well as ourselves, and without the good
fortune that we have had in getting so many necessaries on shore; and
they might be obliged to depend wholly upon the cocoa-nut trees for
their support."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

When breakfast was over the next morning, Ready observed, "Now, Mr
Seagrave, we must hold a council of war, and decide upon an exploring
party for to-morrow; and, when we have settled that, we will find some
useful way of employing ourselves for the rest of the day. The first
question is, of whom is the party to consist?--and upon that I wish to
hear your opinion."

"Why, Ready," replied Mr Seagrave, "it appears to me that you and I
should go."

"Surely not both of you, my dear," interrupted Mrs Seagrave. "You can
do without my husband, can you not, Ready?"

"I certainly should have liked to have Mr Seagrave to advise with,
ma'am," replied Ready; "but still I have thought upon it, and do not
think that William would be quite sufficient protection for you; or, at
all events, you would not feel that he was, which is much the same
thing; and so, if Mr Seagrave has no objection, it would perhaps be
better that he remained with you."

"Would you go alone, then, Ready?" said Mr Seagrave.

"No, sir, I do not think that would be right either,--some accident
might happen; there is no saying what might happen, although there is
every appearance of safety. I should like, therefore, to have some one
with me; the question is, whether it be William or Juno?"

"Take me," said Tommy.

"Take you, Tommy!" said Ready, laughing; "then I must take Juno to take
care of you. No; I think they cannot spare you. Your mamma will want
you when we are gone; you are so useful in gathering wood for the fire,
and taking care of your little sister and brother, that your mother
cannot part with you; so I must have either Juno or William."

"And which would you prefer, Ready?" said Mrs Seagrave.

"William, certainly, ma'am, if you will let him go with me, as you could
ill spare the girl."

"Indeed, I do not like it; I would rather lose Juno for a time," replied
Mrs Seagrave.

"My dear wife," said Mr Seagrave, "recollect how Providence has
preserved us in such awful dangers--how we are landed in safety. And
now, will you not put trust in that Providence, when the dangers are, as
I trust, only imaginary?"

"I was wrong, my dear husband; but sickness and suffering have made me,
I fear, not only nervous and frightened,