the scanty meal given to me I
lay down, as if about to go to sleep. I waited anxiously till all
noises had ceased in the village, and then quietly stole out of my hut;
and, having well noted the way, as soon as I had got to such a distance
that my footsteps were not likely to be heard, I ran as fast as I could
to the west shore, which was much the nearest. In about an hour I
reached it, and at once began to make my way, as I had proposed, along
the beach. At all events, Oamo would not be able to ascertain whether I
had gone to the north or to the south. Fortunately the water was high,
so that I had the soft sand to tread on, my feet being on the margin.
As fast as I could move, afraid even for an instant to step on the dry
sand lest I might leave a footprint behind me, I went on. Sometimes I
had to climb over rocks; but fortunately there were no cliffs in this
part of the island rising sheer out of the water, or my progress would
have been effectually stopped.

All night long I went on; the light of the moon, which rose soon after I
reached the shore, enabling me to make way with less difficulty than I
had anticipated. In spite of the temptation to continue my course, when
morning dawned I sought shelter among some rocks, amid which I judged
that I should be effectually concealed from any pursuers on the shore.

How far I had gone I could not well calculate, but I supposed that I was
still a long way from the harbour, where I hoped to find Mudge. As I
was well beyond the high-water mark, I had no fear of being overwhelmed
by the rising tide; therefore, feeling very tired, I composed myself on
my somewhat hard couch to sleep. I awoke with the idea that a pair of
huge wings were fanning me; and on looking up I saw a large sea-fowl, as
big as an albatross, about to pounce down on my head. I started to my
feet, defending my face with my arm, and shouting at the top of my voice
to frighten it off. My cries had the desired effect; and as I watched
its flight seaward, I saw a small speck on the water. Eagerly I gazed
at it; it was a boat, not a canoe, as I had at first feared. It came
nearer and nearer, evidently steering along the coast. I feared that I
should not be seen among the broken rocks where I had concealed myself,
and I could scarcely hope to make my voice heard so far. My only chance
was to run along the light-coloured sand, and to wave my hands, trusting
that I might attract the attention of my frie