come down directly." I did so, and
Nero, in a quarter of an hour, had landed all the fish, and I then
returned with him to the cabin. Mrs R had selected the best of the
clothes, and made them up in a tight bundle, which she sewed up with
strong thread. My books she had left out, as well as the spy-glass, and
the tools I had, as they might be useful. I asked her whether I should
carry them down to the bathing-pool, but she replied that on the morning
when we embarked would be quite time enough. I then went to the hole
under Jackson's bed-place, and brought out the belt and the few articles
that were with it. Mrs R, after having examined them, said that she
would take care of them all; the watch and other trinkets she put in her
basket; the belt she took to the bed-place, and secreted it.

She appeared very silent and thoughtful, and on my asking her whether I
should not take down the shovel, and the pail, and hammer, she replied,
"No, leave all till we are ready to go to the boat. It will be time
enough."

Shortly afterwards, the mate brought us up some of the fish which they
had cooked for supper, and when we had eaten it we went to bed.

"This is the last night we shall sleep together, Nero," said I, kissing
my favourite, and the thought brought tears into my eyes. "But it can't
be helped." I was, however, soon fast asleep, with my arm round the
animal.

When I went out the next morning, I found that the weather was
beautifully fine, the water smooth, and only rippled by a light breeze.
As Mrs R had not yet made her appearance, I went down to the
bathing-pool, where I found all the men up and in full activity. The
boat had been emptied out, the oars, masts, and sails, were on the
rocks; and the men were turning the bows to the seaward in readiness for
launching her over the ledge of rocks. The dried birds lay in a heap by
the side of the cask of rum, and the fish which had been baked were in
the large kid. The six breakers were also piled up together, and the
mate and some of the men were disputing as to how many of them should be
filled with water. The mate wanted them all filled; the men said that
three would be sufficient, as the boat would be so loaded. At last the
mate gained his point, and the men each took a breaker, and went up to
the cabin for the water. I went with them to fill the breakers, and
also to see that they did no mischief, for they appeared very unruly and
out of temper; and I w