His was a powerful system, needing much nourishment, and he must eat.

That hunger became so great that it was acute physical pain.

He was assailed by it at all points, and it could be repelled by only one thing, food.

He must go forth, taking all risks, and seek it.
He put on fresh wood, covering it with ashes in order that it might not blaze too high, and left the islet.

The stepping stones were slippery with water, and his moccasins soon became soaked again, but he forgot the cold and wet in that ferocious hunger, the attacks of which became more violent every minute.