I was convinced that I could myself last but very little longer.

All the events and associations of my life passed rapidly through my brain, My country, my friends, and my family all appeared as it were in a vision, and seemed as though they had come to bid me a last farewell.
Towards morning I woke from my sleep, if the languid stupour into which I had fallen was worthy of that name.

One fixed idea had taken possession of my brain; I would put an end to myself, and I felt a sort of pleasure as I gloated over the power that I had to terminate my sufferings.

I told Curtis, with the utmost composure, of my intention, and he received the intelligence as calmly as it was delivered.
"Of course you will do as you please," he said; "for, my own part, I shall not abandon my post.

It is my duty to remain here, and unless death comes to carry me away, I shall stay where I am to the very last." The dull grey fog still hung heavily over the ocean, but the sun was evidently shining above the mist, and would, in course of time, dispel the vapour.