We remained standing in front of Benson, while he lolled on the ground at his ease, until it seemed impossible to remain on my feet another second longer. The work of climbing up the mountain had brought us almost to the verge of exhaustion, which was forgotten for the time being in our fears, but now made itself felt more keenly than before. Save for that of which I have already spoken, not a sound had been heard to give token that there were other human beings on the island, and I began to believe that neither Happars nor Typees were within many miles of us. "Look here, Benson," I finally said, speaking as though he was in my power rather than I in his, "if you keep us standing here much longer it'll be a case of carrying us bodily to the roasting-place, for we've had more of a tramp this day than is really good for our bones." "If you so much as move a finger, I'll shoot you like curs." "Shoot and have done with it!" Phil cried boldly, scuffling his feet and waving his arm to provoke the fellow. "I allow that it's within your power to carry us where we'll be roasted and eaten, therefore the greatest favor you can do is to shoot now without further parley." Having said this Phil threw himself on the ground, dragging me with him, and I could have kissed the lad for displaying so much spirit while I was acting the more cowardly part. Benson did not shoot, and for two very good reasons: first, he wanted to carry us in as prisoners that he might gain credit for having captured two white fellows; and secondly, because he dared not discharge his musket, lest by so doing he bring down upon him a party of Happars, or, perhaps, some of our own men. I believe that I would have welcomed death if it came in the guise of a musket ball, so positive did I feel that we should be delivered to the Typees within a certain length of time, when I had good cause for knowing what our fate would be; and I would have done anything within my power to provoke him into killing us quickly, even though I was usually so cowardly when death seemed near at hand. Strange, and almost extravagant, as it may seem, Phil's eyes were closed in slumber within a very few minutes after he was stretched at full length upon the ground. The dear lad was so nearly exhausted after his long climb and the subsequent struggle with the stiff yellow weeds, that bodily fatigue caused him to forget the danger. I, who was probably less weary, could not have lost myself in the unconsciousness of slumber even though my bed had been the most rest-inviting ever made. Death was standing very near to me at that time, and I believed the supreme moment must come before many hours had passed, for it was not probable we would be aided by those of our crew who had gone to fight the battles of the friendly Happars.