It seemed dark and shaggy ; more I knew not . But the terror of this new apparition brought me to a stand . I was now , it seemed , cut off upon both sides ; behind me the murderers , before me this lurking nondescript . And immediately I began to prefer the dangers that I knew to those I knew not . Silver himself appeared less terrible in contrast with this creature of the woods , and I turned on my heel , and looking sharply behind me over my shoulder , began to retrace my steps in the direction of the boats . Instantly the figure reappeared , and making a wide circuit , began to head me off . I was tired , at any rate ; but had I been as fresh as when I rose , I could see it was in vain for me to contend in speed with such an adversary . From trunk to trunk the creature flitted like a deer , running manlike on two legs , but unlike any man that I had ever seen , stooping almost double as it ran . Yet a man it was , I could no longer be in doubt about that . I began to recall what I had heard of cannibals . I was within an ace of calling for help . But the mere fact that he was a man , however wild , had somewhat reassured me , and my fear of Silver began to revive in proportion . I stood still , therefore , and cast about for some method of escape ; and as I was so thinking , the recollection of my pistol flashed into my mind . As soon as I remembered I was not defenceless , courage glowed again in my heart and I set my face resolutely for this man of the island and walked briskly towards him . He was concealed by this time behind another tree trunk ; but he must have been watching me closely , for as soon as I began to move in his direction he reappeared and took a step to meet me . Then he hesitated , drew back , came forward again , and at last , to my wonder and confusion , threw himself on his knees and held out his clasped hands in supplication . At that I once more stopped . `` Who are you ? '' I asked . `` Ben Gunn , '' he answered , and his voice sounded hoarse and awkward , like a rusty lock .
`` I 'm poor Ben XXXXX , I am ; and I have n't spoke with a Christian these three years . ''
Gunn cannibals escape heart lock mind rate speed supplication woods