about eight o’clock in
the evening
What became of my companions in the boat , as well as of those who escaped on the rock , or were left in the vessel , I can not tell ; but conclude they were all lost . 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 day-light .