The Island Where Time Stands Still Read Online Free PDF Page A

him.
    He still had no inclination whatever to get back to England and pick up again the threads of his shattered life. In fact he dreaded the ordeal, but he recognised now that there could be no escape from his having to do so sometime; and, irked by his subconscious sense of captivity, he tackled Ho-Ping on how soon he was likely to be able to leave.
    The doctor told him that as the steamer had left the port only a few weeks before his arrival, it was hardly to be expected that it would return, take on its cargo, and be ready to sail again in less than three months.
    Gregory accepted the information with a shrug. ‘That’s all right by me. I’m in no hurry to get home.’ But after a moment he added, ‘All the same, I trust you don’t expect me to remain cooped up here all that time.’
    â€˜It would be distressing for us both should you fail to reconcile yourself to doing so,’ Dr. Ping answered placidly.
    â€˜Oh, come! All I wish to do is to go for a walk now and again, and see something of the island.’
    â€˜That is understandable, but most regretfully out of the question.’
    â€˜Why?’ inquired Gregory with a frown.
    â€˜It is preferred that our guests should not mingle with our people.’
    â€˜What harm do you suppose that I could possibly do them?’
    â€˜None. None whatever; but we are great observers of custom in this place and it would be contrary to custom; so I am afraid you must abide by it.’
    â€˜Now look here,’ Gregory said firmly. ‘If I were a trader who might corrupt your islanders by selling them unmatured whisky, I could understand your point of view.Even if I were a lusty young fo’c’sle hand who was likely to start a not by seducing one of the village maidens, there might be something to it. But I have neither the means nor desire to create trouble of any kind.’
    â€˜That is self-evident,’ Ho-Ping hastening to assure him. ‘Indeed, it was apparent from the first that you are a most superior person. It is for that reason I have honoured myself by seeking your company with more frequency than my medical duties demanded. Although you are now fully recovered, with your permission, I shall continue to devote such of my time as I can to you in the hope that my visits may help a little to alleviate your boredom.’
    Gregory smiled. ‘Thanks, Doctor. You have been very kind to me. I think, this offer too, of yours might be the means of overcoming our difficulty. Whatever the objections to my leaving the compound on my own, there can surely be none to my going for an occasional walk in your company.’
    â€˜Ah, if that were only possible, how pleasant it would be.’ The doctor shook his head sadly. ‘But most unfortunately I suffer from a weak heart, and all unnecessary exertion is forbidden to me.’
    Since Dr. Ping walked up the zigzag path in the steep cliff-face on his daily visits and had never appeared to be unduly affected when he reached the terrace, Gregory felt quite certain that he was lying. However, apart from politely commiserating with the doctor on his disability, he forbore to comment. Neither did he suggest that he should be accompanied on walks by Chung, or someone else, in order to ensure his good behaviour. It had been made unmistakably clear that whatever he might say, he was not going to be allowed out of the cage.
    That didn’t worry him particularly, as he still lacked sufficient interest in things to care whether he left it or not. But during the week that followed he could not help wondering from time to time what could be going on in the island that its inhabitants were so anxious to prevent strangers from finding out.
    One morning, soon after dawn, he woke with the same question in mind. Having pondered it for some ten minutes he decided to get up and investigate; so he dressed and went out on to the terrace. Below him the harbour lay veiled in mist and one