For my own part, I swam as fortune directed me, and was pushed forward
by wind and tide. I often let my legs drop, and could feel no bottom;
but, when I was almost gone, and able to struggle no longer, I found
myself within my depth; and, by this time, the storm was much abated.
The declivity was so small that I walked near a mile before I got to the
shore, which I conjectured was about eight o'clock in the evening. I
then advanced forward near half a mile, but could not discover any sign
of houses or inhabitants; at least, I was in so weak a condition, that I
did not observe them. I was extremely tired, and with that, and the
heat of the weather, and about half a pint of brandy that I drank as I
left the ship, I found myself much inclined to sleep. I lay down on the
grass, which was very short and soft, where I slept sounder than ever I
remembered to have done in my life, and, as I reckoned, about nine
hours; for, when I awaked, it was just daylight. I attempted to rise,
but was not able to stir: for as I happened to lie on my back, I found
my arms and legs were strongly fastened on each side to the ground; and
my hair, which was long and thick, tied down in the same manner. I
likewise felt several slender ligatures across my body, from my arm-pits
to my thighs.
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