187 



to put out the flames, but after a draught of 

 strong spirits became more composed. I tried to 

 staunch the blood that flowed from the deep gashes 

 in his shoulders and side. I expressed my re- 

 gret that I had no food about me, but when I 

 spoke of eating he sullenly moved his head. 



My situation was one of the most extraordi- 

 nary I had ever been placed in. I naturally 

 turned my talk towards religious subjects, but, 

 alas, the dying man hardly believed in the exist- 

 ence of a God. " Friend," said he, "for friend 

 you seem to be ; I never studied the ways of 

 Him of whom you talk. I am an outlaw, per- 

 haps you will say a wretch, — I have been for 

 many years a pirate. The instructions of my 

 parents were of no avail to me, for I always be- 

 lieved I was born to be a most criiel man. I 

 now lie here about to die midst these woods, be- 

 cause, long ago, I refused to listen to their many 

 admonitions. Do not shudder when I tell you 

 these now useless hands murdered the mother 

 whom they had embraced. I feel I have de- 

 served the pangs of the wretched death that 

 hovers over me, and I am thankful that only 

 one of my kind will witness my last gaspings." 



A feeble hope that I might save his life, and 



perhaps assist in procuring his pardon, induced 



me to speak to him on the subject. "It is all 



in vain, friend — I have no objection to die — I 



12* 



