We'd best light a fire here;
and when we have it started, I'll mount the slope some little way
where I see a plenty of limes growing. I may go some way farther, to
prospect. The smoke of the fire ought to attract the attention of
these very careless islanders; and if they turn out to be unfriendly,
well, I have my revolver and you'll have ample warning to clear off
to the boat.'
"'Savages?' muttered Farrell. 'I never thought of that. . . . Go you
up, if you will, and take the dog for company. You can leave me to
light the fire, and--'tisn't a request I've dared to make to you
since God knows when--but if you've any pity anywhere in your bowels,
just now I'd like to be alone.'
"'I haven't,' said I: 'but I have some sense in my head, and I'm
going to prospect. I'll leave you at anchor here for an hour or so.'
"I whistled to the dog, and the dog, after long hesitation and having
been thrice shoo'd in my wake by Farrell, followed. But he hung some
twenty yards behind, and showed no sign of desire to lead me to the
people to whom he belonged. By and by he came to a dead halt and,
for all my whistling and calling, broke back for the beach again and
disappeared at a gallop.
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