They closed again; I watched
them with anxiety until they gradually rolled away, and discovered a
lofty island, covered with trees and verdure down to the water's edge. I
shouted with delight, and pointed it out to Rosina, who answered my
exultations with a faint smile. My blood curdled at the expression of
her countenance: for many hours she had been in deep thought; and I
perceived that the smile was forced to please me, the intelligence I had
imparted affording her but little pleasure. I ascribed it to weariness
and exhaustion; and hoping soon to be able to relieve her, I steered
direct for the only part of the shore which promised us a safe descent.
In an hour I was close to it; and, anxious to land before dark, I
steered the boat with the sail hoisted through the surf, which was much
heavier than I expected. As soon as her bow struck the beach, the boat
was thrown on her broadside, and it required all my exertion to save my
beloved, which I did not effect without our being completely washed by
the surf, which, in a few minutes, dashed the boat to pieces. I bore her
to a cave at a short distance from where we landed; and, wrapping her up
in a cloak which I had saved from the boat, took away her nun's attire,
and exposed it to dry in the powerful rays of the sun. I went in search
of food, which I soon obtained: banana and cocoanuts grew in profusion
and in beauty, and fresh water ran down in noisy rills. I bore them to
her, and congratulated her that we were now beyond all pursuit, and in a
spot which promised to supply us with all that we required.
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