“Ay, ay!” said he, and immediately cast himself flat.
So far, so well; but what was next to do I knew not: I had no cord or rope to have bound him; nor withal could I securely have attempted it, for he was stronger than I. Moreover, my hurt ankle now began to pain me much. There appeared nothing for it but to bide on guard until day, when I trusted to be succoured from the ship. Accordingly, with a rueful mind and a tired body, I disposed myself to the miserable vigil.
For a pretty long while the man lay quiet and perfectly still, whilst I took up my posture, as easy as I could, on a ledge of the rock, having my drawn sword in my hand. I marvelled that he spoke not; and kept the better look-out, lest he should contemplate a surprise. At length I could endure the silence no longer, and brake it.
“My man,” said I, “how came you here on this island?”
I spoke at adventure, not expecting any reasonable reply. I was, therefore, startled and perfectly astonished when he said:
“I was marooned, Cap’n. ’Twas pirates marooned me.”
“Oh,” said I, “and how long ago was that?”
“’Tis many a year—ay, many a year!” said he. “It mought be ten, it mought be twelve. Many a weary year. I lived like a beast, all alone, alone!”
“What was your ship,” said I, “that was taken by these pirates?”
“What was my ship?” said he. “Why, I was aboard of ’em. The Doctor sent us——”