Boon Island - Kenneth Roberts [37]
In this Conflict of Afflictions, as a dawning of Hope to alleviate their Distress, it pleased God that the Mate should strike down a Seagull, which he brought with Joy; and the Master equally dividing, though raw, and scarce every Man a Mouthful, yet was gladly receiv'd, and eaten with great Thankfulness.
And now, as the last Resource of Hope, they began to resolve upon composing a Raft, capable of bearing two Men; a Project all along mightily urged by a Swede, a stout, brave Fellow, that had unhappily lost the Use of both his Feet by the Frost since he came upon the Rock; and here again open'd a new Scene of Labour and Difficulty, to build this without Tools, and, almost, without Hands; however, at length, after abundance of Toil in clearing the Fore-yard from Junk, they split it in the midst, and constituting the two Parts for Side-pieces, twelve Foot long, interfix'd Spars, cover'd with the lightest Plank, four Foot broad, first Spiking, and then Seizing them firm; a short Mast was also
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fix'd, with a Sail made of two Hammocks driven on Shore, a Paddle was likewise provided for each Man, and a spare one made fast to the Raft in Case of Necessity. During the 5 or 6 Day's Time, wherein this Work was completing, the Swede frequently importun'd the Master to accompany him in the attempt; yet giving him to understand, that if he refus'd, another was ready to embrace the Offer. The Master, deliberately weighing the Difficulties of the Adventure, judg'd them, rationally speaking, unsurmountable; considering, that Persons already so much reduc'd, must, in so severe a Season, set up to the Waist in Water 10 or 12 Hours at least, with the utmost Favour of Wind, Tide and Weather, and therefore resolv'd to decline it; but, out of Prudence, concel'd his Reasons and Resolutions, 'till Opportunity presented to put the Design in execution.
At this time they saw a Sail coming out of Piscataqua River, about 7 Leagues to the Westward, to whom they endeavour'd to manifest themselves by all possible Devices; but the Wind being N.W. and the Ships standing to the Eastward, was presently out of Sight, to a Renewal of their Mortification.
The next being a moderate Day, and a small Breeze of Wind in the Afternoon fitting right on Shore, and the Raft now intirely finish'd, the Swede, and his Companion, that desir'd to go upon the Master's Refusal; were very sollicitous to have the Raft launch'd, in order to pursue their, Enterprize; the Mate, on the contrary, as strenuously opposing it, in regard to its being so late as two in the Afternoon; but they replying, it was full Moon, and light Nights; and redoubling their Entreaties, extorted the Master's Consent. First, then with earnest Prayers committing them and their Design to the Divine Blessings, afterwards they launch'd the Raft, and both of them being placed upon it, the Swell of the Sea going high, maugre all their Endeavours, overset the Raft, as heretofore the Boat, and away went the Mast and
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Sail; the Swede, being an excellent Swimmer, soon recover'd the Shore, and little regarded it; but the other, unskill'd in that Art, continued a while under Water, and upon his Appearance being dragg'd to Land by the Master, was too much discouraged to make a second Essay. The Master then desir'd the Swede to assist in getting the Raft out of the Water, in Order to wait a more favourable Opportunity; but the Swede, persisting in his Resolution, tho' unable to stand upon his Feet, and, as he was kneeling on the Rock, caught hold on the Master's Hand, and, with much Vehemency, beseeching him to accompany him, said, I am sure I must die; however, I have great Hopes of being the Means of preserving your Life, and the rest of the Peoples; if you will not go with me, I beg your Assistance to turn the Raft, and help me upon it, for I am resolutely bent to venture, even, tho' by myself alone. The Master us'd further Dissuasives, representing the Impossibility of reaching the main Land