Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnappe

Even I, who had the tide going out and in before me in the bay, and even watched for the ebbs, the better to get my shellfish -- even I (I say) if I had sat down to think, instead of raging at my fate, must have soon guessed the secret, and got free. It was no wonder the fishers had not understood me. The wonder was rather that they had ever guessed my pitiful illusion, and taken the trouble to come back. I had starved with cold and hunger on that island for close upon one hundred hours. But for the fishers, I might have left my bones there, in pure folly. And even as it was, I had paid for it pretty dear, not only in past sufferings, but in my present case; being clothed like a beggar-man, scarce able to walk, and in great pain of my sore throat.I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both; and I believe they both get paid in the end; but the fools first.

Summary

This quote highlights the realization of an individual who reflects on their own foolishness and the consequences they have faced as a result. The narrator acknowledges that if they had taken a moment to think and understand their situation instead of getting angry, they would have found a solution sooner. They express gratitude towards the fishers who, despite not understanding their illusion, still made the effort to return and save them. Drawing from their experiences, the narrator observes that both wicked individuals and fools eventually face consequences, but it is the fools who often bear the brunt of it first.