Not knowing how long I might be kept a prisoner, I set to work at once to try and learn the language of my captors.  The women, especially, were very ready to teach me; and my willingness to learn gaining me their friendship, they supplied me plentifully with food.  I was puzzled, however, to know on what account they had carried me off, as I certainly could in no way benefit them.  I concluded that one object might be to hold me as a hostage, in case any of their party should be taken prisoners.