Page:Power of affection.pdf/16

(16) inevitable danger; beholding with fearful aſtoniſhment, that inſtantaneous death which now ſtared them in the face!

In this diſtress the captain ordered the pinnace to be launched, into which having toſſed a small quantity of biscuit, and some boxes of marmalade, he jumped in himself with nineteen others, who, with their swords, prevented the coming in of any more, leaſt the boat ſhould ſink. In this condition they put of into the great Indian ocean, without a compass to ſteer by, or any freſh water but what might happen to fall from the heavens, whose mercy alone could deliver them. After they had rowed to and fro four days in this miserable condition, the captain, who had been for some time very ſick and weak, died; this added, if poſſible, to their misery; for as they now fell into confuſion, every one would govern and none would obey. This obliged them to elect one of their own company to command them, whose orders they implicitly agreed to follow. This person proposed to the company to draw lots, and to caſt every fourth man over board; as their small ſtock of provifions was so far spent, as not to be able at a very ſhort allowance to suſtain life above three days longer. In the boat were a friar and a carpenter, who, with their new captain, they exempted, as their lives were of much consequence.