Deserters

The Old Monkey came for another chat at my cell window, today. Beaver Hateman is absolutely furious. The village has drifted further and further from the island of Annobón and it has taken longer and longer for the canoes of the islanders to reach us. Some of the villagers, realising that Homesea could drift forever about the oceans of the world, have grabbed the last chance to settle for a happy, sunny life on Annobón. For they have no interest in Beaver's obsessions with making money or 'improving' society. "Deserters!" screamed Beaver when he discovered a number of the villagers had disappeared. He took a boat and chased after them shouting through a megaphone "Ingrates! Come back at once ! - after all I have done for you, this is how you repay me!" he ranted, as they disappeared over the horizon. I think he is finally beginning to understand the great burden that us leaders of men have to carry.