Page:The Island of Doctor Moreau.djvu/106

The Island of Doctor Moreau. “I say,” said I, “where can I get something to eat?” “Eat!” he said. “Eat Man’s food, now.” And his eye went back to the swing of ropes. “At the huts.”

“But where are the huts?” “Oh!”

“I’m new, you know.” At that he swung round, and set off at a quick walk. All his motions were curiously rapid. “Come along,” said he.

I went with him to see the adventure out. I guessed the huts were some rough shelter where he and some more of these Beast People lived. I might perhaps find them friendly, find some handle in their minds to take hold of. I did not know how far they had forgotten their human heritage.

My ape-like companion trotted along by my side, with his hands hanging down and his jaw thrust forward. I wondered what memory he might have in him. “How long have you been on this island?” said I. “How long?” he asked; and after having the question repeated, he held up three fingers. 100