"Why did he bury himself in this rock, with mining utensils and a few rough stores?
He could not be a castaway.

There is the indication of purpose, of preparation, of method combined with ignorance, for none who knew the ways of Dyaks and Chinese pirates would venture to live here alone, if he could help it, and if he really were alone." The thing was a mystery, would probably remain a mystery for ever.
"Be it steel or be it lead, Anyhow the man is dead." There was relief in hearing his own voice.

He could hum, and think, and act.

Arming himself with the axe he attacked the bushes and branches of trees in front of the cave.

He cut a fresh approach to the well, and threw the litter over the skeleton.