Thus only could we account for his conduct.
Some of the party, however, with a devotion to principle truly heroic, swore they would never leave him, happen what might.

For my own part, I began to long for a change; and as there seemed to be no getting away in a ship, I resolved to hit upon some other expedient.

But first, I cast about for a comrade; and of course the long doctor was chosen.

We at once laid our heads together; and for the present, resolved to disclose nothing to the rest.
A few days previous, I had fallen in with a couple of Yankee lads, twins, who, originally deserting their ship at Tanning's Island (an uninhabited spot, but exceedingly prolific in fruit of all kinds), had, after a long residence there, roved about among the Society group.

They were last from Imeeo--the island immediately adjoining--where they had been in the employ of two foreigners who had recently started a plantation there.