this small particle of food that under other circumstances it
would have been impossible for the most delicate viands to have
imparted. A copious draught of the pure water which flowed at
our feet served to complete the meal, and after it we rose
sensibly refreshed, and prepared for whatever might befall us.

We now carefully examined the chasm in which we had passed the
night. We crossed the stream, and gaining the further side of
the pool I have mentioned, discovered proofs that the spot must
have been visited by some one but a short time previous to our
arrival. Further observation convinced us that it had been
regularly frequented, and, as we afterwards conjectured from
particular indications, for the purpose of obtaining a certain
root, from which the natives obtained a kind of ointment.

These discoveries immediately determined us to abandon a place
which had presented no inducement for us to remain, except the
promise of security; and as we looked about us for the means of
ascending again into the upper regions, we at last found a
practicable part of the rock, and half an hour's toil carried us
to the summit of the same cliff from which the preceding evening
we had descended.

I now proposed to Toby that instead of rambling about the island,
exposing ourselves to discovery at every turn, we should select
some place as our fixed abode for as long a period as our food
should hold out, build ourselves a comfortable hut, and be as
prudent and circumspect as possible. To all this my companion
assented, and we at once set about carrying the plan into
execution.