I was beyond the reach of human aid; and that mental agony rendered me as powerless, as a moth in the grasp of a giant.
I have stood upon the edge of the volcano, and listened to the throbbings of Nature's fiery heart; and heard the boiling blood of earth, chafing and roaring far below; while my eyes vainly endeavoured to explore its glowing depths.

Anon, by some fatal necessity, I was compelled to cross this terrible abyss--my bridge, a narrow plank insecurely placed upon the rounded stems of two yielding, sapling trees.

Suddenly, frightful cries resounded on every side, and I was pursued by fiend-like forms in the shape of animal life.

I put my foot upon the fearful bridge, I tried its strength, and felt a horrid consciousness that I never could pass over it in safety; my supernatural enemies drew nearer--I saw their blazing eyes--heard their low muttered growls; the next moment I leaped upon the plank--with a loud crash it severed--and with the velocity of thought, I was plunged headlong into the boiling gulf--down--down--down--for ever whirling down--the hot flood rushed over me.

I felt the spasmodic grasp of death upon my throat, and awoke struggling with eternity upon the threshold of time.
Most persons of a reflective character, have kept a diary of the ordinary occurrences of life.