g the night in a strange place. I therefore
invited Macco to descend, that we might rest more comfortably in my
cavern. I here had, as I before said, a supply of food, to which Macco
did justice, for I found that he had been a long time without a meal.

His history was a brief one. He had remained for some time as a slave
among the Papuans, and had then been sold by them to some traders, who
were carrying him off, when they were attacked by the pirates, into
whose possession he thus fell. They had compelled him to work at the
oars in their boats. The labour, he said, he did not so much mind, as
the fearful scenes of cruelty which he was obliged to witness. He
therefore determined to make his escape on the first opportunity.
Having lived so well on our island, he determined to hide himself on
landing on this one, preferring to live a life of solitude to the
society of heathen savages. "Now, Massa Walter, I no care. Oliver
always say One above look after poor people who lub him, and now I know
he does." We slept soundly in our cave, and at the earliest dawn
clambered back into our aerie.

I had been longing for a companion from the time I landed, and often and
often thought how far better would have been my lot if I had had Oliver
or Macco with me; and here the latter had been sent to bear me company.
We spent the day in our hiding-place, for we were afraid that the Malays
might renew their search for Macco; and we could still hear them in the
far distance, their voices reaching to the top of the rock over the
heads of the trees. I was proposing to descend to try and see what they
were about, when again we heard their voices drawing near. We could not
help feeling anxious, lest on this occasion they might discover us.

"But we must hope for the best," I said half aloud.

"Yes, Massa Walter, hope for de best," repeated Macco; "and if it no
come, still hope for de best. All best when we put trust in God."

Once more we caught sight of the Malays forcing their way through the
forest, and calling to each other, evidently again searching for Macco.
Several times I thought they were coming close up to the mouth of the
cavern, and once a party of them stopped directly under where we were
concealed. I held my breath with anxiety, and my heart once more
bounded as if released from a weight when I saw them take their way
through the forest.

We again passed the night in my abode, and afterwards climbed up to the