50 
where we could remain, even for a moment^ 
in a state of security. 
During the whole of the night, all was 
uncertainty. Some were of opinion, that 
to avoid being tortured by the savages, 
perhaps thrown into the fires we had per- 
ceived on shore, it would be more advisable 
to resign ourselves to a watery element ; 
as in that situation we should only endure 
a few struggles, and then life would be no 
more. Others entertained different senti- 
ments, and were for making the shore in as 
compact a body as possible : We shall 
then,'* said they, *^ attack the savages with 
stones, or whatever we can find." This was 
overruled, as a measure impracticable; there 
was no possibility of six men keeping to- 
gether ; but if such a number could, by a 
miracle, get on shore without being divided, 
the natives could destroy them in a moment 
with their spears. The whole of this mi- 
serable night was spent in such consulta- 
tions ; and as the next sun was to light us 
to our fate, we trembled at his approaching 
the horizon. 
When the day appeared, we looked to- 
