g expired, I might be surprised by his father, I
quitted the subterranean dwelling, laid down the great stone upon the
entrance, and covered it with earth. I again ascended into the tree
which had previously sheltered me, when I saw the expected vessel
approaching the shore.

The old man with his slaves landed immediately, and advanced toward
the subterranean dwelling, with a countenance that showed some hope;
but when they saw the earth had been newly removed, they changed
color, particularly the old man. They lifted up the stone, and
descended the stairs. They called the young man by his name, but no
answer was returned. Their fears redoubled. They searched about, and
at last found him stretched on his couch, with the knife through his
heart, for I had not had the courage to draw it out. On seeing this,
they uttered such lamentable cries that my tears flowed afresh. The
unfortunate father continued a long while insensible, and made them
more than once despair of his life; but at last he came to himself.
The slaves then brought up his son's body, dressed in his best
apparel, and when they had made a grave they buried it. The old man,
supported by two slaves, and his face covered with tears, threw the
first earth upon the body, after which the slaves filled up the grave.

This being done, all the furniture was brought up, and, with the
remaining provisions, put on board the vessel. The old man, overcome
with sorrow, was carried upon a litter to the ship, which stood out to
sea, and in a short time was out of sight.

After the old man and his slaves were gone I was left alone upon the
island. I lay that night in the subterranean dwelling, which they had
shut up, and when the day came, I walked round the island.

I led this wearisome life for a whole month. At the expiration of this
time I perceived that the sea had sunk so low that there remained
between me and the continent but a small stream, which I crossed, and
the water did not reach above the middle of my leg. At last I got upon
more firm ground. When I had proceeded some distance from the sea I
saw a good way before me something that resembled a great fire, which
afforded me some comfort; for I said to myself, I shall here find some
persons, it not being possible that this fire should kindle of itself.
As I drew nearer, however, I found my error, and discovered that what
I had taken for a fire was a castle of red copper, which the beams of
the sun made to appe