boat the
matter was very different. For two dreary days we glided on over the
calm sea, looking out for land, or for some passing vessel which might
take us on board; but neither appeared. I recollected Macco's wonderful
voyage in his frail canoe, and felt that I ought not to despair. The
Malay sat passive. What he was thinking of I could not tell.
Occasionally he offered to take the helm when I grew weary, and I soon
fell asleep. When I awoke, there he was sitting like a statue, scarcely
moving limb or eye. On we sailed. The sun rose and sank again, and
still we were in the midst of the circling horizon. Our stock of
cocoa-nuts was getting low; indeed, though the juice is very refreshing
for a draught, it cannot take the place of pure water. Our sago-cake
was exhausted. We had but three eggs remaining. It might be many days
more before we could reach another island, I feared, and if so, could we
support existence till then? These thoughts were passing across my mind
as the sun was reaching the horizon. I saw Ali bending forward and
looking under the sail. He said not a word, however. I gazed in the
same direction, but could see nothing. The sun sank beneath the water,
and darkness came on. I had been at the helm for some time, when I
found Ali taking it out of my hands, for I had dropped to sleep. I lay
down, and in an instant was unconscious of all that was taking place.

When I awoke it was broad daylight. A dark shadow was passing across my
face. I looked up, and saw that we were gliding under some tall
mangrove bushes. I sprang up eagerly. We were entering the mouth of a
river. Astern, the blue sea shone in the beams of the rising sun. On
either side were dark trees. "Soon get water and food," said Ali. On
we glided. I felt my spirits and strength greatly restored, and
returned thanks to Heaven for bringing us into so promising a region.
We were soon amidst the most luxuriant vegetation. Tall trees rose up
on either side of the river, with thick underwood, which here and there
gave place to small patches of grass. From the banks we occasionally
saw huge alligators gliding slowly off into the water, or watching us as
we passed with their cruel-looking yellow eyes. Curiously shaped
lizards crawled along the banks, or lay extended on the boughs of the
trees, gazing at us, and occasionally puffing themselves up into
extraordinary shapes. From either side also came strange sounds--the
shr