I do not think he quite believes us; but
here, fortunately, I have brought some water. He is suffering from
thirst; lift up his head, and I will pour a few drops down his throat."

This was done; and Mr Hooker--asking me to watch the man, after we had
placed him higher up on the beach--giving me his flask, hurried off with
the rest of the party to the Flagstaff Rock.

I confess I was somewhat disappointed, as I thought I should be able to
get a better view of the movements of the English ship from thence. I
continued, however, to apply the flask to the man's mouth, he every now
and then making signs that he was suffering from thirst. I looked out
seaward, where I could still see the ship, and she seemed to me to be
standing towards the shore. How eagerly my heart beat with the thoughts
of being once more on board, and on my way to a civilised land! Not
that I was weary of my stay on the island; but I knew how anxious
Captain and Mrs Davenport must be about their daughter: and she, too,
poor girl, was pining sadly for them.

I lost sight of the party for some time, till at length I saw them
clambering up on a point of the rock where our flagstaff stood. It was
still there, though the flag had been carried away. Presently I saw
Roger Trew mounting to the top to re-reeve the halliards; and then up
went the huge white cloth, which flew out in the breeze against the
dark-green foliage of the forest. That surely must be seen, I thought.
The party stood round it, keeping their telescopes fixed on the distant
ship. Presently I saw that some movement was taking place on board.
Alas! the ship was tacking, and away she stood from the island. Perhaps
she will tack again, and once more stand in for the shore, I thought.
With difficulty could I take my eyes off her, to attend to the wounded
Malay. His low voice asking for water again drew my attention to him.
Although his brow was low and his eyes somewhat close together and
turned inwards, the expression of his countenance was not so bad as that
of many of his people; and I thought even that he gave a smile of
gratitude as I occasionally let a few drops of water trickle down his
throat.

The ship stood on and on. Once more she tacked, and my hopes revived.
She was, however, by this time a considerable distance along the coast,
and I could scarcely hope that our signal had been seen. I had been
keeping my eyes on her for some time, without turning my head, when I
hea