No words can tell our feelings.

We looked at each other--we looked at the place where she had so lately been afloat--and we did not cease to look, till the terrible conviction of our abandoned and perilous situation roused us to exertion, if deliverance were yet possible.
'We now consulted about the course which it might be best to take--westward to India, eastward to South America, or south-westward to the Society Isles.

We knew that we were at no great distance from Tahiti, but were so ignorant of the state and temper of the inhabitants, that we feared we should be devoured by cannibals, if we cast ourselves on their mercy.

It was determined, therefore, to make for South America, which we computed to be more than two thousand miles distant.
Accordingly we steered eastward, and though for several days harassed with squalls, we contrived to keep together.

It was not long before we found that one of the boats had started a plank, which was no wonder, for whale-boats are all clinker-built, and very slight, being made of half-inch plank only, before planing.