At length he arrived at the desired spot, but found
it occupied. In the morning he saw himself surrounded by a crowd of
forms, with the hues of death and famine upon their faces. At eight
o'clock they were permitted to ascend on deck, and he found some of
his friends.
"Pale and meagre, the throng came on deck, to view for a few moments
the morning sun, and then to descend again, to pass another day of
misery and wretchedness. I found myself surrounded by a motley crew of
wretches, with tattered garments and pallid visages. * * * Among them
I saw one ruddy and heathful countenance, and recognized the features
of one of my late companions on the Belisarius. But how different did
he appear from the group around him * * * men who, now shrunken and
decayed, had but a short time before been as strong, as healthful, and
as vigorous as himself. * * * During the night I had, in addition to
my other sufferings, been tormented with what I supposed to be vermin,
and on coming upon deck, I found that a black silk handkerchief, which
I wore around my neck, was completely spotted with them. Although this
had often been mentioned as one of the nuisances of the place, yet as
I had never before been in a situation to witness anything of the
kind, the sight made me shudder, as I knew at once that as long as I
should remain on board, these loathsome creatures would be my constant
companions and unceasing tormentors.
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