result of them - We conclude that the island is uninhabited.


THERE is a strange and peculiar sensation experienced in recovering
from a state of insensibility, which is almost indescribable; a
sort of dreamy, confused consciousness; a half-waking half-sleeping
condition, accompanied with a feeling of weariness, which, however,
is by no means disagreeable. As I slowly recovered and heard the
voice of Peterkin inquiring whether I felt better, I thought that I
must have overslept myself, and should be sent to the mast-head for
being lazy; but before I could leap up in haste, the thought seemed
to vanish suddenly away, and I fancied that I must have been ill.
Then a balmy breeze fanned my cheek, and I thought of home, and the
garden at the back of my father's cottage, with its luxuriant
flowers, and the sweet-scented honey-suckle that my dear mother
trained so carefully upon the trellised porch. But the roaring of
the surf put these delightful thoughts to flight, and I was back
again at sea, watching the dolphins and the flying-fish, and
reefing topsails off the wild and stormy Cape Horn. Gradually the
roar of the surf became louder and more distinct. I thought of
being wrecked far far away from my native land, and slowly opened
my eyes to meet those of my companion Jack, who, with a look of
intense anxiety, was gazing into my face.

"Speak to us, my dear Ralph," whispered Jack, tenderly, "are you
better now?"

I smiled and looked up, saying, "Better; why, what do you mean,
Jack? I'm quite well"