268 TYE AND SUALIB. 



To retrace my steps was now impossible, and I was completely 

 ignorant how far I should be forced to walk before I should be in 

 safety. I pushed on until I was completely exhausted, and, more- 

 over, found myself stopped by a thicket of mangroves, which was 

 utterly impassable. I lay down upon the sand, determined to await 

 here until some surveying boat might chance to pass ; this was but a 

 poor alternative, as I was not aware the island was to be surveyed in 

 this manner, nor was it so surveyed. I had heard that it was in- 

 habited, and of course could have little hope of kindness from a 

 Feejee native. I pushed on a short distance, and lay down quite 

 worn out. I had had no food or drink for eight or nine hours, and 

 had been incessantly upon the move in a very hot day ; the muscles 

 of my legs were cramped and painful, and I could go no farther. I 

 committed myself to fortune. I had lain a few moments only when 

 I heard voices behind me, and looking around saw two huge natives, 

 both well armed and running to the spot where I was lying ; one 

 was entirely naked, and the other wore a maro only. I was totally 

 unarmed, and rising, offered my hand to the foremost one, at the 

 same time giving them the native greeting. I was rejoiced to see 

 that one of them was a Tongese. They shook hands with me in the 

 most friendly manner, at the same time expressing and inquiring 

 where I came from, who I was, and how I got there. I told them, as 

 well as I could, that I was a ' Turanga Papalangi,' belonging to a 

 ' huanga-levu,' lying in the bay, and had lost my way ; at the same 

 time requesting them to guide me back to her, and provide me with 

 water to quench my thirst. After a little parley, during which they 

 were joined by two other Feejee men, they despatched one after 

 cocoa-nuts, and began to examine my clothes and body, showing 

 great curiosity, but being very respectful and good-natured. The 

 nuts were soon brought, and, refreshed by the delicious draught, I 

 set off to follow my guides, not without great distrust. But a short 

 distance was sufficient to deprive me of all strength, and I could drag 

 myself no farther ; after a consultation, one of them took me upon 

 his back and carried me through the mangroves, another proceeding 

 with a hatchet, to cut a path. At last I was brought safely to the 

 spot where I had landed from the brig ; guns from the brig, fired for 

 me, served to guide my leaders. A boat was immediately sent for 

 me, and I was taken on board, worn out with fatigue, but full of joy 

 and gratitude for my safe return." 



These men accompanied Dr. Holmes on board, and were liberally 



