The strangers accepted the old man's invitation, and took up their abode
under his roof, finding plenty of food and kind treatment. But they soon
became weary of so monotonous a life, and longing for some means of
reaching their homes and civilization, would visit the coast nearly
every day, in the hope of seeing some friendly sail and effecting their
deliverance. This anxiety to get away on the part of his new friends so
preyed on the old man's mind that his strength began to fail fast, and
at the end of two months it became evident that his sands of life had
but a few more days to run.
Two months passed, and the weather was becoming cold. The old man was up
earlier than usual one morning; still he seemed more feeble. He tottered
about the cabin, his frame shook and trembled, and his whole system
seemed to be under some new excitement. He had formed a strong
attachment for Tite, whom he now approached with his hands extended.
"Like you," he said, grasping his hand firmly and looking up imploringly
into his face, "I was young and handsome once.
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