inexplicable.

During my whole stay on the island there occurred but two or three
instances where the natives applied to me with the view of availing
themselves of my superior information; and these now appear so ludicrous
that I cannot forbear relating them.

The few things we had brought from Nukuheva had been done up into a small
bundle which we had carried with us in our descent to the valley. This
bundle, the first night of our arrival, I had used as a pillow, but on the
succeeding morning, opening it for the inspection of the natives, they
gazed upon the miscellaneous contents as though I had just revealed to
them a casket of diamonds, and they insisted that so precious a treasure
should be properly secured. A line was accordingly attached to it, and the
other end being passed over the ridge-pole of the house, it was hoisted up
to the apex of the roof, where it hung suspended directly over the mats
where I usually reclined. When I desired anything from it I merely raised
my finger to a bamboo beside me, and taking hold of the string which was
there fastened, lowered the package. This was exceedingly handy, and I
took care to let the natives understand how much I applauded the
invention. Of this package the chief contents were a razor with its case,
a supply of needles and thread, a pound or two of tobacco, and a few yards
of a bright-coloured calico.

I should have mentioned, that shortly after Toby's disappearance,
perceiving the uncertainty of the time I might be obliged to remain in the
valley,--if, indeed, I ever should escape from it,--and considering that my
whole wardrobe consisted of a shirt and a pair of trousers, I resolved to
doff these garments at once, in order to preserve them in a suitable
condition for wear, should I again appear among civilized beings. I was
consequently obliged to assume the Typee costume, a little altered,
however, to suit my own views of propriety, and in which I have no doubt I
appeared to as much advantage as a senator of Rome enveloped in the folds
of his toga. A few folds of yellow tappa, tucked about my waist, descended
to my feet in the style of a lady's petticoat, only I did not have
recourse to those voluminous paddings in the rear with which our gentle
dames are in the habit of augmenting the sublime rotundity of their
figures. This usually comprised my in-door dress: whenever I walked out, I
superadded to it an ample robe of the same material, which completely
envel