100 words to know before reading The Island of Doctor Moreau

1. Having an excessively high opinion of one's appearance or abilities (conceited).
2. Producing no result; useless (futile).

Introduction On February the first 1887, the Lady Vain was lost by collision with a derelict when about the latitude 1° S. and longitude 107° W. On

1. Abandoned or neglected, especially a building or ship.
2. A person without a home or job; a vagrant.

Introduction On February the first 1887, the Lady Vain was lost by collision with a derelict when about the latitude 1° S. and longitude 107° W. On January the fifth, 1888—that is eleven

1. The angular distance north or south from the equator, measured in degrees.
2. Freedom to act or choose within certain limits.

February the first 1887, the Lady Vain was lost by collision with a derelict when about the latitude 1° S. and longitude 107° W. On January the fifth, 1888—that is eleven months and four days

1. The number following ten (11).
2. A sports team with eleven players (e.g., soccer).

instead of being a happy man enjoying all the pleasures of London? Simply because eleven years ago—I lost my head for ten minutes on a foggy night.” He stopped. “Yes?” said I. “That’s

1. A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically fore-and-aft rigged.
2. A large beer glass, usually holding around 15–20 ounces (Australia, New Zealand).

boat of which the name was illegible, but which is supposed to have belonged to the missing schooner Ipecacuanha. He gave such a strange account of himself that he was supposed demented.

1. A medicinal plant root used to induce vomiting.
2. A syrup made from this root, used as an emetic.

lost his certificate, or something. You know the kind of man—calls the thing the Ipecacuanha, of all silly, infernal names; though when there’s much of a sea without any wind, she certainly

1. A small boat, often used as a tender for a larger vessel.
2. An inflatable rubber boat, typically used for short trips or emergencies.

I In the Dingey of the Lady Vain I do not propose to add anything to what has already been written concerning the

1. A person who works on a ship or boat.
2. Someone skilled in navigating or operating vessels.

along the boat to them, intending to help Helmar by grasping the sailor’s leg; but the sailor stumbled with the swaying of the boat, and the two fell upon the gunwale and rolled overboard

1. A piece of fabric attached to a boat to catch wind and propel it forward.
2. To travel on water using sails or a sailing vessel.

quite distinctly. I remember how my head swayed with the seas, and the horizon with the sail above it danced up and down; but I also remember as distinctly that I had a persuasion that I was

1. At or toward the rear of a ship or aircraft.
2. In nautical terms, the rear section of a vessel.

Then, that man of yours—understood he was a man. He’s a lunatic; and he hadn’t no business aft. Do you think the whole damned ship belongs to you?” “Your sailors began to haze the poor devil

1. Made of or resembling flax (a plant used for fiber).
2. Pale yellow in color, like flax fibers.

stood panting at the margin of the water. His face was bright-red with exertion, his long flaxen hair blown about his head, and his dropping nether lip showed his irregular teeth. Moreau was

1. Situated below or beneath something else.
2. Relating to the lower or under parts of the body.

was bright-red with exertion, his long flaxen hair blown about his head, and his dropping nether lip showed his irregular teeth. Moreau was just coming up, his face pale and firm, and the dog at

1. A deep, rough sound made by an animal, like a dog or bear.
2. A low, rumbling noise resembling an animal's growl.

that had now been brought up from the beach. They were not barking, but sniffing and growling in a curious fashion. I could hear the rapid patter of their feet, and Montgomery’s voice

1. The upper edge of a boat's side.
2. The topmost planking or strengthening piece along the sides of a vessel.

I struck with my fists at the water in the bottom of the boat, and kicked savagely at the gunwale. I prayed aloud for God to let me die.

1. The meat of a mature sheep, used as food.
2. (Informal) A term for a dull or stupid person.

of dogs.) “Am I eligible for solid food?” I asked. “Thanks to me,” he said. “Even now the mutton is boiling.” “Yes,” I said with assurance; “I could eat some mutton.” “But,” said he with a

1. Lacking coordination or grace in movement.
2. Awkward or inefficient in handling situations.

over the combing of the hatchway. He was, I could see, a misshapen man, short, broad, and clumsy, with a crooked back, a hairy neck, and a head sunk between his shoulders. He was dressed in

1. Misshapen or distorted in form.
2. Altered from the original or normal shape.

way the black face thus flashed upon me shocked me profoundly. It was a singularly deformed one. The facial part projected, forming something dimly suggestive of a muzzle, and the huge

1. Barely; almost not at all.
2. Only just; by a very small margin.

Then the staghounds woke, and began howling and baying; so that I dreamt fitfully, and scarcely slept until the approach of dawn.

1. Being the only one of its kind; unique.
2. (Grammar) Referring to a form representing one person or thing.

A couple of sailors appeared on the forecastle. The black-faced man, howling in a singular voice rolled about under the feet of the dogs. No one attempted to help him. The brutes did their

1. Large, powerful dogs bred for hunting stags and other game.
2. A type of hound known for speed and endurance in hunting.

beam across my cabin, and made an ominous shape on the planking by my bunk. Then the staghounds woke, and began howling and baying; so that I dreamt fitfully, and scarcely slept until the

1. A defensive wall or barrier.
2. Something serving as a protection or defense.

him. The black-faced man scrambled up and staggered forward, going and leaning over the bulwark by the main shrouds, where he remained, panting and glaring over his shoulder at the dogs. The

1. Fitted with a muzzle to prevent biting or noise.
2. Silenced or restrained from speaking freely.

and rolled in the dirt among the furiously excited dogs. It was lucky for him that they were muzzled. The red-haired man gave a yawp of exultation and stood staggering, and as it seemed to me in

1. A loud, prolonged cry or sound, often made by animals like wolves.
2. A strong, mournful noise caused by wind.

the staghounds, who had all tired of barking at me by this time, became furiously excited, howling and leaping against their chains. The black hesitated before them, and this gave the red-haired

1. People who work on ships or boats, especially as crew members.
2. Members of a navy, typically enlisted personnel.

had started forward. “Steady on there!” he cried, in a tone of remonstrance. A couple of sailors appeared on the forecastle. The black-faced man, howling in a singular voice rolled about under

1. A slang term for a surgeon or doctor.
2. A humorous or informal way to refer to a medical professional.

since he came aboard.” For a minute, alcoholic fumes kept the captain speechless. “Blasted sawbones!” was all he considered necessary. I could see that Montgomery had one of those slow,

1. Not bright or clear; lacking light.
2. Having faint or indistinct vision.

distinctly after the sight of her side until I found myself in a little cabin aft. There’s a dim half-memory of being lifted up to the gangway, and of a big round countenance covered with

1. Walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
2. Arrange events or payments so they occur at different times.

captain was not on deck when it was sighted. After he had vented his wrath on me he had staggered below, and I understand he went to sleep on the floor of his own cabin. The mate practically

1. In a remarkable or noticeable way.
2. In a strange or unusual manner.

At a word of command from Montgomery, the four men in the launch sprang up, and with singularly awkward gestures struck the lugs. Montgomery steered us round and into a narrow little dock

1. A portable light source with a protective case, often with a handle.
2. A decorative or architectural structure with openings to emit light.

thing to you, perhaps, but it came like a sudden blow to me. The only light near us was a lantern at the wheel. The creature’s face was turned for one brief instant out of the dimness of the

1. The state of being dim or not bright.
2. A lack of clarity or sharpness in vision.

the dark trees. I could see nothing—or else I could see too much. Every dark form in the dimness had its ominous quality, its peculiar suggestion of alert watchfulness. So I stood for perhaps a

1. The rail or railing around the stern (rear) of a ship or boat.
2. A protective barrier at the back of a vessel.

capped by the breeze with froth, were running with us. We went past the steersman to the taffrail, and saw the water come foaming under the stern and the bubbles go dancing and vanishing in her

1. A person who is cruel, violent, or insensitive.
2. An animal lacking intelligence or reasoning.

his shoulder the puma spinning from a tackle rigged on to the mizzen spanker-boom. The poor brute seemed horribly scared, and crouched in the bottom of its little cage. “Overboard with ’em!”

1. Bent low with the knees and upper body close to the ground.
2. Positioned oneself in a low, compact stance, often to hide or prepare for movement.

and a movement of the animals now and then, the night was very still. The puma lay crouched together, watching us with shining eyes, a black heap in the corner of its cage. Montgomery

1. Cried loudly and uncontrollably.
2. Shouted or yelled in a loud, harsh manner.

the grey-haired man to let me land, and then to the drunken captain to keep me aboard. I even bawled entreaties to the sailors. Montgomery said never a word, only shook his head. “You’re going

1. A title used before a man's name, equivalent to "Mr."
2. A device that sprays a fine mist, often used for watering plants.

“Prendick,” said I. “Prendick be damned!” said he. “Shut-up—that’s your name. Mister Shut-up.” It was no good answering the brute; but I certainly did not expect his next move. He

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

Neither Montgomery nor his companion took the slightest notice of me, but busied themselves in assisting and directing the four or five sailors who were unloading the goods. The captain

1. (adjective) Harsh, strict, or severe in manner or appearance.
2. (noun) The rear part of a ship or boat.

at the wheel. The creature’s face was turned for one brief instant out of the dimness of the stern towards this illumination, and I saw that the eyes that glanced at me shone with a pale-green

1. At an angle or slope; not straight or level.
2. In a biased or one-sided manner.

She gained upon him at every stride. I saw her plunge into them, and Moreau, running slantingly to intercept her, fired and missed as she disappeared. Then he too vanished in the green

1. Overcome with uncontrollable emotion, such as extreme laughter or fear.
2. Relating to or affected by hysteria, an exaggerated or uncontrollable emotional state.

must confess my voice suddenly broke in the middle of a vigorous threat. I felt a gust of hysterical petulance, and went aft and stared dismally at nothing. Meanwhile the sailors progressed rapidly

1. In a steady, unchanging manner.
2. With a fixed or rigid expression.

fixedly at me without moving or speaking. The black-faced cripple was glaring at me as fixedly in the bows near the puma. There were three other men besides—three strange brutish-looking

1. A large wild cat also known as a cougar or mountain lion.
2. A German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures athletic footwear and apparel.

called the Ipecacuanha with a drunken captain, John Davies, did start from Africa with a puma and certain other animals aboard in January, 1887, that the vessel was well known at several

1. Making a deep, angry growling sound.
2. Twisted or tangled, often referring to hair or ropes.

in some odd way, almost as if they were jointed in the wrong place. The dogs were still snarling, and strained at their chains after these men, as the white-haired man landed with them. The

1. Small, simple shelters or houses, often made of wood.
2. Enclosures or cages for keeping small animals like rabbits.

too small even to give it turning room. Farther under the starboard bulwark were some big hutches containing a number of rabbits, and a solitary llama was squeezed in a mere box of a cage

1. A point of access or entry, such as a door or gate.
2. The act of entering or coming in.

the corners of the mouth down—and bowed his acknowledgment of my complaisance. The main entrance to the enclosure was passed; it was a heavy wooden gate, framed in iron and locked, with the

1. Not asked or requested to attend or participate.
2. Arriving or acting without being welcome or expected.

apologise for that. Now you are our guest, we must make you comfortable—though you are uninvited, you know.” He looked keenly into my face. “Montgomery says you are an educated man, Mr.

1. Lacking strength or clarity; barely perceptible.
2. A sudden loss of consciousness.

having unshipped the rudder, landed likewise, and all set to work at unloading. I was too faint, what with my long fast and the sun beating down on my bare head, to offer any assistance.

1. A hanging bed or couch made of fabric or netting, suspended between two points.
2. A fertile area in the southern U.S. with hardwood trees and lush vegetation.

a dark liquid. This he gave me. I took it unresistingly, and he helped me into the hammock. When I awoke, it was broad day. For a little while I lay flat, staring at the roof above me. The

1. Remembered something from the past.
2. Summoned back or requested the return of a product.

man on the beach. I never saw such a gait, such odd motions as he pulled at the box. I recalled that none of these men had spoken to me, though most of them I had found looking at me at one

1. A small booklet or leaflet containing information or arguments about a single subject.
2. A short, unbound printed work, often for promotional or educational purposes.

loose in my mind for a moment, and then I saw it in red lettering on a little buff-coloured pamphlet, to read which made one shiver and creep. Then I remembered distinctly all about it. That

1. A distinctive smell, often unpleasant.
2. A lingering quality or impression associated with something.

the house—were destined; and a curious faint odour, the halitus of something familiar, an odour that had been in the background of my consciousness hitherto, suddenly came forward into the

1. A twisted, knotted mass of threads, fibers, or hair.
2. A complicated or confused situation.

VIII The Crying of the Puma Montgomery interrupted my tangle of mystification and suspicion about one o’clock, and his grotesque attendant followed him with a

1. Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted.
2. A style of decorative art with bizarre or fantastical elements.

came still nearer, this individual began to run to and fro on the beach, making the most grotesque movements. At a word of command from Montgomery, the four men in the launch sprang up, and with

1. Relating to sexual or gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
2. Strange, odd, or unconventional.

a foggy night. I thought myself in luck at the time, when Moreau offered to get me off. It’s queer—” “Montgomery,” said I, suddenly, as the outer door closed, “why has your man pointed ears?”

1. Low-growing plants beneath trees in a forest.
2. A dense growth of shrubs and other plants.

IX The Thing in the Forest I strode through the undergrowth that clothed the ridge behind the house, scarcely heeding whither I went; passed on through the

1. Wearing clothes or garments.
2. Covered or dressed in a particular way.

IX The Thing in the Forest I strode through the undergrowth that clothed the ridge behind the house, scarcely heeding whither I went; passed on through the shadow of a

1. A long, narrow elevation of land.
2. The top edge of a roof where two slopes meet.

IX The Thing in the Forest I strode through the undergrowth that clothed the ridge behind the house, scarcely heeding whither I went; passed on through the shadow of a thick

1. Disappeared suddenly or completely.
2. Ceased to exist or be present.

in his eyes as he glanced at me from the shadow of the trees, a half-luminous colour that vanished as he turned his head again. He was motionless for a moment, and then with a noiseless tread

1. Weak or lacking strength (physical or mental).
2. Faint or lacking intensity (e.g., light, sound).

shouting, “Prendick!” I continued running. Presently I heard him again. I replied by a feeble “Hullo!” and in another moment had staggered up to him. “Where have you been?” said he, holding

1. Past tense of "fling" – threw or tossed something forcefully.
2. Moved or pushed suddenly and violently.

it was a bogle.” I felt a gust of intense irritation, which passed as quickly as it came. I flung myself into the chair again, and pressed my hands on my forehead. The puma began once more.

1. Dissecting a living organism for scientific research or study.
2. Analyzing or examining something in great detail, often harshly or critically.

room was still open to me. I was convinced now, absolutely assured, that Moreau had been vivisecting a human being. All the time since I had heard his name, I had been trying to link in my mind in

1. Extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at.
2. Morally offensive or shocking.

slept, and the island might have seemed deserted to a newcomer; but at night the air was hideous with their calls and howling. I had half a mind to make a massacre of them; to build traps, or

1. Greatly surprised or amazed.
2. Filled with sudden wonder or disbelief.

followed me up the ladder. I had paused halfway through the hatchway, looking back, still astonished beyond measure at the grotesque ugliness of this black-faced creature. I had never beheld such a

1. Sharp, pointed growths on plants, often for protection.
2. A source of irritation or difficulty.

the issue. I heard the dog (there was only one) draw nearer, and yelp when it came to the thorns. Then I heard no more, and presently began to think I had escaped. The minutes passed; the

1. The leaf-like part of a fern or palm, typically divided into smaller segments.
2. Any large, divided leaf resembling those of ferns or palms.

at first. Suddenly he dropped from the tree, and in another moment was holding the fronds apart and staring curiously at me. I did not feel the same repugnance towards this creature which

1. Small, simple shelters or dwellings, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. Temporary or basic structures used for camping or storage.

“Eat!” he said. “Eat man’s food, now.” And his eye went back to the swing of ropes. “At the huts.” “But where are the huts?” “Oh!” “I’m new, you know.” At that he swung round, and set off at a

1. A thick forest or grove.
2. A small, secluded wooded area.

they faced, I saw coming through the haze under the trees beyond the end of the passage of dens the dark figure and awful white face of Moreau. He was holding the leaping staghound back, and

1. A deep, narrow gorge with steep sides, often formed by water erosion.
2. A small valley or gully, typically carved by a stream or river.

It was only later I found that I had dropped my nailed stick in my fall. Presently the ravine grew narrower for a space, and carelessly I stepped into the stream. I jumped out again pretty

1. A large primate without a tail, such as a gorilla or chimpanzee.
2. To imitate or copy someone's behavior or mannerisms.

stench of the place. The little pink sloth-creature was still blinking at me when my ape-man reappeared at the aperture of the nearest of these dens, and beckoned me in. As he did so a

1. An opening or hole, especially in a camera lens controlling light entry.
2. A gap or space in a structure.

the nearly intolerable closeness of the den. The little pink sloth-creature stood in the aperture of the hut, and something else with a drab face and bright eyes came staring over its shoulder.

1. A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. A temporary or basic structure used for camping or storage.

intolerable closeness of the den. The little pink sloth-creature stood in the aperture of the hut, and something else with a drab face and bright eyes came staring over its shoulder. “Hey!” came

1. To perform surgery on a living organism for scientific research.
2. To dissect or analyze something in a detailed, often harsh manner.

All the time he had been in a state of ill-concealed irritation at the noise of the vivisected puma. He had spoken of his odd want of nerve, and left me to the obvious application. I found

1. A handgun with a revolving cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. A person or thing that revolves or turns.

lead. Still I hesitated for a moment. “I’ll take the risk,” said I, at last; and with a revolver in each hand I walked up the beach towards them. “That’s better,” said Moreau, without

1. Handguns with a rotating cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. People or things that revolve or rotate.

Prendick,” said Montgomery, “you’re a silly ass! Come out of the water and take these revolvers, and talk. We can’t do anything more than we could do now.” I will confess that then, and indeed

1. The practice of performing surgical experiments on living animals for scientific research.
2. The dissection or cutting into a living organism for physiological or pathological investigation.

is your justification for inflicting all this pain? The only thing that could excuse vivisection to me would be some application—” “Precisely,” said he. “But, you see, I am differently

1. Joining plant tissues to grow as one plant.
2. Transplanting living tissue surgically.

position. This is a kind of grafting in a new position of part of an animal upon itself. Grafting of freshly obtained material from another animal is also possible—the case of teeth, for

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

who have once fallen under the overmastering spell of research. He was unmarried, and had indeed nothing but his own interest to consider. I felt convinced that this must be the same man.

1. A term historically used in the Pacific Islands to refer to native workers or laborers.
2. In some contexts, it can be a derogatory term for indigenous people.

me. I got Montgomery over to me—in a way; but I and he had the hardest job to prevent the Kanakas deserting. Finally they did; and so we lost the yacht. I spent many days educating the

1. A term used in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands referring to a person of Hawaiian or Polynesian descent.
2. Historically, a term for a South Pacific Islander, especially a laborer.

me with a sense of failure. I take no interest in them. I fancy they follow in the lines the Kanaka missionary marked out, and have a kind of mockery of a rational life, poor beasts! There’s

1. Official rules or laws that forbid certain actions or behaviors.
2. Restrictions imposed to prevent something from being done or used.

dark; in the daylight there was a general atmosphere of respect for its multifarious prohibitions. And here perhaps I may give a few general facts about the island and the beast people. The

1. A large, carnivorous feline with a yellowish coat and black spots, native to Africa and Asia.
2. A term used to describe a spotted pattern resembling that of a leopard's coat.

the quality of its particular species: the human mark distorted but did not hide the leopard, the ox, or the sow, or other animal or animals, from which the creature had been moulded. The

1. A pig, especially when raised for food.
2. (Informal) A contemptible or unpleasant person.

The two most formidable animal men were my leopard-man and a creature made of hyena and swine. Larger than these were the three bull-creatures who pulled in the boat. Then came the

1. Savage or violent people.
2. Unrefined or crude individuals.

swayed faster and faster, repeating this amazing law. Superficially the contagion of these brutes was upon me, but deep down within me the laughter and disgust struggled together. We ran through

1. A mythological creature, part man and part goat, associated with revelry and lust.
2. A lecherous or lustful man.

in the boat. Then came the silvery-hairy-man, who was also the sayer of the law, M’ling, and a satyr-like creature of ape and goat. There were three swine-men and a swine-woman, a

1. A carnivorous mammal native to Africa and Asia, known for its scavenging habits and distinctive laugh-like call.
2. A person who behaves in a sneaky or opportunistic manner.

“Who is he?” cried Moreau, and looked round at their faces, cracking his whip. I fancied the hyena-swine looked dejected, so too did the leopard-man. Moreau stopped, facing this creature, who

1. A sudden, disastrous event causing great damage or suffering.
2. A complete failure or collapse of a system or plan.

XVII A Catastrophe Scarsely six weeks passed before I had lost every feeling but dislike and abhorrence for this

1. A chain or shackle for the feet (noun).
2. To restrain or restrict someone's freedom (verb).

me with his expressionless eyes. “That was a strong brute,” he said. “It simply wrenched its fetter out of the wall.” He went to the window, then to the door, and there turned to me. “I shall go

1. Marked with or covered in blood.
2. Associated with violence or bloodshed.

it was he encountered the two swine-men I had seen dancing on the night of my arrival; bloodstained they were about the mouth, and intensely excited. They came crashing through the ferns, and

1. It was a duty or responsibility for someone to do something.
2. It was necessary or appropriate in a particular situation.

have happened to Moreau by this time, or he would have returned before this, and that it behoved us to ascertain what that catastrophe was. Montgomery raised some feeble objections, and at last

1. Confused or mixed up in a disordered way.
2. Lacking clarity or coherence.

the dead brute, and the prostrate man. Montgomery raised himself slowly and stared in a muddled way at the shattered beast man beside him. It more than half sobered him. He scrambled to his

1. Making a loud, high-pitched scream or cry.
2. A sharp, piercing sound.

came a yelling, a crashing among the branches, and a little pink homunculus rushed by us shrieking. Immediately after appeared a monster in headlong pursuit, blood-bedabbled, who was amongst us

1. Worn out or in poor condition from use or age.
2. Dressed in old or worn-out clothes.

will; five in London grinding hard at medicine, bad food, shabby lodgings, shabby clothes, shabby vice, a blunder—I didn’t know any better—and hustled off to this beastly island. Ten years

1. A pile of wood for burning a dead body as part of a funeral rite.
2. A heap of combustible material used for burning something ceremonially.

In the morning I would gather some provisions in the dingey, and after setting fire to the pyre before me, push out into the desolation of the high sea once more. I felt that for Montgomery

1. A waxy, flammable substance derived from petroleum, used in candles and wax products.
2. British term for kerosene, a fuel oil used for heating and lighting.

of an atheist, drink!” “Not I,” said I, and sat grimly watching his face under the yellow paraffin flare, as he drank himself into a garrulous misery. I have a memory of infinite tedium. He

1. Irregular patches or spots on a surface, often discolored.
2. Skin blemishes or marks, such as rashes or uneven pigmentation.

reflected from the sulphurous ground. Its walls grew steep, and approached each other. Blotches of green and crimson drifted across my eyes. My conductor stopped suddenly. “Home!” said he, and

1. A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a large crowd.
2. A state of confusion, disorder, or agitation.

such a voice before, and I could not think where. The white-haired man stood, holding in a tumult of six dogs, and bawling orders over their din. Montgomery, having unshipped the rudder, landed

1. A gesture of respect or greeting, often involving raising the hand to the forehead.
2. A formal military gesture of respect.

wolf-woman, turned her head and stared at me, and then the others. None attempted to rise or salute me. I felt too faint and weary to insist, and I let the moment pass. “I want food,” said I,

1. Small, handheld axes with a short handle.
2. To cut or shape with a hatchet.

up the beach into the thickets. I carried my pistol in my hand, my whip thrust with the hatchets in the sling of my arm. I was anxious to be alone, to think out the position in which I was now

1. A flexible strap or band used to carry or support something.
2. A simple weapon for hurling stones.

“Stand there,” said I. I picked up the hatchets and swung them by their heads from the sling of my arm; turned Montgomery over; picked up his revolver still loaded in two chambers, and

1. A flat structure for floating or traveling on water.
2. A large amount or number of something.

came a season of thunderstorms and heavy rain, which greatly retarded my work; but at last the raft was completed. I was delighted with it. But with a certain lack of practical sense which has

1. The state of being alone without companions.
2. A peaceful or isolated place.

in my teeth, I stooped for a stone, and with that threat drove the creature away. So in solitude I came round by the ravine of the beast people, and hiding among the weeds and reeds that