SCENE III.
A cave, decorated with skins of wild beasts, feathers, &c. In the middle of the scene, a rude kind of curtain, by way of door to an inner apartment.
Enter Inkle and Trudge, as from the mouth of the cavern.
Inkle. So far, at least, we have proceeded with safety. Ha! no bad specimen of savage elegance. These ornaments would be worth something in England.—We have little to fear here, I hope: this cave rather bears the pleasing face of a profitable adventure.
Trudge. Very likely, sir! But for a pleasing face, it has the cursed'st ugly month I ever saw in my life. Now do, sir, make off as fast as you can. If we once get clear of the natives' houses, we have little to fear from the lions and leopards: for by the appearance of their parlours, they seem to have killed all the wild beast in the country. Now pray, do, my good master, take my advice, and run away.
Inkle. Rascal! Talk again of going out, and I'll flea you alive.
Trudge. That's just what I expect for coming in.—All that enter here appear to have had their skins stript over their ears; and ours will be kept for curiosities—We shall stand here, stuffed, for a couple of white wonders.
Inkle. This curtain seems to lead to another apartment: I'll draw it.
Trudge. No, no, no, don't; don't. We may be called to account for disturbing the company: you may get a curtain-lecture, perhaps, sir.
Inkle. Peace, booby, and stand on your guard.
Trudge. Oh! what will become of us! Some grim, seven foot fellow ready to scalp us.
Inkle. By heaven! a woman.
[As the curtain draws, Yarico and Wowski discovered asleep.
Trudge. A woman! [Aside.]—[Loud.] But let him come on; I'm ready—dam'me, I don't fear facing the devil himself—Faith it is a woman—fast asleep too.
Inkle. And beautiful as an angel!
Trudge. And egad! there seems to be a nice, little plump bit in the corner; only she's an angel of rather a darker sort.
Inkle. Hush! keep back—she wakes. [Yarico comes forward—Inkle and Trudge retire to opposite sides of the scene.]