s dead. She entreated that the body might be allowed to remain in
the cabin another day; but the next she allowed the mate and me to
remove it, and to commit it to the sea.

"Oh, how sad and melancholy were those long, dreary nights, as we stood
at the helm, the gale howling over our heads, the ship groaning and
creaking, and the seas roaring up astern and threatening every moment to
wash us from our uncertain support--darkness above us, darkness on every
side!

"At last not a particle of food remained. Mr Carr made another search
into every cranny of the ship. Some grease was found; it served to keep
life in us another day. Then the dreadful information spread among us
that there was nothing else. Relief must come, or we must die.

"`Others have lived under like circumstances,' said one, looking up
under his scowling brow.

"`Ay, if it's necessary, it must be done,' hissed another.

"`There is no need why we should all die,' growled a third.

"They clearly understood what each other meant. I was listening, but
could: not believe the horrid truth. Those who were but able to move
crawled aft to Mr Carr, to tell him of their determination. For long
he would not listen to them, but drove them forward, calling them
cannibals, and telling them to wait God's providence. For my own part,
I felt that I would rather have died than have agreed to their
proposals. What they wanted was that lots should be drawn, and that he
who drew the shortest should be put to death, and the one next should be
the executioner. The captain's wife was to be free. At last their
importunity became so great that Mr Carr agreed that, should no sail
appear at the end of another twenty-four hours, he would no longer
oppose their wishes. Before that time, two of those who were most eager
for the dreadful mode of sustaining life, or most fearful of death, were
summoned away. The crime was prevented; no one had to become a
murderer. I will not describe how my wretched shipmates sustained life.
Mr Carr abstained from the dreadful repast. So did I and one or two
others; and though we lost in strength, our sufferings were much less
acute, and our minds more tranquil, and our judgment far clearer than
was the case with those who thus indulged their appetites. What we
might have done I know not, had not God in his mercy sent your brig to
our aid, with men on board with hearts to feel for us, and courage, in
spite of all dangers, to rescue