I recalled all the cruelties of the cannibal nations, and shuddered to think that my Elizabeth and my darling child were perhaps in their ferocious hands.

Prayer and confidence in God were the only means, not to console, but to support me, and teach me to endure my heavy affliction with resignation.

I looked on my three sons, and endeavoured, for their sakes, to hope and submit.

The darkness rapidly increased, till it became total; we concluded it was night.

The rain having ceased, I went out to strike a light, as I wished to hang the lighted lantern to the mast, when Ernest, who was on deck, called out loudly, "Father! brothers! come! the sea is on fire!" And, indeed, as far as the eye could reach, the surface of the water appeared in flames; this light, of the most brilliant, fiery red, reached even to the vessel, and we were surrounded by it.