The islanders had all assembled on the beach close to where I lay.  The dead bodies of their companions, who had fallen in the conflict, and the wounded, were carried into the canoes.  They formed a circle round the fire, which they had kindled, made several speeches, and danced a war-dance.  I turned round on my side, and perceived to my horror, that they had collected all the bodies of my companions, and were devouring them.  What they did not feel inclined to eat, they packed up in baskets, and put into the canoes.  I anticipated that such would be my own fate—­not at present, as they had more than they could consume—­but that I should be reserved for a festival, after their arrival in their own country.  Nor was I incorrect in my supposition; they collected together all the bones, which they carried with them, and putting me on board, hoisted their mat sails, and steered away for their own islands.

On the third day we arrived, when I was carried on shore and confined in what I believe was a burying ground.  They stuffed me every day with pork and other victuals to keep me alive, and in good condition, but they never cast me loose from the pole to which I was bound.  I heard processions, shouts, and lamentations for the dead; but I could see nothing, for I was now too weak to turn on my side.  When I had been a week in this confined state, the agony arising from the swelling of my limbs, and from the increased tightness of the ligatures was so great, that I called for death to relieve me from my sufferings; and when I once more found myself raised upon the shoulders of men, I was as impatient for my approaching fate, as I should have been, under other circumstances, for my release.  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.