The animals and fowls had gathered in a group about the old man,
alarmed at the sight of a stranger. At length a thin, shrill voice broke
the silence by enquiring: "Who is it that comes here to disturb my
peace?"
"We are friends," replied Tite, "shipwrecked sailors, in search of
shelter and food."
[Illustration: The cabin door now opened, and there stood, in the shadow
of the light, the figure of an old man bent with age, and dressed in the
skin of a wolf. Page 216.]
"Heaven pity you, and forgive me," returned the old man, his eyes
beaming brighter and his whole manner becoming more earnest. "Heaven
forgive me, you shall have both, and be welcome in my palace. Heaven
forgive me, for this is my palace and I am king of this island. Come in,
and such as I have you shall share with me." And he advanced, took Tite
by the hand, and led him into his cabin, the two men following.
Spreading seal and wolf skins on the floor, he bid them be seated, while
he prepared food for their supper. His motion was a shuffle rather than
a walk, and he moved about the cabin more like an animal than a human
being.
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