About this period, when all of us began to feel sick from hope deferred, and almost to wish that we might die, a heavy storm came up, with wind from the north-west, and blew heavily for three or four days.

On the morning of the fourth day, when the wind had subsided, a vessel, driven out of her course, was seen within a few leagues of the land.

Signals were instantly made, and our eyes gladdened by the sight of a boat which was put off from the ship.

In this we soon embarked, and, with a sensation of wild delight, found ourselves once more treading the deck of a good vessel.

She was an English merchantman, bound for Canton.