And although never before had I looked upon death, I knew very well that I was face to face with it now.
How long it was before I moved I cannot tell.

At last, however, I climbed the palings, jumped at its narrowest point a smaller creek, and with slow footsteps approached the dead man.

Even when I stood by his side I dared not touch him, I dared not turn him round to see his face.
I saw that he was of middle size, fairly well dressed, and as some blown sand had drifted over his boots and ankles I knew that he had been there for some hours.

There was blood upon his collar, and the fingers of his right hand were tightly clenched.

I told myself that I was a coward, and I set my teeth.