object before us, our stately ship, that had for the last
four months been our social home, the scene of our enjoyments, our
labours, and our rest, now a prey to the destroying element; the
suddenness with which we had been hurried from circumstances of comfort
and comparative security, to those of destitution and peril, and with
which the most exhilarating hopes had been exchanged for disappointment
as unexpected as it was afflictive; the sudden death of the two seamen,
our own narrow escape, and lonely situation on the face of the deep, and
the great probability even yet, although we had succeeded in removing to
a greater distance from the vessel, that we ourselves should never again
see the light of day, or set foot on solid ground, absorbed every
feeling. For some time the silence was scarcely broken, and the thoughts
of many, I doubt not, were engaged on subjects most suitable to immortal
beings on the brink of eternity. The number of persons in the two boats
was forty-eight; and all, with the exception of the two ladies, who bore
this severe visitation with uncommon fortitude, worked by turns at the
oars and paddles. After some time, to our great relief, the rain ceased;
the labour of baling water from the boats was then considerably
diminished. We were frequently hailed during the night by our companions
in the small boat, and returned the call, while the brave and
generous-hearted seamen occasionally enlivened the solitude of the deep
by a simultaneous "Hurra!" to cheer each others' labours, and to animate
their spirits. The Tanjore rose in the water as its contents were
gradually consumed. We saw it burning the whole night, and at day-break
could distinguish a column of smoke, which, however, soon ceased, and
every sign of our favourite vessel disappeared. When the sun rose, our
anxiety and uncertainty as to our situation were greatly relieved by
discovering land ahead; the sight of it filled us with grateful joy,
and nerved us with fresh vigour for the exertion required in managing
the boats. With the advance of the day we discerned more clearly the
nature of the country. It was wild and covered with jungle, without any
appearance of population: could we have got ashore, therefore, many of
us might have perished before assistance could have been procured; but
the breakers, dashing upon the rocks, convinced us that landing was
impracticable. In the course of the morning we discovered a native
vessel, or dhoney,