andour and intelligence, I now had recourse to her, in
the midst of my alarm with regard to my companion.

My questions evidently distressed her. She looked round from one to
another of the bystanders, as if hardly knowing what answer to give me. At
last, yielding to my importunities, she overcame her scruples, and gave me
to understand that Toby had gone away with the boats which had visited the
bay, but had promised to return at the expiration of three days. At first
I accused him of perfidiously deserting me; but as I grew more composed, I
upbraided myself for imputing so cowardly an action to him, and
tranquillized myself with the belief that he had availed himself of the
opportunity to go round to Nukuheva, in order to make some arrangement by
which I could be removed from the valley. At any rate, thought I, he will
return with the medicines I require, and then, as soon as I recover, there
will be no difficulty in the way of our departure.

Consoling myself with these reflections, I lay down that night in a
happier frame of mind than I had done for some time. The next day passed
without any allusion to Toby on the part of the natives, who seemed
desirous of avoiding all reference to the subject. This raised some
apprehensions in my breast; but, when night came, I congratulated myself
that the second day had now gone by, and that on the morrow Toby would
again be with me. But the morrow came and went, and my companion did not
appear. Ah! thought I, he reckons three days from the morning of his
departure--to-morrow he will arrive. But that weary day also closed upon me
without his return. Even yet I would not despair. I thought that something
detained him--that he was waiting for the sailing of a boat at Nukuheva,
and that in a day or two, at farthest, I should see him again. But day
after day of renewed disappointment passed by; at last hope deserted me,
and I fell a victim to despair.

Yes, thought I, gloomily, he has secured his own escape, and cares not
what calamity may befall his unfortunate comrade. Fool that I was, to
suppose that any one would willingly encounter the perils of this valley,
after having once got beyond its limits! He has gone, and has left me to
combat alone all the dangers by which I am surrounded. Thus would I
sometimes seek to derive a desperate consolation from dwelling upon the
perfidy of Toby; whilst, at other times, I sunk under the bitter remorse
which I felt at having, by my own imp