eaven only knows how,
in the state of mind and body I then was, I ever sustained the agony which
this intelligence caused me; not that the news was altogether unexpected,
but I had trusted that the fact might not have been made known until we
should have arrived upon the beach. As it was, I at once foresaw the
course the savages would pursue. They had only yielded thus far to my
entreaties, that I might give a joyful welcome to my long-lost comrade;
but now that it was known he had not arrived, they would at once oblige me
to turn back.

My anticipations were but too correct. In spite of the resistance I made,
they carried me into a house which was near the spot, and left me upon the
mats. Shortly afterwards, several of those who had accompanied me from the
Ti, detaching themselves from the others, proceeded in the direction of
the sea. Those who remained--among whom were Marheyo, Mow-Mow, Kory-Kory,
and Tinor--gathered about the dwelling, and appeared to be awaiting their
return.

This convinced me that strangers--perhaps some of my own countrymen--had for
some cause or other entered the bay. Distracted at the idea of their
vicinity, and reckless of the pain which I suffered, I heeded not the
assurances of the islanders that there were no boats at the beach, but,
starting to my feet, endeavoured to gain the door. Instantly the passage
was blocked up by several men, who commanded me to resume my seat. The
fierce looks of the irritated savages admonished me that I could gain
nothing by force, and that it was by entreaty alone that I could hope to
compass my object.

Guided by this consideration, I turned to Mow-Mow, the only chief present,
whom I had been much in the habit of seeing, and, carefully concealing my
real design, tried to make him comprehend that I still believed Toby to
have arrived on the shore, and besought him to allow me to go forward to
welcome him. To all his repeated assertions that my companion had not been
seen, I pretended to turn a deaf ear: while I urged my solicitations with
an eloquence of gesture which the one-eyed chief appeared unable to
resist. He seemed, indeed, to regard me as a froward child, to whose
wishes he had not the heart to oppose force, and whom he must consequently
humour. He spoke a few words to the natives, who at once retreated from
the door, and I immediately passed out of the house.

Here I looked earnestly round for Kory-Kory; but that hitherto faithful
servitor was n