But we were prevented from carrying out our purpose by the women-folk, who thereafter kept a strict watch over us.

It seemed to me, so embarrassing were the attentions of the women, that these pitiable but cruel creatures were warned by the chief that, if anything befell us, they themselves would get into dire trouble.

All this time, I could not seem to think or concentrate my mind on the events that had happened.

I acted mechanically, and I am absolutely certain that neither Gladys nor myself realised our appalling position.
"In the meantime, it seems, a most sanguinary fight had taken place among four of the principal blacks who had assisted in the attack upon our sailors, the object of the fight being to decide who should take possession of us.
"One night we managed to slip out of the camp without attracting the notice of the women, and at once rushed down to the beach, intending to throw ourselves into the water, and so end a life which was far worse than death.

We were, unfortunately, missed, and just as we were getting beyond our depth a party of furious blacks rushed down to the shore, waded out into the water and brought as out.
"After this incident our liberty was curtailed altogether, and we were moved away.