Chapter Thirty-four - Page 2

I was alive only to the one overwhelming idea, that a chance of
deliverance was now afforded me, if the jealous opposition of the
savages could be overcome.

Having been prohibited from approaching the sea during the whole
of my stay in the valley, I had always associated with it the
idea of escape. Toby too--if indeed he had ever voluntarily
deserted me--must have effected this flight by the sea; and now
that I was drawing near to it myself, I indulged in hopes which I
had never felt before. It was evident that a boat had entered
the bay, and I saw little reason to doubt the truth of the report
that it had brought my companion. Every time therefore that we
gained an elevation, I looked eagerly around, hoping to behold
him. In the midst of an excited throng, who by their violent
gestures and wild cries appeared to be under the influence of
some excitement as strong as my own, I was now borne along at a
rapid trot, frequently stooping my head to avoid the branches
which crossed the path, and never ceasing to implore those who
carried me to accelerate their already swift pace.

In this manner we had proceeded about four or five miles, when we
were met by a party of some twenty islanders, between whom and
those who accompanied me ensued an animated conference.
Impatient of the delay occasioned by this interruption, I was
beseeching the man who carried me to proceed without his
loitering companions, when Kory-Kory, running to my side,
informed me, in three fatal words, that the news had all proved,
false--that Toby had not arrived--'Toby owlee pemi'. Heaven 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