My senses were gradually overpowered by
the pain, which was so much increased by the renewed suspension of my
body.
I have a distinct recollection of being placed on the ground in a large
circle--of the screams of a woman, and of a confused uproar, which
followed. When I came to my senses, I found myself in a hut, unbound,
and lying upon soft mats, with fomentations applied to my limbs; and
when my eyes opened, I beheld, hanging over me with an air of the
tenderest solicitude, the beautiful savage, whom I had found wounded,
and had succoured on the night of the affray. I subsequently learnt,
that when I had been brought into the circle, she had recognised me as
the person who had assisted her; that she claimed my life, pointing to
her wound, and producing the bandages with which I had bound it up, and
which were identified with the remainder, as part of the dress which I
still wore. A council was held, and as it appeared that I could not have
been with the party in the ship, for I had been taken prisoner in the
woods, near to where the girl lay, after many speeches pro and con, it
was decided that my life should be spared, and that I should be married
to the girl who had been the means of preserving it. She had carried me
away to her hut, and was now returning the debt of gratitude which she
had incurred.
Owing to her unwearied kindness and attention, I soon recovered, and
before I was aware that I was to be her husband I courted her by signs,
and all the little attentions that could be suggested by gratitude and
love.
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