In the mean time reflecting that neither my tears nor sorrow could revive the youth, and that as the forty days were now concluding, I should be surprised by the father, I went out of this subterraneous building, and ascended to the top of the stairs. I replaced the large stone over the entrance, and covered it with the earth. I had scarcely finished, when looking towards the main land, I perceived the vessel which was coming for the young man. Meditating what plan I should pursue, I said to myself, “If I let them see me, it is probable the old man will seize me and order his slaves to murder me, when he shall have discovered his son in the state in which I left him. Whatever I could allege in my own justification would never persuade him of my innocence. It is surely better, then, to withdraw myself from his sight, while I have the power, than expose myself to his resentment.” Near the subterraneous cavern there was a large tree, the thick foliage of which seemed to me well adapted for concealment. I immediately got up into it, and had no sooner placed myself so as not to be seen, than I observed the vessel come to land in the same place it had before done. The old man and the slaves instantly came on shore, and approached the subterraneous dwelling in a manner that showed they had some hopes. But when they saw that the ground had been lately disturbed, they changed colour, especially the old man. They then lifted up the stone and descended the stairs. They called the young man by his name, but no answer was returned. Their fears redoubled. They searched about, and at last found him stretched on his couch with the knife through his heart, for I had not had the courage to draw it out. On seeing this they uttered such lamentable cries that my tears flowed afresh. The old man fainted, and the slaves brought him out in their arms, that he might feel the air, and for this purpose they placed him at the foot of the very tree in which I was. Notwithstanding all their cares, this unfortunate father remained so long in this state, that they more than once despaired of his life. He at length recovered from this long fainting fit. The slaves then went down and brought up the body of his son, clothed in his finest garments, and as soon as the grave which they made was ready, they put the body in. The old man, supported by two slaves, with his face bathed in tears, threw in the first piece of earth, after which the slaves filled up the grave. This being done, the furniture and remainder of the provisions were put on board the vessel. The old man, overcome with sorrow, was unable to support himself, and was therefore carried to the vessel in a sort of litter by the slaves, and they immediately put to sea. They soon got to a considerable distance from the island, and I lost sight of them.