pearing above them on the summit of the waves, then
descending far out of my sight, for I dared not venture near enough to
the edge to look over. "Then the vessel is dashed to pieces, as my
companion said," thought I. "I wonder how she was made." I remained
about an hour on the rocks, and then turned back to the cabin. I found
my companion awake, and groaning heavily.

"There is no ship," said I, "nothing but pieces of wood floating about."

"I know that," replied he; "but what do I care now?"

"I thought by your making a smoke, that you did care."

"Yes, I did then, but now I am blind, I shall never see a ship or
anything else again. God help me! I shall die and rot on this cursed
island."

"Blind, what is blind?" inquired I.

"The lightning has burned out my eyes, and I can see nothing--I cannot
help myself--I cannot walk about--cannot do anything, and I suppose you
will leave me here to die like a dog."

"Can't you see me?"

"No, all is dark, dark as night, and will be as long as I live." And he
turned on his bed-place and groaned. "I had hope, I lived in hope--it
has kept me alive for many weary years, but now hope is gone, and I care
not if I die to-morrow." And then he started up and turned his face
towards me, and I saw that there was no light in his eyes.

"Bring me some more water, do you hear?" said he angrily. "Be quick, or
I'll make you."

But I now fully comprehended his condition and how powerless he was. My
feelings, as I have before said, were anything but cordial towards him,
and this renewed violence and threatening manner had its effect. I was
now, I suppose, about twelve or thirteen years old--strong and active.
I had more than once felt inclined to rebel, and measure my strength
against his. Irritated, therefore, at his angry language, I replied--

"Go for the water yourself."

"Ah!" sighed he, after a pause of some seconds, "that I might have
expected. But let me once get you into my hands, I'll make you remember
it."

"I care not if I were in your hands," replied I; "I am as strong as
you." For I had thought so many a day, and meant to prove it.

"Indeed! Well, come here, and let us try."

"No, no," replied I, "I'm not such a fool as you say I am--not that I'm
afraid of you; for I shall have an axe in my hand always ready, and you
will not find another."

"I wish that I had tossed you over the cliffs when you were a child,"
said he, bitterly, "instead of nursing