and the roof was covered with broad cocoa-nut and plantain leaves.
But every part of it was in a state of the utmost decay. Moss and
green matter grew in spots all over it. The woodwork was quite
perforated with holes; the roof had nearly fallen in, and appeared
to be prevented from doing so altogether by the thick matting of
creeping-plants and the interlaced branches which years of neglect
had allowed to cover it almost entirely; while the thick, luxuriant
branches of the bread-fruit and other trees spread above it, and
flung a deep, sombre shadow over the spot, as if to guard it from
the heat and the light of day. We conversed long and in whispers
about this strange habitation ere we ventured to approach it; and
when at length we did so it was, at least on my part, with feelings
of awe.

At first Jack endeavoured to peep in at the window, but from the
deep shadow of the trees already mentioned, and the gloom within,
he could not clearly discern objects; so we lifted the latch and
pushed open the door. We observed that the latch was made of iron,
and almost eaten away with rust. In the like condition were also
the hinges, which creaked as the door swung back. On entering, we
stood still and gazed around us, while we were much impressed with
the dreary stillness of the room. But what we saw there surprised
and shocked us not a little. There was no furniture in the
apartment save a little wooden stool and an iron pot, the latter
almost eaten through with rust. In the corner farthest from the
door was a low bedstead, on which lay two skeletons, imbedded in a
little heap of dry dust. With beating hearts we went forward to
examine them. One was the skeleton of a man, the other that of a
dog, which was extended close beside that of the man, with its head
resting on his bosom