e.

"Hillo, youngster, where are you going to?" he cried out; and he came
after me evidently with no intention of letting me escape. On getting
up with me, he inquired, "What made you try to run off? Come, tell me
as we go along." He spoke very kindly.

At last I confessed that I had determined to run away from the ship in
consequence of the ill-treatment I had received.

"You would have been starved to death in the midst of plenty," he said
in a kind tone. "Had the island been fertile, and you could have
supported yourself, I, for one, would never have hindered you, for I
have observed the way the officers and men behave to you. But for the
future I think we can prevent that. I have a notion that we owe our
lives to you and your messmate, and we're grateful to you for it; so
come along, and don't again attempt to run away."

He spoke so kindly that at last I promised to follow his advice, hoping
that Mr Fraser would also have prevented Mark from hiding himself, and
would induce him to come back likewise. The gentlemen fired several
shots to attract Mr Fraser's attention, but none were heard in return.
They, in the meantime, cut up the animals and loaded themselves with as
much as they could stagger under. The rest they covered up closely with
the hides so as to keep the flies off, proposing to send some of the men
for it. With our loads we returned to the place where we had left our
dinner. As we were all very hungry we didn't wait for Mr Fraser, but
set to at once, expecting that he and Mark would appear before we had
finished. We waited, however, for some time, the gentlemen lighting
their pipes to enjoy a smoke.

"I'm afraid that young companion of yours has bolted, and that Fraser is
delayed by looking for him," observed Mr McTavish. "We can't delay
much longer if we're to save the flesh," said Mr McDonald. "Fraser
knows what he's about; he will easily make his way down to the beach by
the landing-place in the morning, and we must send a boat on shore for
him." As the day was advancing the others agreed to this proposal; and,
leaving the remainder of our provisions for Mr Fraser and Mark, we set
off. It was almost dark as we approached the harbour, and I began to
fear that the crew would have taken the opportunity of attacking the
officers--perhaps would have got the ship under weigh, and left us to
our fate. I didn't, however, mention my fears to any one. I was
greatly relieved when I made ou