Many years elapsed, however, before I was aware of this fact.
A natural shame and regret for his weakness and indecision prevented Augustus from confiding to me at once what a more intimate and unreserved communion afterward induced him to reveal.

Upon finding his further progress in the hold impeded by obstacles which he could not overcome, he had resolved to abandon his attempt at reaching me, and return at once to the forecastle.

Before condemning him entirely on this head, the harassing circumstances which embarrassed him should be taken into consideration.

The night was fast wearing away, and his absence from the forecastle might be discovered; and indeed would necessarily be so, if he should fail to get back to the berth by daybreak.

His candle was expiring in the socket, and there would be the greatest difficulty in retracing his way to the hatchway in the dark.