After a restless
night, filled with many strange dreams of home, he was awakened by the
noise of sea birds, fluttering overhead. As he gazed before him and saw
nothing but the boundless sea, he uttered a loud cry.
A bevy of birds flew toward the land. "Oh, dear birds, I wish you could
carry a message to my people and tell them that I am here. My good
father and uncle would risk their lives to get me."
After he had breakfasted on a few nuts and a little piece of bread, he
decided to examine the island. "Perhaps I shall find some fruit trees
that will afford me nourishment till God delivers me from this
captivity; and maybe I shall find some people living here who will take
me to my home."
He wrapped a few pieces of bread and nuts in his handkerchief, tied the
bundle to the end of a stick, slung it over his shoulder and started
forth. It was a dangerous, weary journey that gave no signs of human
life. Nor did he see any of the narrow paths usually made by animals.
Numberless trees were there, but none that bore fruit.
"If I have to stay long on this island, I'll die of starvation," said
he, as the perspiration rolled down his cheeks. "But before hunger kills
me, I know I'll die from thirst." As he continued his way, he heard a
murmuring sound, like that of water. He hurried in the direction of the
sound, and found a little spring, cold and clear as crystal. He seated
himself beside it to cool off, and then drank to his heart's content. He
had never before noticed what a blessing from God water really is; but
now he appreciated the drink and offered his thanks for it.
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