e
on the way. I tried back in a direct line, but could not find even a
mashed biscuit. I then recollected that the cask had probably been
jerked from side to side before it had found its last resting-place. It
was a wonder that any of its contents remained in it.

Without loss of time, I enlarged the field of my search, and picked up
several large pulpy masses which had once been biscuit. They were too
precious to be thrown away. I put them into the bottom of the cask. I
got back also several bits, which, though wet, had not lost their
consistency. I was grateful for them; for though they would not keep,
they would assist me to prolong existence for some few days. I ate some
of the pulp, and a couple of olives to enable me to digest it. The
other pieces of biscuit and the olives and pickles had been, I suppose,
washed away out of my reach, for I felt about in every direction, but
could lay my hands on nothing more. It may be supposed that the
exertions I had made were not very fatiguing, but it must be remembered
that the ship was tossing about all this time, and that I had to hold on
with one hand while I felt with the other, to prevent myself from being
jerked about and battered and bruised. As it was, I slipped and tumbled
several times, and hurt myself not a little. I therefore crawled back
to my couch, and rolled myself up in the sail, to go to sleep. I had
not for some time been annoyed by the rats, who I suspect sat quaking
and trembling in their nests as much alarmed as I was, and possibly more
so, and I was amused at thinking that they must have heartily regretted
having come to sea, and wished themselves safe back on shore in the
houses or barns from which they had emigrated. I hoped, however, that
when the storm was over they would come forth again, and give me the
opportunity of catching them. I expected that it would quickly cease,
but in this I was disappointed. There came a lull, and the ship did not
toss about as much as before. I was contemplating getting up and making
an excursion among the cargo, supposing that I might do so without much
risk, when I was again thrown off my couch by a sudden lurch; and from
the sounds I heard, and the violent pitching and rolling, I had good
reason to suppose that the hurricane was once more raging with redoubled
force. With the greatest difficulty I crawled back to my couch, and
drawing the canvas round me, tried to retain my position. Every minute