"I should wish very much to see it all done, William," said Ready. "I
hope my life will be spared till it is done, at all events."

"But why do you say that, Ready? you are an old man, but you are strong
and healthy."

"I am so now; but what does the Book say? - `In the midst of life we
are in death'. You are young and healthy, and promise a long life; but
who knows but you may be summoned away tomorrow. Can I, then, an old
man, worn out with hardships, expect to live long? No - no, William!
Still I should like to remain here as long as I can be useful, and then
I trust I may depart in peace. I never wish to leave this island; and I
have a kind of feeling that my bones will remain on it. God's will be
done!"

For some time after Ready had finished, neither of them said a word,
but continued their employment, stretching out the canvas of the tent,
and fastening it down to the ground with pegs. At last William broke
the silence.

"Ready, did you not say your Christian name was Masterman?"

"So it is, William."

"It is a very odd Christian name! You were called after some other
person?"

"Yes, I was, William; he was a very rich man."

"Do you know, Ready, I should like very much if you will one day tell