had not been
there before, and had evidently been thrown out of their places by a
violent jerk of the ship. At last I got to the bulkhead through which
with such infinite pains I had previously made my way. What was my
dismay to find it stopped! Human hands could certainly not have put the
obstacles there that I found. As I was feeling about I discovered a
huge case of some sort which had been thrown down from above, and
stopped up the way. It was not likely that my strength would be able to
remove it.

After feeling about to ascertain if there was any opening at the side or
top through which I might squeeze myself, and finding none, I returned
for my handspike, thinking that I would at all events try to force the
case on one side or the other. It was so large, however, that when
making the attempt I could not move it in the slightest degree, and
after trying in all ways, I had to abandon the enterprise.

I had been sensible of the greater closeness of the atmosphere, and I
had now no doubt that the case prevented the air which descended from
above from circulating through the hold as it before had done. The
temperature also, I had no doubt, was increasing as the ship got into
more southern latitudes, and I had some fears of being stewed alive. I
was already streaming with perspiration from my efforts.

I was, indeed, in a weak state, which was but natural, so that I was
unable to undergo any exertion without feeling far more exhausted than I
had previously done. Sick and weary, I returned to my resting-place. I
was seriously afraid of falling really ill. If I did so, what hope
could I have of escaping? The olives and pickles and biscuits, which
had hitherto preserved me in health were exhausted. Rats' flesh might
serve to keep me alive for a few days, but alone would certainly be very
unwholesome. I was already beginning to feel a repugnance to eating it.
Perhaps this was in consequence of my having devoured two rats at one
meal.

My chief refreshment was cold water, and that I found a great luxury. I
must have swallowed prodigious quantities of it, still the butt held
out; though, if my imprisonment lasted much longer, that also must come
to an end. I had never heard of hydropathy, but I was heartily willing
to sing its praises, and I have ever since been a resolute
water-drinker.

I lay down to rest after my exertions, but my cogitations were not of an
agreeable character. I was in different m