sun, and, taking out my knife,
quickly cut some slices from the thickest part of the body. I did not
stop to consider whether it was wholesome, but ate it raw as it was. I
looked about in the hope of finding another, and was successful; it was
of the same species as the first. I could exist now without the clams;
and, therefore, thinking it prudent not to run any risk in trying to
obtain them, I returned to the beacon.

By this time the wind had fallen to a moderate breeze, though the seas
still continued rolling on with foaming crests, but far less wildly than
before, and were evidently decreasing in height. The atmosphere having
cleared, I was able to distinguish the distant shore, which had the
appearance of a blue irregular line to the westward. Again and again I
turned my eyes seaward, in hopes of seeing a passing ship, which might
stand near enough to observe me. I was disappointed; not a sail came in
sight, and another night approached. The waters covered some of the
rocks, but only for a short time, when the tide again ran out. Still I
was unwilling to sleep upon the cold rock, and, taking my second fish,
having consumed the first to the bones, I climbed up again into the tub.
Having coiled myself away round the bottom, I was soon fast asleep. My
slumbers were peaceful and quiet. The gentle wind produced no sound
round the cask; the roar of the surf on the rocks had ceased. I slept
the whole night through, and not till the sun had risen out of the ocean
did I wake. I at once stood up and looked round me. A light breeze
from the northward sent the wavelets rippling against the rock. The sea
was otherwise perfectly calm, and glowed in the rays of the bright orb
of day.

I looked landwards, in the expectation of seeing some vessels come out
of the harbour, which, I thought, could not be far off, but none
appeared. Then I gazed anxiously to the northward, and round the
horizon in all directions. Presently I saw a spot appear of snowy
whiteness, glittering in the rays of the sun. It rapidly increased in
size. "A sail! A sail!" I shouted, though there was no one to hear
me. I soon perceived that she was a large ship. First her topgallant
sails, then her topsails, rose out of the water. I was so intently
watching her that I forgot for a time to take my meal. As may be
supposed, I turned many a look towards the ship. She was standing
towards me, running before the wind along the coast. At last