fatigues of his exertions, as if anxious to make amends for the
pain to which he had subjected me, now took some herbs out of a
little wallet that was suspended from his waist, and moistening
them in water, applied them to the inflamed part, stooping over
it at the same time, and either whispering a spell, or having a
little confidential chat with some imaginary demon located in the
calf of my leg. My limb was now swathed in leafy bandages, and
grateful to Providence for the cessation of hostilities, I was
suffered to rest.

Mehevi shortly after rose to depart; but before he went he spoke
authoritatively to one of the natives whom he addressed as
Kory-Kory; and from the little I could understand of what took
place, pointed him out to me as a man whose peculiar business
thenceforth would be to attend upon my person. I am not certain
that I comprehended as much as this at the time, but the
subsequent conduct of my trusty body-servant fully assured me
that such must have been the case.

I could not but be amused at the manner in which the chief
addressed me upon this occasion, talking to me for at least
fifteen or twenty minutes as calmly as if I could understand
every word that he said. I remarked this peculiarity very often
afterwards in many other of the islanders.

Mehevi having now departed, and the family physician having
likewise made his exit, we were left about sunset with ten or
twelve natives, who by this time I had ascertained composed the
household of which Toby and I were members. As the dwelling to
which we had been first introduced was the place of my permanent