From the cave I made my way towards the gully, and so up to the higher land. Here were woods, wherein I found a banana tree full of fruit, and did eat of it very heartily. Hereupon I turned along on the summit of the cliffs towards the south, where the battery stood.
But within half a mile from thence I heard the clamour of another cliff-waterfall; and, having come to the place, and, looking over, I beheld another great stone visage. Certainly Doctor Copicus had slipped no opportunity to fashion out his images of terror!
I laughed as I thought of it, laughed at myself and at so many others thus befooled. We had been as birds frighted with scarecrows! But, on a sudden, I became sensible that I was not alone; and, looking up, I spied the skeleton lad, Dominic, who had come out from a little thick wood in front of me.
He came towards me, walking with a slow and dreamy motion; and, as he drew near, I saw that his eyes had a lifeless look, and, as it were, a film upon them.
I took the occasion to converse him, being curious to know many things concerning him.
“Well, Dominic,” said I pleasantly, “how do you do this fine day?”
But he continued on his way, and did pass me by without answering or taking any notice of me; nor, indeed, did he seem so much as sensible of my presence.
I stood, staring angrily round upon him, thinking he affronted me.
“Why don’t you answer me?” cried I. “Are you, then, deaf or dumb?”
But he went on as before. Hereupon I called upon him to stand; and, when that also was of none effect, I run and overtook him, and clutched him by the sleeve of his ragged coat.