ight be seized
and flung into hopeless imprisonment or slavery.

So I hesitated, yet what could I do? My hunger was beginning to be
insupportable. I had reached a place where I had to choose between
starvation on the one hand, or a venture among these people on the
other. To go back was impossible. Who could breast those waters in the
tremendous subterranean channel, or force his way back through such
appalling dangers? Or, if that were possible, who could ever hope to
breast those mighty currents beyond, or work his way amid everlasting
ice and immeasurable seas? No; return was impossible. I had been
flung into this world of wonders, and here would be my home for the
remainder of my days; though I could not now imagine whether those
days would be passed in peace or in bitter slavery and sorrow. Yet the
decision must be made and the risk must be run. It must be so. I must
land here, venture among these people, and trust in that Providence
which had hitherto sustained me.

Having thus resolved at all hazards to try my fate, I rowed in toward
the shore. Thus far I had seen galleys passing and small boats, but
they had taken no notice of me, for the reason that they were too far
away to perceive anything about me that differed from any other boat;
but now, as I rowed, I noticed a galley coming down toward me. She
seemed to be going in toward the shore at the very point at which I
was aiming, and her course and mine must soon meet if I continued to
row. After some hesitation I concluded to make signals to her, so as
to attract attention; for, now that I had resolved to venture among
the people here, I was anxious to end my suspense as soon as possible.
So I continued rowing, and gradually drew nearer. The galley was
propelled by oars, of which there were fifty on either side. The stem
was raised, and covered in like a cabin. At length I ceased rowing,
and sat watching her. I soon saw that I was noticed, but this did
not occur till the galley was close by me--so close, indeed, that I
thought they would pass without perceiving me. I raised my hands,
waved them, and gave a cry. The galley at once stopped, a boat was
lowered, and some men descended and rowed toward me.

They were men of strange appearance--very small in stature and slender
in frame. Their hair was black and straight, their features were quite
regular, and their general expression was one of great gentleness. I
was surprised to notice that they kept their eye