I  would  have  accompanied  my  host  there  also,
had  it  not  been  for  an  incident  which,  for  that  night


AN     ABRUPT     PARTING.  315

at  least,  banished  my  idle  curiosity.  While  occu-
pied in  arranging  my  personal  baggage  in  our  new
quarters,  I  had  observed  my  Poyer  companion
standing  apart,  and  regarding  me  with  an  earnest
and  thoughtful  expression.  I  was  several  times  on
the  point  of  speaking  to  him,  and  as  often  had  my
attention  diverted  by  other  circumstances.  Finally,
however,  I  turned  to  seek  him,  but  he  was  gone.  I
inquired  of  Antonio  what  had  become  of  him,  but
he  could  give  me  no  information  ;  and,  a  little  con-
cerned himself,  he  started  for  the  scene  of  the  rev-
elry, under  the  impression  that  he  might  have  been
attracted  thither.  He  returned  with  a  hasty  step,
and  reported  that  neither  the  Poyer  or  his  compan-
ions were  to  be  found.  We  hurried  to  the  shore,
where  we  had  left  the  boat,  but  that  also  was  gone.
