were in chains, and I felt sure that all was not right. Then I
saw that the three men who had been bound were set free; and when
they had come on shore they lay on the ground, in the shade of a
tree. I was soon at their side, for their looks, so sad and worn,
brought to my mind the first few hours I had spent in this wild
spot, where all to me was wrapt in gloom.

I went up to these men, and said:

"Who are you, Sirs?"

They gave a start at my voice and at my strange dress, and made a
move as if they would fly from me. I said, "Do not fear me, for
it may be that you have a friend at hand, though you do not think
it." "He must be sent from the sky then," said one of them with a
grave look; and he took off his hat to me at the same time. "All
help is from thence, Sir," I said; "but what can I do to aid you?
You look as if you had some load of grief on your breast. I saw
one of the men lift his sword as if to kill you."

The tears ran down the poor man's face, as he said,

"Is this a god, or is it but a man?" "Have no doubt on that
score, Sir," said I, "for a god would not have come with a dress
like this. No, do not fear--nor raise your hopes too high; for
you see but a man, yet one who will do all he can to help you.
Your speech shows me that you come from the same land as I do. I
will do all I can to serve you. Tell me your case." "Our case,
Sir, is too long to you while they who would kill us are so near.
My name is Paul. To be short, Sir, my crew have thrust me out of