out, "Don't leave me," but I heeded him not, and sat down at the edge
of the fiat ledge of the rock before the cabin. Looking at the white
dancing waves, and deep in my own thoughts, I considered a long while
how I should behave towards him. I did not wish him to die, as I knew
he must if I left him. He could not obtain water from the rill
without a great chance of falling over the cliff. In fact, I was now
fully aware of his helpless state; to prove it to myself, I rose and
shut my own eyes; tried if I could venture to move on such dangerous
ground, and I felt sure that I could not. He was then in my power; he
could do nothing; he must trust to me for almost everything. I had
said, let what would follow, I would be master and he boy; but that
could not be, as I must still attend upon him, or he would die. At
last the thought came suddenly upon me--I will be master,
nevertheless, for now he shall answer me all my questions, tell me
all he knows, or he shall starve. He is in my power. He shall now do
what I have ever tried to make him do, and he has ever refused.
Having thus arranged my plans, I returned to the cabin, and said to
him:

"Hear what I say--I will be kind to you, and not leave you to
starve, if you will do what I ask."

"And what is that?" replied he.

"For a long while I have asked you many questions, and you have
refused to answer them. Instead of telling me what I would know, you
have beaten or thrown stones at me, called me names, and threatened
me. I now give you your choice--either you shall promise to answer
every question that I put to you, or you may live how you can, for I
shall leave you to help yourself. If you do as I wish, I will do all