owhere to be seen. Unwilling to linger even for a single
instant when every moment might be so important, I motioned to a muscular
fellow near me to take me upon his back: to my surprise he angrily
refused. I turned to another, but with a like result. A third attempt was
as unsuccessful, and I immediately perceived what had induced Mow-Mow to
grant my request, and why the other natives conducted themselves in so
strange a manner. It was evident that the chief had only given me liberty
to continue my progress towards the sea, because he supposed that I was
deprived of the means of reaching it.

Convinced by this of their determination to retain me a captive, I became
desperate; and almost insensible to the pain which I suffered, I seized a
spear which was leaning against the projecting eaves of the house, and,
supporting myself with it, resumed the path that swept by the dwelling. To
my surprise, I was suffered to proceed alone, all the natives remaining in
front of the house, and engaging in earnest conversation, which every
moment became more loud and vehement; and, to my unspeakable delight, I
perceived that some difference of opinion had arisen between them; that
two parties, in short, were formed, and consequently that, in their
divided counsels, there was some chance of my deliverance.

Before I had proceeded a hundred yards I was again surrounded by the
savages, who were still in all the heat of argument, and appeared every
moment as if they would come to blows. In the midst of this tumult old
Marheyo came to my side, and I shall never forget the benevolent
expression of his countenance. He placed his arm upon my shoulder, and
emphatically pronounced one expressive English word I had taught
him--"Home." I at once understood what he meant, and eagerly expressed my
thanks to him. Fayaway and Kory-Kory were by his side, both weeping
violently; and it was not until the old man had twice repeated the command
that his son could bring himself to obey him, and take me again upon his
back. The one-eyed chief opposed his doing so, but he was overruled, and,
as it seemed to me, by some of his own party.

We proceeded onwards, and never shall I forget the ecstacy I felt when I
first heard the roar of the surf breaking upon the beach. Before long, I
saw the flashing billows themselves through the opening between the trees.
Oh! glorious sight and sound of ocean! with what rapture did I hail you as
familiar friends. By this tim