ndy shore. The
fatigue and want of food had thoroughly exhausted my strength. I had no
sooner landed than I threw myself on the ground, and fell into a deep
sleep, which lasted until day. When I awoke I found the sun's rays
were shining full upon me: it was near seven o'clock. On any other
occasion I should have been ashamed of my laziness, but could I feel
dissatisfied with myself for sleeping soundly after thirty-six hours'
fasting, and spent in such extraordinary exertions? During my sleep
one of my Indians went into the village in search of provisions, and
I found excellent rice and salt fish near me. We made a delicious and
splendid breakfast. My Indians, on behalf of the inhabitants, asked me
to go to the village, and spend the day, but I was too eager to reach
home. I knew by walking quickly we could get through the mountains,
and arrive at night on the banks of the lake, within a few hours'
journey from my house. I determined to start without any delay. We took
our things out of the boat; the little sail retook its former shape,
as a sack, to hold the skulls and the skeleton, the cause of all the
disasters to which we had been exposed, and, with reunited strength,
and abundant provisions for the day, we began to mount the high hills
which separate the gulf of Maoban from the lake of Bay. The journey
was laborious and painful. At seven o'clock we embarked on the lake,
and towards midnight we reached Jala-Jala, where I very speedily
forgot all the toil and trouble of my long and dangerous journey,
while pressing my son in my arms and covering him with paternal kisses.
My excellent friend Vidie, to whom I sold my house and establishment,
gave me letters which he had received from Manilla, and from them I
learned that my presence was desired there on affairs of importance. I
resolved to start on the following day.
CHAPTER XIII
I Determine not again to Separate from my Son--I take
him to Manilla--The Effects of the Wound I received among
the Ajetas--My Recovery--Kindness of the Spanish and other
Inhabitants of Manilla--Illness of my Son--I return with him to
Jala-Jala--Sorrowful Remembrances--The Death of my poor Boy--His
Interment--My frantic Grief and Despair--I Determine to Quit the
Philippines--I am Called to Manilla by Madame Dolores Seneris--My
Final Departure from Jala-Jala--I Arrive at Manilla, where I
resume Practice as a Surgeon--I Embark for France--Disco
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