s if they yet remained in doubt with regard to the fact of his
arrival, and at every fresh report that was brought from the shore they
betrayed the liveliest emotions.

Almost frenzied at being held in this state of suspense, I passionately
besought Mehevi to permit me to proceed. Whether my companion had arrived
or not, I felt a presentiment that my own fate was about to be decided.
Again and again I renewed my petition to Mehevi. He regarded me with a
fixed and serious eye, but at length, yielding to my importunity,
reluctantly granted my request.

Accompanied by some fifty of the natives, I now rapidly continued my
journey, every few moments being transferred from the back of one to
another, and urging my bearer forward all the while with earnest
entreaties. As I thus hurried forward, no doubt as to the truth of the
information I had received ever crossed my mind. I was alive only to the
one overwhelming idea, that a chance of deliverance was now afforded me,
if the jealous opposition of the savages could be overcome.

Having been prohibited from approaching the sea during the whole of my
stay in the valley, I had always associated with it the idea of escape.
Toby, too,--if indeed he had ever voluntarily deserted me,--must have
effected his flight by the sea; and now that I was drawing near to it
myself, I indulged in hopes which I had never felt before. It was evident
that a boat had entered the bay, and I saw little reason to doubt the
truth of the report that it had brought my companion. Every time,
therefore, that we gained an elevation, I looked eagerly around, hoping to
behold him.

In the midst of an excited throng, who by their violent gestures and wild
cries appeared to be under the influence of some excitement as strong as
my own, I was now borne along at a rapid trot, frequently stooping my head
to avoid the branches which crossed the path, and never ceasing to implore
those who carried me to accelerate their already swift pace.

In this manner we had proceeded about four or five miles, when we were met
by a party of some twenty islanders, between whom and those who
accompanied me ensued an animated conference. Impatient of the delay
occasioned by this interruption, I was beseeching the man who carried me
to proceed without his loitering companions, when Kory-Kory, running to my
side, informed me, in three fatal words, that the news had all proved
false--that Toby had not arrived--"Toby owlee permi." H