"Not if I can help it. But the schooner can never go back to the Vineyard
without a full hold. The very women would make the island too hot for us
in such a case. Do your duty by Deacon Pratt, Gar'ner, and leave me here
to get along as well as I can. I shall be able to walk a little in a
fortnight; and, in a month, I hope to be well enough to get out among the
people, and regulate their sealing a little myself. Mr. Macy will be more
moderate with my eye on him."

"A month! He who stays here another month may almost make up his mind to
stay eight more of them; if, indeed, he ever get away from the group at
all!"

"A late start is better than a half-empty vessel. When you get in to
Oyster Pond, Gar'ner, I hope you will send a line across to the Vineyard,
and tell 'em all about us."

Another long and brooding pause succeeded, during which Roswell's mind was
made up.

"I will do this with you, Daggett," he said, speaking like one who had
fully decided on his course. "Twenty days longer will I remain here, and
help to make out your cargo; after which I sail, whether you get another
skin or a thousand. This will be remaining as long as any prudent man
ought to stay in so high a latitude."

"Give me your hand, Gar'ner. I knew you had the clear stuff in you, and
that it would make itself seen at the proper moment. I trust that
Providence will favour us--it's really a pity to lose as fine a day as
this; especially as the crittur's are coming up on the rocks to bask,
something like old times!"