They were in ruins, and overgrown by
flowering shrubs and creepers, but were apparently still used as
habitations for it was to one of these houses I was presently
conducted. Here I was invited to rest and refresh myself with some
delicious fruit that was set before me, the like of which I do not
remember having tasted before.
Sylvia Cervantes now joined me, and in the witchery of her presence I
forgot my perilous plight, and gave myself up to the luxury and
enjoyment of the moment.
From Sylvia I learnt the history of my capture, and why she had come to
entice me away with her.
Having inquired my name, which I gave her, Sylvia continued as
follows:--
"You must know, then, Peter," she said, "that we are ruled here by
custom which may not be changed. The wise-ones who live on the mountain
tops tell us what to do, and we do it without question. The wise-ones
are not as others are. They see what others cannot see, and they know
many things that others cannot even guess at, so when the wise-ones
told me your ship was on the other side of the Great Barren Island, and
that I was to take my canoe and bring you here, I could not help but
obey.
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