Page:The Wreck of a World - Grove - 1890.djvu/86

70 which though it had occurred so few days before, seemed to belong to the dim and distant past. When we reached the boat he was calm, but in the deepest dejection.

On the return journey I tried to rouse him by discussion of our plans. I begged him and his crew to accompany us. I pointed out the impossibility of remaining on this deserted country, the need we were in of able seamen, and the various reasons that had led me to select the Sandwich Islands as our future home. He listened and assented to all I said, but without enthusiasm. When we reached the Roanoke the officers and men were amazed at the alteration in their commander. However he calmly told them that my tale was only too true; that any of the officers who wished to see for themselves might do so, and that I had convinced him that the best course was to unite with us and seek a new home in some remote island.

I tried to converse with him about taking some of his crew on hoard our other vessels, but he seemed unable to fix his attention on business and at last recommended me to his subordinates, who were Lieut.