Page:Paine--Lost ships and lonely seas.djvu/417

Rh supposing that his guest wanted refreshment, entertained him with such provisions as his miserable life afforded, and having a little comforted each other they began to recount the manner and occasion of their sad disasters.

For the better government of their way of living, they designed their hours of day and night to certain services; such a time was appointed to kill fish for eating, such hours for gathering weeds, fish-bones, and other matters which the sea threw up, to maintain their constant fire. And especial care had they to observe their watches and relieve each other at certain hours, that so they might be sure their fire went not out.

In this manner they lived amiably together for certain days, but many days did not pass before a quarrel arose between them, so high that they were ready to fight. The occasion proceeded from some words that one gave the other, hinting that he took not that care and labor as the extremity of their condition required. This difference so increased, (for to such misery do our passions often betray us) that at length they separated and lived apart one from the other.

However, in a short time having experienced the want of that comfort which mutual society procures, their choler was appeased and they returned to enjoy con- verse, and the assistance which friendship and company afforded, in which condition they passed four years, During this time they saw many ships sail near them, yet none would be so charitable or curious as to be invited by their smoke and flame. So that being now almost desperate, they expected no other remedy besides death to put an end to their miseries.

However, at length, a ship venturing to pass nearer than ordinary, espied the smoke, and rightly judging that