I answered answer in a few words , but in the most submissive manner , lifting lift up my left hand , and both my eyes to the sun , as calling him for a witness ; and being almost famished with hunger , having not eaten a morsel for some hours before I left leave the ship , I found find the demands demand of nature so strong upon me , that I could not forbear showing show my impatience ( perhaps against the strict rules of decency ) by putting put my finger frequently to my mouth , to signify signify that I wanted food .