Page 126 - Child's own book

in learning navigation and the mathematics; and, after I had
acquired a competent knowledge of physic, I made several
voyages as surgeon* and at length went in that capacity on
board the Antelope, bound for the East Indies. In the course
of our voyage the ship was driven upon a rock, and imme­
diately split; six of the crew, of whom I was one, having let
down the boat, got clear of the ship ; but presently afterwards
the boat was overset by a monstrous wave. What became of
my companions in the boat, or of those who were left in the
ship, I cannot tell, but 1 swain, pushed forward by wind and
tide, till ! reached the shore ; where, perceiving no inhabitants

or houses, and being both faint and weary, f iay down to sleep.
1 suppose 1 slept nine or ten hours; for, when I awoke, it
was broad day-light, I attempted to rise, but found my arms,
legs, and hair, fastened to the ground. I heard a confused