us
parts of the island. You may ask, how is it that I have not as little
remorse as the other inhabitants? The fact is, that I was naturally of a
kind and tender heart; and my mother, who lamented it because she felt
that it would not add to my happiness in this world of cruelty and
deceit, was more than ever anxious that I should drink the waters; but
what is forced upon us in childhood, is generally remembered as we grow
up with disgust. The consequence is, that I have never used the waters
since her death, which happened when I was but seven years old. Had I
not made this discovery, in all probability you and all your companions
would have fallen victims this evening, when the banquet will be spread
and the water will be produced as before. My prepossession in your
favour has, I trust, been the means of preserving the lives of those who
remain."

"Cursed treachery!" exclaimed I; "and now, what is to be done?"

"You must escape. Caution your men not to drink this evening, and make
some excuse to repair on board for an hour or two in the forenoon of
to-morrow. As for me----"

"Without you, princess, I cannot--will not go. Either consent to
accompany me, or here I stay, risking all; for I had sooner be a
senseless statue upon a plinth in the portico of your abode, than quit
the island with a broken heart."

"Then he is true; and there are some who are good--some who are not
deceitful in this world;" exclaimed the princess, falling on her knees,
as the tears trickled down her cheeks. "I am sure you'll treat me
kindly," continued she, holding my hand in hers; "if you do not, I shall
die."

I pressed her to my bosom, and vowed to love her till death; and we
hastened back to my chamber, that we might consult upon our
arrangements. I found an opportunity, in the course of the forenoon, to
acquaint all my companions of their danger, except one whom I could not
meet with.

In the evening we again sat down to the banquet, and soon after the
water had been produced, the one who had not been warned fell off his
chair in a state of intoxication. I made this an excuse for drinking no
more. Assuming an angry tone towards my companions, I apologised to the
king for their want of respect in his presence, and rose from the table
in spite of all his remonstrances. The next morning I stated to the king
that I wished to return to my ship for an hour or two, that I might
bring him a present of ivory, which I had been informed would