But when the sparks
lighted the dried leaves, causing the wood to crackle and burn, she
would have fled if I had not detained her.
"There is no magic in fire-making, Melannie," I said, trying to allay
her fears; "all white men make fires. It is as necessary to them as air
and water."
But it was hard to convince the queen of this. She looked at my fire,
which now burned brightly, with wonder and alarm. "Of a truth, Peter,"
she said, "thy magic is beyond me. I know now thou art indeed come from
the sun. No man born of men could work such marvel."
I had brought with me a fine fish, caught that morning from the rocks,
which I had sealed and cleaned with my dagger-knife, and I now toasted
it over the hot coals, after which I enjoyed the most satisfying meal I
had tasted since I had been cast upon the island. I induced Melannie to
eat some of the fish, which she found so much to her liking that her
fear of the fire changed to admiration for what it could do.
"When my people eat of this delicious food," she said, "they will
worship you."
I had no desire to be worshipped. All I asked was permission to eat my
grilled fish in peace. But Melannie was so delighted with her meal that
she made me promise to prepare a fish each day for our mutual
enjoyment.
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