nclination to do that, and preferred biting away at a
dried piece with my sago. I became more anxious when I saw how far we
were getting from the island, as I knew the difficulty we should have in
returning. After a time I offered to relieve Ali, and he then lay down
and went to sleep. In the course of the morning the sea had gone down
considerably; but we still continued running before the breeze. The
time seemed very, very long, and my only consolation was that the wind
was decreasing, and that, at all events, we might be able to direct our
course for the island. I forgot for the moment that the wind might have
changed, and that not knowing how we had been steering, even with the
aid of the sun we should be unable to find our way back. I was thankful
when Ali awoke and offered to take the helm.

When I again opened my eyes, I found that Ali had been eating some fish
and sago and drinking the water. I had taken a draught, when, looking
to our supply, I found to my dismay that only one bamboo cask of water
remained. Ali, however, made no remark; indeed, my suspicions were
confirmed of his wish to get away from the island, and he, at all
events, seemed to know more nearly whereabouts we were than I did. I
knew that nothing caused so much dreadful suffering as want of water,
and I feared that we should be exposed to it unless we could fall in
with land. I was now able to stand up in the boat and scan the horizon,
but nowhere was land to be seen. The sun rising enabled us to steer
more steadily, and we continued to proceed towards the north. I now
tried to make Ali understand that we must economise our water to the
utmost. He took the bamboo, and I saw, instead of returning it to its
place, that he put it down by his side. I could not help thinking from
this that he intended to appropriate it to himself. However, as I had
lately had a draught, and was not thirsty, I made no remark. The sun
soon struck down with great heat upon our heads, and gave me an
increased desire for water. I made signs to Ali that I wished for some,
but he shook his head, as if to signify that I must wait some time
longer. I did so patiently, thinking that perhaps he was right.
However, at length I could brook no longer delay, and springing up,
seized the bamboo. He cast an angry glance at me, but even had he had a
weapon in his hand, I should not have been prevented from drinking the
water. I could have swallowed the whole of it,