All that I could comprehend of the particulars which Mow-Mow rehearsed
to his auditors as we proceeded, was that my long-lost companion had
arrived in a boat which had just entered the bay. These tidings made me
most anxious to be carried at once to the sea, lest some untoward
circumstance should prevent our meeting; but to this they would not
consent, and continued their course towards the royal abode. As we
approached it, Mehevi and several chiefs showed themselves from the
piazza, and called upon us loudly to come to them.
As soon as we had approached, I endeavoured to make them understand
that I was going down to the sea to meet Toby. To this the king
objected, and motioned Kory-Kory to bring me into the house. It was in
vain to resist; and in a few moments I found myself within the Ti,
surrounded by a noisy group engaged in discussing the recent
intelligence. Toby’s name was frequently repeated, coupled with violent
exclamations of astonishment. It seemed as if they yet remained in
doubt with regard to the fact of his arrival, and at every fresh report
that was brought from the shore they betrayed the liveliest emotions.
Almost frenzied at being held in this state of suspense, I passionately
besought Mehevi to permit me to proceed. Whether my companion had
arrived or not, I felt a presentiment that my own fate was about to be
decided. Again and again I renewed my petition to Mehevi. He regarded
me with a fixed and serious eye, but at length, yielding to my
importunity, reluctantly granted my request.
Accompanied by some fifty of the natives, I now rapidly continued my
journey, every few moments being transferred from the back of one to
another, and urging my bearer forward all the while with earnest
entreaties. As I thus hurried forward, no doubt as to the truth of the
information I had received ever crossed my mind. I was alive only to
the one overwhelming idea, that a chance of deliverance was now
afforded me, if the jealous opposition of the savages could be
overcome.
Having been prohibited from approaching the sea during the whole of my
stay in the valley, I had always associated with it the idea of escape.
Toby, too,—if indeed he had ever voluntarily deserted me,—must have
effected his flight by the sea; and now that I was drawing near to it
myself, I indulged in hopes which I had never felt before. It was
evident that a boat had entered the bay, and I saw little reason to
doubt the truth of the report that it had brought my companion. Every
time, therefore, that we gained an elevation, I looked eagerly around,
hoping to behold him.
In the midst of an excited throng, who by their violent gestures and
wild cries appeared to be under the influence of some excitement as
strong as my own, I was now borne along at a rapid trot, frequently
stooping my head to avoid the branches which crossed the path, and
never ceasing to implore those who carried me to accelerate their
already swift pace.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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