mething of my outline, though he would fix
his eyes either to left or right of me, as though he was not able to see
if he looked straight; and this and his mournful cackle and his nodding
head, bowed form, propped hands, and diminished face made him as
distressful and melancholy a picture of Time as ever mortal man viewed.
He broke off in his rambling to ask for more brandy, taking it for
granted that I was still in the cook-room, for I never spoke, and I
filled a can for him and as before held it to his mouth, which he opened
wide, a piece of behaviour which went to show that some of his wits
still hung loose upon him. This was a strong dose, and co-operating with
the other, soon seized hold on his head, and presently he began to laugh
to himself and talk, and even broke into a stave or two--some French
song which he delivered in a voice like the squeaking of a rat
alternating with the growling of a terrier.

I guess his stumbling upon this old French catch (which I took it to be
from seeing him feebly flourish one of his slicks as if inviting a
chorus) put him upon speaking his own tongue altogether, for though he
continued to chatter with all the volubility his breath would permit
during the whole time I sat eating, not one word of English did he
speak, and not one word therefore did I understand. Seeing how it must
be with him presently, I brought his mattress and rugs from his cabin,
and had scarce laid them down when he let fall one of his sticks and
drooped over. I grasped him, and partly lifting, partly hauling, got him
on his back and covered him up. In a few minutes he was asleep.

I trust I shall not be deemed inhuman if I confess that I heartily
wished his end would come. If he went on living he promised to be an
intolerable burden to me, being quite helpless. Besides, he was much too
old for this world, in which a man who reaches the age of ninety is
pointed to as a sort of wonder.

As there was nothing to be done on deck, I filled my pipe and made
myself comfortable before the furnace, and was speedily sunk in
meditation. I reviewed all the circumstances of my case and considered
my chances, and the nimble heels of imagination carrying me home with
this schooner, I asked myself, suppose I should have the good fortune to
convey the treasure in safety to England, how was I to secure it? Let me
imagine myself arrived in the Thames. The whole world stares at the
strange antique craft sailing up the river; sh