e now to discuss a question which would so soon be
answered.

The part of the valley in which we found ourselves appeared to be
altogether uninhabited. An almost impenetrable thicket extended from side
to side, without presenting a single plant affording the nourishment we
had confidently calculated upon; and with this object, we followed the
course of the stream, casting quick glances as we proceeded into the thick
jungles on either hand.

My companion--to whose solicitations I had yielded in descending into the
valley--now that the step was taken, began to manifest a degree of caution
I had little expected from him. He proposed that in the event of our
finding an adequate supply of fruit, we should remain in this unfrequented
portion of the valley--where we should run little chance of being surprised
by its occupants, whoever they might be--until sufficiently recruited to
resume our journey; when laying in a store of food equal to our wants, we
might easily regain the bay of Nukuheva, after the lapse of a sufficient
interval to ensure the departure of our vessel.

I objected strongly to this proposition, plausible as it was, as the
difficulties of the route would almost be insurmountable, unacquainted as
we were with the general bearings of the country, and I reminded my
companion of the hardships which we had already encountered in our
uncertain wanderings; in a word, I said that since we had deemed it
advisable to enter the valley, we ought manfully to face the consequences,
whatever they might be; the more especially as I was convinced there was
no alternative left us but to fall in with the natives at once, and boldly
risk the reception they might give us: and that as to myself, I felt the
necessity of rest and shelter, and that until I had obtained them, I
should be wholly unable to encounter such sufferings as we had lately
passed through. To the justice of these observations Toby somewhat
reluctantly assented.

We were surprised that, after moving as far as we had along the valley, we
would still meet with the same impervious thickets; and thinking that
although the borders of the stream might be lined for some distance with
them, yet beyond there might be more open ground, I requested Toby to keep
a bright look-out upon one side, while I did the same on the other, in
order to discover some opening in the bushes, and especially to watch for
the slightest appearance of a path or anything else that might indic