But when they prepared to continue
their journey, a new difficulty occurred; Paul and Virginia could no longer
walk, their feet being violently swelled and inflamed. Domingo knew not
whether it were best to leave them, and go in search of help, or remain and
pass the night with them on that spot. 'What is become of the time,' said
he, 'when I used to carry you both together in my arms? But now you are
grown big, and I am grown old.' While he was in this perplexity, a troop of
Maroon negroes appeared at the distance of twenty paces. The chief of the
band, approaching Paul and Virginia, said to them, 'Good little white
people, do not be afraid. We saw you pass this morning, with a negro woman
of the Black River. You went to ask pardon for her of her wicked master,
and we, in return for this, will carry you home upon our shoulders.' He
then made a sign, and four of the strongest negroes immediately formed a
sort of litter with the branches of trees and lianas, in which, having
seated Paul and Virginia, they placed it upon their shoulders. Domingo
marched in front, carrying his lighted torch, and they proceeded amidst the
rejoicings of the whole troop, and overwhelmed with their benedictions.
Virginia, affected by this scene, said to Paul, with emotion, 'O, my dear
brother! God never leaves a good action without reward.'
"It was midnight when they arrived at the foot of the mountain, on the
ridges of which several fires were lighted.
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