 it 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 wish. He seemed to me on this particular occasion, as well as often
afterward, to be executing the orders of some other person with regard to me,
though at the same time feeling toward 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 his proposition, and even hailed it with pleasure. Their singular conduct on
this occasion not a little puzzled me at the
