nd they bore away under a reefed lug-foresail.

A fiery sun rose on the 3rd, which is commonly a sign of rough weather,
and filled the almost hopeless derelicts with a new terror.

In an hour or two it blew very hard, and the sea ran so high that their
sail was becalmed between the waves; they did not dare to set it when on
the top of the sea, for the water rushed in over the stern of the boat,
and they were obliged to bale with all their might.

The bread was in bags, and in the greatest danger of being spoiled by
the wet. They were obliged to throw some rope and the spare sails
overboard, as well as all the clothes but what they wore, to lighten the
boat, then the carpenter's tool-chest was cleared and the bread put into
it.

They were all very wet and cold, and a teaspoonful of rum was served to
each man, with a quarter of a breadfruit which was so bad that it could
hardly be eaten; but the captain was determined at all risks to keep to
the compact they had entered into, and to make their provisions last
eight weeks.

In the afternoon the sea ran even higher, and at night it became very
cold; but still they did not dare to leave off baling for an instant,
though their legs and arms were numb with fatigue and wet.

In the morning a teaspoonful of rum was served to all, and five small
cocoanuts divided for their dinner, and everyone was satisfied.

When the gale had subsided they examined the bread, and found a great
deal of it had become mouldy and rotten; but even this was carefully
kept and used. The boat was now near some islands, but they were afraid
to go on shore, as the natives might attack them; while being in sight
of land, where they might replenish their poor stock of provisions and
rest themselves, added to their misery. One morning they hooked a fish,
and were overjoyed at their good fortune; but in trying to get it into
the boat it was lost, and again they had to content themselves with the
damaged bread and small allowance of water for their supper.

They were dreadfully cramped for room, and were obliged to manage so
that half their number should lie down in the bottom of the boat or upon
a chest, while the others sat up and kept watch: their limbs became so
stiff from being constantly wet, and from want of space to stretch them
in, that after a few hours' sleep they were hardly able to move.

About May 7 they passed what the captain supposed must be the Fiji
Islands, and two large canoes put