60 LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 
becoming a fixed object, the sea made over her, and there 
was no other part where they could remain, even for a mo- 
ment, with any security. 
Suspense and apprehension reigned during the whole of the 
night. Some were of opinion, that to avoid being tortured by 
the savages, perhaps thrown into the fires they had perceived 
on shore, it would be more advisable to resign themselves to a 
watery element, as in that situation they would only endure a 
few struggles, and then life would be no more. Others en- 
tertained different sentiments, 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 over-ruled as a measure impracticable ; 
there was no possibility of six men keeping together ; but if 
such a number could, by a miracle, get on shore without be- 
ing divided, the natives could destroy them in a monient with 
their spears. The whole of this miserable night was spent in 
such consultations ; and as the next sun was to light them to 
their fate, they trembled as it approached the horizon. 
As soon as morning appeared, they looked toward the 
shore; but not an individual was to be seen. Distraction 
was now visible in every countenance, and what death to 
choose, the principal consideration. At length, about the 
hour of nine, the scene changed in a moment. A delirium of 
ecstasy succeeded, which no pexcilcan portray, no being can 
conceive, but those who beheld it. All the people who had 
landed the day before were observed m.aking toward the 
shore ; and they soon perceivcd'^them beckoning and inviting 
them to land. In a few minutes ever}' spar, grating, and 
piece of timber that could be procured, were afloat, and com- 
pletely occupied ; seme with two persons, others with more, 
according to the size. "I immediately (says the captain) 
stript off my shirt, put on a short jacket, wrapt a shav: 1 round 
my waist, in the corner of which I put a gold watch, and keep- 
ing my breeches on, seized a spar, and launched into the sea. 
For nearly three quarters of an hour I preserved my hold 
and drifted toward the shore. Sometimes I was cast so 
near as to touch the rocks with my feet, then hurried away 
to a considerable distance; again I was precipitated forward, 
and in a moment afterward carried off by the returning sea. 
At length a sudden jerk, occasioned by the swell, strained both 
my arms, and I was compelled to quit the spar. At this in- 
stant, although a considerable distance from the beach, a wava 
that was proceeding rapidly toward the shore, bore me alcr.g 
