od God!"
said I, "and they have left me here alone!" The word sounded like a
knell to me. It now occurred to me, it was necessary the bodies should
be thrown overboard. I took up one of them, dragged it to the side,
and plunged it into the waves; but the dash of the heavy body into the
sea, reminded me more forcibly of my loneliness. The sea was so calm,
I could scarcely hear it ripple by the vessel's side. One by one I
committed the bodies to their watery grave. At last my horrible task
was finished. My next work was to look for the ship's boats, but they
were gone, as I expected. I could not bear to remain in the ship; it
seemed a vast tomb for me. I resolved to make some sort of raft, and
depart in it. This occupied two or three days; at length it was
completed, and I succeeded in setting it afloat.

I lowered into it all the provision I could find in the ship, which
was but little, the sailors having, as I imagined, carried off the
remainder. All was ready, and I prepared to depart. I trembled at the
thought of the dangers I was about to encounter. I was going to commit
myself to the ocean, separated from it only by a few boards, which a
wave might scatter over the surface of the waters. I might never
arrive at land, or meet with any vessel to rescue me from my danger,
and I should be exposed, without shelter, and almost without food. I
half resolved to remain in my present situation; but a moment's
reflection dispelled the idea of such a measure. I descended; I stood
on my frail raft; I cut the rope by which it was fastened to the ship.
I was confused to think of my situation; I could hardly believe that I
had dared to enter alone on the waste of waters. I endeavoured to
compose myself, but in vain. As far as I could see, nothing presented
itself to my view but the vessel I had left; the sea was perfectly
still, for not the least wind was stirring. I endeavoured, with two
pieces of board, which supplied the place of oars, to row myself
along; but the very little progress I made alarmed me. If the calm
should continue, I should perish of hunger. How I longed to see the
little sail I had made, agitated by the breeze! I watched it from
morning to night; it was my only employment; but in vain. The weather
continued the same. Two days passed over; I looked at my store of
provisions; it would not, I found, last above three or four days
longer, at the farthest. They were quickly passing away. I almost gave
myself up for