At last I seemed to be afloat on the wide ocean, on a single plank, tossing about with the hot sun shining fiercely upon me, and monsters of the great deep gathering around, eager for their prey.

I was weak, faint, and despairing.

In vain did my eyes sweep the horizon, there was neither vessel nor land in sight.

At length the sun went down, and the darkness drew nearer and nearer.

Then I could see nothing but the stars shining above me.