On the second evening of my voyage I was caught by a gale which compelled me to lower the sail, and before which I was driven for three days and nights, in what direction I can hardly guess.

On the fourth morning the wind had fallen, and by noon it was a perfect calm.

I need not describe what has been described by so many shipwrecked sailors,--the sufferings of a solitary voyager in an open boat under a tropical sun.

The storm had supplied me with water more than enough; so that I was spared that arch-torture of thirst which seems, in the memory of such sufferers, to absorb all others.

Towards evening a slight breeze sprang up, and by morning I came in sight of a vessel, which I contrived to board.