It had now grown extremely dark—so much so that I could scarce distinguish the form of my companion, though he was close by me—and the great raft itself with the bodies reclining upon it, was only distinguishable as a shapeless black mass. I could perceive the spread sail better than anything else, as this was of a whitish colour and stood up outlined against the gloomy grey of the sky.
But, dark as it was, I noticed that Brace on turning away from me had his knife clasped in his hand, with the blade still open and ready for use! What could he intend with this?
All at once it occurred to me that he suspected something—that he was apprehensive that the ruffians might not desire to wait for the morning as agreed—but might attempt to carry out their purpose in the night; and under this suspicion he had placed himself between them and me—determined to keep guard over me. The position he had taken gave colour to this supposition, and the attitude he was in almost confirmed it.
As I have before stated, Brace and I still occupied the floating planks which we had bound together, and these were attached to the raft at what might be called its stern—that is, when the raft moved through the water by means of sail, our position was behind, and in the wake. Now, as my companion had turned himself, he lay with his head towards the raft, and, as I thought, in a half-crouching attitude—though the pitchy darkness prevented me from being sure of this. At all events he was so placed, that any one attempting to approach me must first pass over his body; and, therefore, did I believe—seeing the knife in his grasp—that his object was to guard me.
I have said that it had now grown extremely dark; but in addition to this I perceived that the breeze had arisen—just about the same hour as on other nights. This night, however, it was much fresher than before—so fresh that the raft swept briskly along—making a rushing noise in the water, and leaving a foamy track behind her.
Lulled into a kind of stupor, I lay for some time listening to this noise; and was only aroused from my reverie by observing that the sound of the water became all at once less loud and distinct—as though the raft was moving more gently through the sea—then I ceased to hear it altogether!
Surely, thought I, the sail has come down, and the raft is no longer in motion.
I lay for a while listening attentively; to my surprise I could still distinguish the sound of rushing water; but it now appeared as if at some distance, and every moment getting further away!
I was about to spring up and seek an explanation of this strange phenomenon, when a wild cry came pealing across the water, followed by a confused noise of loud voices.
“We are saved!” thought I, “some ship is near!” and I actually shouted these words, as I sprang up from my recumbent attitude.