A SERIOUS BREAKDOWN. 203 



long smoke, we retired at about nine o'clock to our 

 respective bunks. The better of the two, if there 

 was a choice, was given to me; and I had the 

 satisfaction of having the haunch of venison for 

 company. 



" A solitary tallow candle, which we found in the 

 cabin, half-burned, gave me all the light I desired. 

 I was not long in getting to bed ; my preparations 

 being simply laying aside my hat, and placing my 

 pistol under my coat, which I was using for a pillow. 

 Being thus guarded, you may perhaps think I was 

 ready to go to sleep. By no means ! I had not 

 the slightest idea of closing my eyes through the 

 night : let what would come, I was determined not 

 to be caught napping. So there I lay, and listened 

 and thought. The men I could occasionally hear 

 talking, in a low voice, in their room ; but soon 

 they stopped, and silence reigned. I hesitated 

 whether I would not feign sickness, and get up 

 myself, and call them up; but concluded to let 

 things take their course as best or worst they 

 might. 



" One can think of a good part of his life in 

 a single night, particularly if he has an idea that 

 it may be his last on earth. 



" I wouldn't have you believe that I thought my 

 last night had come ; not quite so bad as that. 



