y of the
large islands in a line with it; and thought I must be on some smaller
island; but whether inhabited or not I could not tell, or whether or not
I could there find the means of supporting life. How anxiously I
watched my boat, hoping that perhaps some other sea might put her head
round, and that once more she might return to the shore. The breeze had
freshened, and she quickly glided away. In a short time I could no
longer distinguish her amidst the gloom of night.

I sat down on the beach, endeavouring to consider what I should do. I
saw, at a short distance behind me, a thick wood; while on either side
dark rocks ran into the sea. "I might have been driven against those,"
I reflected; "and had I been so, in all probability the boat would have
been dashed to pieces, and I should have been drowned. Have I not
reason then to be thankful that I have been preserved? No, I should be
wrong to despair. I will yet hope that I may find means of preserving
my life." With this thought I lay on the sand to wait till the light of
day would enable me to explore the island and search for the means of
supporting existence. I had no food, no weapon of defence; but on
feeling in my pocket I was thankful to find I had my knife. Oh, of how
much value was that little clasp-knife then to me! At first the noise
of the surf had prevented me from hearing any other sound; but, as my
ears got accustomed to it, I could distinguish the usual noises of an
Eastern jungle--the cries of the night-birds, and the chattering and
moaning of the monkeys. They gave me assurance that I should be able to
support existence, for I knew that where they were food would be found.
My mind thus set somewhat more at rest, I dropped to sleep.

The bright rays of the sun shining in my eyes awoke me; and rising to my
feet I found that I was on a green, smiling island, with rocks and hills
scattered here and there towards the centre; while a thick belt of
palms, the ever-present pandanus, and numerous other trees, surrounded
it. My first thought was to search for water. The experience I had
gained when with Macco on our island was now of the greatest assistance
to me. Had I been cast alone upon such a spot I might have perished;
but now I knew well where to search for the sign of water. I had not
gone far when I saw between the trees a grove of bamboo. I soon cut
down a stout piece, the point of which I sharpened; and thus it served
me as a sta