leave the island
before their provisions should be completely exhausted.

Matters now began to assume a more formidable aspect, for on
Saturday, the 1st of March, the Malay force was increased by the
arrival of several proahs, who joined in breaking up the remains of
the wreck.

At daybreak on Sunday, the 2nd, the camp was alarmed, and all were
called to arms by the yells of the savages, who, firing their
par