They did not touch me, but merely showed the natural curiosity which is felt at the sight of a foreigner who has appeared unexpectedly.

There was a scrupulous delicacy and a careful and even ceremonious politeness in their attitude toward me which was at once amazing and delightful.

All fear and anxiety had now left me; in the gentle manners and amiable faces of these people I saw enough to assure me of kind treatment; and in my deep joy and gratitude for this even my hunger was for a time forgotten.
At length the chief motioned to me to follow him.

He led the way to the cabin, where, opening the door, he entered, and I followed, after which the others came in also and then the door was shut.

At first I could see nothing.