The pangs of hunger and the torments of thirst were racking me with redoubled vigour.

All instinct of self-preservation had left me, and I felt that the hour had come when I must cease to suffer.

Just as I was on the point of casting myself headlong into the sea, a voice, which I recognized as Dowlas's; broke upon my ear.
"Captain," he said, "we are going to draw lots." Involuntarily I paused; I did not take my plunge, but returned to my place upon the raft..