lunder, I concluded that if I could
effect unperceived a passage to the mountains, I might easily remain among
them, supporting myself by such fruits as came in my way until the sailing
of the ship, an event of which I could not fail to be immediately
apprized, as from my lofty position I should command a view of the entire
harbour.

The idea pleased me greatly. It seemed to combine a great deal of
practicability with no inconsiderable enjoyment in a quiet way; for how
delightful it would be to look down upon the detested old vessel from the
height of some thousand feet, and contrast the verdant scenery about me
with the recollection of her narrow decks and gloomy forecastle! Why, it
was really refreshing even to think of it; and so I straightway fell to
picturing myself seated beneath a cocoa-nut tree on the brow of the
mountain, with a cluster of plantains within easy reach, criticizing her
nautical evolutions as she was working her way out of the harbour.

To be sure there was one rather unpleasant drawback to these agreeable
anticipations--the possibility of falling in with a foraging party of these
same bloody-minded Typees, whose appetites, edged perhaps by the air of so
elevated a region, might prompt them to devour one. This, I must confess,
was the most disagreeable view of the matter.

Just to think of a party of these unnatural gourmands taking it into their
heads to make a convivial meal of a poor devil, who would have no means of
escape or defence: however, there was no help for it. I was willing to
encounter some risks in order to accomplish my object, and counted much
upon my ability to elude these prowling cannibals amongst the many coverts
which the mountains afforded. Besides, the chances were ten to one in my
favour that they would none of them quit their own fastnesses.

I had determined not to communicate my design of withdrawing from the
vessel to any of my shipmates, and least of all to solicit any one to
accompany me in my flight. But it so happened one night, that being upon
deck, revolving over in my mind various plans of escape, I perceived one
of the ship's company leaning over the bulwarks, apparently plunged in a
profound reverie. He was a young fellow about my own age, for whom I had
all along entertained a great regard; and Toby, such was the name by which
he went among us, for his real name he would never tell us, was every way
worthy of it. He was active, ready, and obliging, of daunt