man bailing all the time; the hole knocked in the
boat when she was launched from the burning ship was never efficiently
mended. 'Heading about north-west now.' They hope they have easting
enough to make some of these indefinite isles. Failing that, they think
they will be in a better position to be picked up. It was an infinitely
slender chance, but the captain probably refrained from mentioning that.

The next day is to be an eventful one.

(Diary entry) May 22. Last night wind headed us off, so that part
of the time we had to steer east-south-east and then
west-north-west, and so on. This morning we were all startled by a
cry of 'SAIL HO!' Sure enough, we could see it! And for a time we
cut adrift from the second mate's boat, and steered so as to
attract its attention. This was about half-past five A.M. After
sailing in a state of high excitement for almost twenty minutes we
made it out to be the chief mate's boat. Of course we were glad to
see them and have them report all well; but still it was a bitter
disappointment to us all. Now that we are in the trades it seems
impossible to make northing enough to strike the isles. We have
determined to do the best we can, and get in the route of vessels.
Such being the determination, it became necessary to cast off the
other boat, which, after a good deal of unpleasantness, was done,
we again dividing water and stores, and taking Cox into our boat.
This makes our number fifteen. The second mate's crew wanted to
all get in with us, and cast the other boat adrift. It was a very
painful separation.

So these isles that they have struggled for so long and so hopefully
have to be given up. What with lying birds that come to mock, and isles
that are but a dream, and 'visions of ships that come to naught,' it is
a pathetic time they are having, with much heartbreak in it. It was odd
that the vanished boat, three days lost to sight in that vast solitude,
should appear again. But it brought Cox--we can't be certain why. But if
it hadn't, the diarist would never have seen the land again.

(Diary entry) Our chances as we go west increase in regard to being
picked up, but each day our scanty fare is so much reduced. Without
the fish, turtle, and birds sent us, I do not know how we should
have got along. The other day I offered to read prayers morning and
eve