Oh! it was a rare feast, that! Each morsel was delicious; each draught nectar.

But he could not devour enough.

There was a strange feeling in him that he could by no means eat to satisfaction.
While he was thus feasting in dreams, the Talisman drew near.

Her bulwarks were crowded with faces gazing earnestly at the bit of red rag that fluttered in the breeze, and the pile of loose spars on which the man's form lay extended and motionless.
Suddenly Henry awoke, with a start, to find that his rich banquet was a terrible delusion; that he was starving to death; and that a large ship was hove to within a few yards of him! Starting up on his knees, he uttered a wild shriek.

Then, as the truth entered his soul, he raised his hand and gave a faint cheer.
The revulsion of feeling in the crew of the Talisman was overpowering.
A long, loud, tremendous cheer burst from every heart! "Lower away!" was shouted to the men who stood at the fall-tackles of the boat.
As the familiar sounds broke on Henry's ears, he leaped to his feet, and, waving his hand above his head, again attempted to cheer; but his voice failed him.