Should I succeed in getting down to the boats, I will make known the condition in which I have left you, and measures may then be taken to secure our escape.' In the expediency of this I could not but acquiesce; and as the natives had now completed their preparations, I watched with the liveliest interest the reception that Toby's application might meet with.

As soon as they understood from my companion that I intended to remain, they appeared to make no objection to his proposition, and even hailed it with pleasure.

Their singular conduct on this occasion not a little puzzled me at the time, and imparted to subsequent events an additional mystery.
The islanders were now to be seen hurrying along the path which led to the sea.

I shook Toby warmly by the hand, and gave him my Payta hat to shield his wounded head from the sun, as he had lost his own.

He cordially returned the pressure of my hand, and solemnly promising to return as soon as the boats should leave the shore, sprang from my side, and the next minute disappeared in a turn of the grove.
In spite of the unpleasant reflections that crowded upon my mind, I could not but be entertained by the novel and animated sight which by now met my view.