216 LOSS OF THE MAGPIE. 
within hail of us ; so that if we, or one of us, can live but a 
little — and I dare say loe can find food for one — why then, 
you know, the whole of the story will be told, and that will 
be something." 
"Food for one!" re-echoed the other, and advanced a little 
toward his only companion with a look of savage determina- 
tion. Both understood the allusion; there was no doubt but 
that they could have outlived the day without resorting to 
the last resource ; but they stood afraid of each other. Both 
had knives, for sailors always carry these instruments sus- 
pended to their necks by a strong piece of white line, which 
they call a lanyard. Although not driven to the dreadful al- 
ternative, they anticipated the worst results ; they knew thej^ 
could not long survive the awful situation in which they 
were placed. If no ship passed them within four-and-twenty 
hours, it was evident that one must hare been murdered to 
save the other. 
In all times of tribulation and danger men turn their 
thoughts to God, and solicit that support for which, when in 
health and securit}'-, they had omitted to pray. There is a de- 
lightful calm v/hich generally comes over the mind of the 
most hardened after they have been induced to pray for sup- 
port and forgiveness ; and few there are who, having once ex- 
perienced the consolations of religion, totally abandon it after- 
ward. In the situation in which the two men were placed, 
they had not even the comfort of employment, for they had 
nothing to employ themselves upon : all they could do was, 
or could be done in a second — namely, when the sea-breeze 
came, to place a thwart upright, with a jacket upon it, in the 
bows of the boat, and scud before the wind; in which case, if 
they could exist four or five days, they might reach the wes- 
tern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. 
The man abaft fell upon his knees, and lifting his clasped 
hands to heaven, silently began his prayer. The throb of 
religion reached the heart of his companion, who, fearing to 
approach too near the only human being he was likely to see 
again, knelt down on the fore part of the boat ; and thus, in 
silence, they prayed for support, and a happy issue out of all 
their afflictions. 
It was now^ about half past six in the morning. The sun 
was beginning to prove its burning power; the sea was as 
smooth as a looking-glass ; and, saving now and then the 
slight cat's paw of air which ruffled the face of the water for 
a few yards, all was calm and hushed. In vain they strained 
