length it was altogether lost to sight. Here we were in this small boat
tossing on the waves out of sight of land, and not knowing where we were
going. Perhaps Ali knew better than I did. He, at all events, did not
seem to be alarmed, and when unemployed, he continued humming melancholy
Malay airs, which certainly did not tend to raise my spirits. There is
a great difference in reading of an adventure and going through it. I
confess I should have felt less anxiety had Oliver been with me; but as
I could not exchange ideas with my companion, and we could only very
imperfectly understand each other, it was very trying. During the day I
had managed to steer pretty well, so that with occasional bailing we
kept the boat free of water; but at night it was far more difficult.
Still, we had for present safety to run on before the gale. Often I
fancied that I heard voices calling to me across the water. More than
once it appeared to me that tall ships were passing us; but as we could
not alter our course, there was no hope of nearing them; indeed, I
believe that they were phantoms of my imagination. The Malay did not
offer to steer. He seemed contented with the way I was doing so. In
spite of the dangerous position in which we were placed, I was every
moment becoming more and more sleepy, and felt that I would have given
anything to be able to go to sleep for a few minutes. At length I made
Ali understand that he must take the helm. He came carefully aft, and I
changed places with him. I had every reason to suppose that he knew
well how to steer, from the way I had seen him manage the boat, and I
therefore confided the helm to him without fear. Scarcely had I lain
with my back against the mast than I was fast asleep. It appeared to me
that the boat was flying on as before, though sometimes tossed even more
violently than at first.

When I at length awoke the grey dawn was breaking, clouds were overhead,
and the dark seas rolled up on either side, foaming and hissing as if to
overwhelm our small boat. It appeared wonderful that she should be able
to ride over such tempestuous seas. Still, on she went, Ali steering as
carefully as I had done. I felt very thirsty, and took a draught of
water from one of the bamboos. Ali signed to me to give him another,
which he drank off; and I then handed him a little sago-bread and some
dried fish. He, however, preferred the fresh fish, which he ate raw.
I, as yet, had no i