Afterward the idea of despair had to me
such a strong smack of the ludicrous that it was out of the
question.
Well, when I had got to about the lowest verge, vague rumors of
an English visitor reached me. I thought of myself as the man
who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho; but neither priest, Levite,
nor Samaritan could possibly pass my way. Yet the good Samaritan
was close at hand, and one of my people rushed up at the top of
his speed, and, in great excitement, gasped out, "An Englishman
coming! I see him!" and off he darted to meet him.
An American flag, the first ever seen in these parts, at the head
of a caravan, told me the nationality of the stranger.
I am as cold and non-demonstrative as we islanders are usually
reputed to be; but your kindness made my frame thrill. It was,
indeed, overwhelming, and I said in my soul, "Let the richest
blessings descend from the Highest on you and yours!"
The news Mr. Stanley had to tell was thrilling. The mighty
political changes on the Continent; the success of the Atlantic
cables; the election of General Grant, and many other topics'
riveted my attention for days together, and had an immediate and
beneficial effect on my health.
