consume--but that
I should be reserved for a festival, after their arrival in their own
country. Nor was I incorrect in my supposition; they collected together
all the bones, which they carried with them, and putting me on board,
hoisted their mat sails, and steered away for their own islands.

On the third day we arrived, when I was carried on shore and confined in
what I believe was a burying ground. They stuffed me every day with pork
and other victuals to keep me alive, and in good condition, but they
never cast me loose from the pole to which I was bound. I heard
processions, shouts, and lamentations for the dead; but I could see
nothing, for I was now too weak to turn on my side. When I had been a
week in this confined state, the agony arising from the swelling of my
limbs, and from the increased tightness of the ligatures was so great,
that I called for death to relieve me from my sufferings; and when I
once more found myself raised upon the shoulders of men, I was as
impatient for my approaching fate, as I should have been, under other
circumstances, for my release. My senses were gradually overpowered by
the pain, which was so much increased by the renewed suspension of my
body.

I have a distinct recollection of being placed on the ground in a large
circle--of the screams of a woman, and of a confused uproar, which
followed. When I came to my senses, I found myself in a hut, unbound,
and lying upon soft mats, with fomentations applied to my limbs; and
when my eyes opened, I beheld, hanging over me with an air of the
tenderest solicitude, the beautiful savage, whom I had found wounded,
and had succoured on the night of the affray. I subsequently learnt,
that when I had been brought into the circle, she had recognised me as
the person who had assisted her; that she claimed my life, pointing to
her wound, and producing the bandages with which I had bound it up, and
which were identified with the remainder, as part of the dress which I
still wore. A council was held, and as it appeared that I could not have
been with the party in the ship, for I had been taken prisoner in the
woods, near to where the girl lay, after many speeches pro and con, it
was decided that my life should be spared, and that I should be married
to the girl who had been the means of preserving it. She had carried me
away to her hut, and was now returning the debt of gratitude which she
had incurred.

Owing to her unwearied kindness and atte