Uncertainly I sit upon a floating crate, and contemplate the choice set out before me: to go aboard and save my skin from further burning by this scorching, salty sun; or carry on, alone, in hope I come across some land. The fear I have is that the outcome of the former ship will hit this second one the same, thus leaving me a fair sight farther from the nearest land. Some time I have to make my mind up, while the ship approaches. Meanwhile, here I sit, the burning permeating deeper in my skin.