Paragraphing has been redone in order to facilitate ease of
reading. Some archaic spelling and grammar have been retained,
as they are part of the flavor of the book; they have been changed
where necessary for clarity. The British-style punctuation has
been retained. The lengthy and unnecessary chapter headings have
been omitted. Some parenthetical information is provided, most
often to define words no longer to be found in many English
dictionaries.
Anne Wingate, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief
Pink Tree Press
Chapter 1
For many days we had been tempest-tossed. Six times had the darkness
closed over a wild and terrific scene, and returning light as often
brought but renewed distress, for the raging storm increased in
fury until on the seventh day all hope was lost.
We were driven completely out of our course; no conjecture
could be formed as to our whereabouts. The crew had lost heart,
and were utterly exhausted by incessant labour. The riven masts
had gone by the board, leaks had been sprung in every direction,
and the water, which rushed in, gained upon us rapidly.
Instead of reckless oaths, the seamen now uttered frantic cries to
God for mercy, mingled with strange and often ludicrous vows, to
be performed should deliverance be granted.
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