seized upon the handspike which lay on the
deck, close to where Jackson had been struck down, and placed himself in
an attitude of defence. Not a word was exchanged between them. They
remained a few minutes in this position, when Jackson, whose brain was
affected by the violence of his feelings, dropped down upon the deck in
a renewed state of insensibility.

Newton had now time to look about him, and the prospect was any thing
but cheering. It was almost low water, and in every direction he
perceived reefs of coral rock, and large banks of sand, with deep
channels between them, through which the tide flowed rapidly. The reef
upon which the brig had been grounded was of sharp coral; and, in the
deeper parts, the trees could be discerned, extending a submarine forest
of boughs; but it was evident that the reef upon which the vessel lay
was, as well as most of the others, covered at high water. As a means
of escape, a small boat was still hanging over the stern, which Newton
was able to manage either with her sails or her oars, as might be
required.

As there was no time to be lost, and the only chance of escape remained
with the boat, Newton commenced his arrangements. The mast and sails
were found, and the latter bent;--a keg was filled with water,--a
compass taken out of the binnacle,--a few pieces of beef, and some bread
collected in a bag, and thrown in. He also procured some bottles of
wine and cider from the cabin: these he stowed away carefully in the
little locker, which was fitted under the stern-sheets of the boat. In
an hour every thing was ready; and throwing into her some pieces of
spare rope, and a small grapnel to anchor with, there being still
sufficient water alongside to float her, Newton gradually lowered one
tackle and then another, until the boat was safe in the water. He then
hauled her up alongside, made her fast by the painter, and stepped her
mast.

All was now ready--but to leave Jackson to be washed away by the
returning tide, when the brig would unquestionably go to pieces?--Newton
could not do it. True, he had sought his life, and still displayed the
most inveterate rancour towards him; and Newton felt convinced that no
future opportunity would occur, that his enemy would not profit by, to
insure his destruction. Yet to leave him--a murderer!--with all his
sins upon his soul, to be launched so unprepared into the presence of an
offended Creator!--it was impossible--it was contr