gerly I seized the putrid
meat in my mouth, offering a piece to my companions. My messmate
attempted to eat it, his jaws moved for a few seconds, then his head
fell back. He had died in the effort. The gentleman could with
difficulty swallow a few morsels. `Water! water!' he muttered, `without
water it is too late.' I tried some of the grease, and felt revived.

"Not without difficulty we hove the last who had succumbed into the sea,
and then the gentleman and I were alone. His spirits, which had
hitherto kept up, were now, I saw, sinking. He beckoned me to sit close
to him, and I saw that he was engaged in trying to loosen the strap
which held the case to his side. `You are strong, my friend,' he
whispered, `and may possibly survive till you are picked up, I feel that
I can trust you. Take charge of this case--it contains an important
document, and jewels and money of considerable value. Here, too, is a
purse of gold, to that you are welcome,' and he handed me a purse from
his pocket. `The case I as a dying man commit to your charge, and
solemnly entreat you to take care of it for the benefit of my widow and
orphan child, for the belief is still strong within me that they
survive. You will find within this metal case full directions as to the
person to whom it is to be delivered.' He said this with the greatest
difficulty, and it seemed as if he had exhausted all his strength in the
effort. I promised to fulfil his wishes, and fully intended doing so.
He took my hand, and fixed his eyes on me, as if he was endeavouring to
read my thoughts. I tried to make him take some more food, but he had
no strength to swallow it. Before the evening closed in he too was
gone.

"I had not the heart at once to throw him overboard. As I stood looking
at him, prompted I believe by the spirit of evil, an idea came into my
head. Should I reach shore the purse of gold would enable me to enjoy
myself for some time, and perhaps I might obtain permanent employment in
a respectable position, instead of knocking about at sea. I took off
the dead man's clothes, and dressed myself in them, though I was so weak
that the task was a difficult one. I then lifted the body overboard.
Having secured the box round my waist, I placed the metal case and purse
in my pocket.

"I was alone, and though suffering greatly from thirst, I still felt
that there was some life in me. I gazed around, but no sail was in
sight. A light breeze on