Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/91

 to them, and they drew near; I entreated some provisions; they offered to take me on board; that I declined, telling them peculiar misfortunes had made society hateful to me, and that I had resolved to live in an uninhabited place. The people I believe supposed me to be deranged, but very humanely supplied me. I had not fled without money, which, in the situation I had chosen, was likely to last me a great while; I bargained therefore with the master of the packet-boat regularly to call near that spot, and relieve my necessities, for which I would pay him liberally. This he never failed doing, and though doubtless I ran some risque from the variety of passengers who saw me, yet, whether want of curiosity, indolence, or compassion, saved me I know not; but I suppose the Emperor's wrath abated, and I was totally forgotten.

"I had resided here near two months without venturing to climb the hills, or explore the country beyond the spot I inhabited;