When the division was accomplished, we found that a day's
allowance for the two was not a great deal more than what a
table-spoon might hold. Each separate portion we immediately
rolled up in the bit of silk prepared for it, and joining them



CHAP, vil] alarm at finding A FOOT-PATH. 47

altogether into a small package, I committed them, with solemn
injunctions of fidelity, to the custody of Toby. For the remainder
of that day we resolved to fast, as we had been fortified by a
break&st in the morning ; and now starting again to our feet,
we looked about us for a shelter during the night, which,, from
the appearance of the heavens, promised to be a dark and tem-
pestuous one.
There was no place near us which would in any way answer
our purpose ; so turning our backs upon Nukuheva, we com-
menced exploring the unknown r^ons which lay upon the
other side of the mountain.
In this direction, as &r as our vision extended, not a sign of
life, nor anything that denoted even the transient residence of
man, could be seen. The whole landscape seemed one unbroken
solitude, the interior of the island having apparently been un-
tenanted since the morning of the creation ; and as we advanced
through this wilderness, our voices sounded strangely in our
ears, as though human accents had never before disturbed the
fearful silence of the place, interrupted only by the low mur-
murings of distant waterfalls.
