t
was only at long intervals any such events occur.

When I thought of the length of time that might intervene before a similar
chance of escape would be presented, I bitterly lamented that I had not
the power of availing myself effectually of the present opportunity.

From all that we could gather, it appeared that the natives were fearful
of arriving too late upon the beach, unless they made extraordinary
exertions. Sick and lame as I was, I would have started with Toby at once,
had not Kory-Kory not only refused to carry me, but manifested the most
invincible repugnance to our leaving the neighbourhood of the house. The
rest of the savages were equally opposed to our wishes, and seemed grieved
and astonished at the earnestness of my solicitations. I clearly perceived
that, while my attendant avoided all appearance of constraining my
movements, he was nevertheless determined to thwart my wishes. He seemed
to me on this particular occasion, as well as often afterwards, to be
executing the orders of some other person with regard to me, though at the
same time feeling towards me the most lively affection.

Toby, who had made up his mind to accompany the islanders if possible as
soon as they were in readiness to depart, and who for that reason had
refrained from showing the same anxiety that I had done, now represented
to me that it was idle for me to entertain the hope of reaching the beach
in time to profit by any opportunity that might then be presented.

"Do you not see," said he, "the savages themselves are fearful of being
too late, and I should hurry forward myself at once, did I not think that,
if I showed too much eagerness, I should destroy all our hopes of reaping
any benefit from this fortunate event. If you will only endeavour to
appear tranquil or unconcerned, you will quiet their suspicions, and I
have no doubt they will then let me go with them to the beach, supposing
that I merely go out of curiosity. Should I succeed in getting down to the
boats, I will make known the condition in which I have left you, and
measures may then be taken to secure our escape."

In the expediency of this I could not but acquiesce; and as the natives
had now completed their preparations, I watched with the liveliest
interest the reception that Toby's application might meet with. As soon as
they understood from my companion that I intended to remain, they appeared
to make no objection to this proposition, and even hailed it