Possibly, at this period the deck was drifting rapidly before the wind, and drawing him after it, as he floated upon his back.

Of course, as long as he could have retained this position, it would have been nearly impossible that he should be drowned.

Presently a surge threw him directly athwart the deck, and this post he endeavored to maintain, screaming at intervals for help.

Just before he was discovered by Mr.Henderson, he had been obliged to relax his hold through exhaustion, and, falling into the sea, had given himself up for lost.

During the whole period of his struggles he had not the faintest recollection of the Ariel, nor of the matters in connexion with the source of his disaster.