shipwrecked; and I could not help thinking of home and my own country;
but here we appear as if we had been long settled, and as if we had
come here by choice."

"I trust that feeling will be stronger every day, sir; for it's no use,
and indeed sinful, to repine."

"I acknowledge it, and with all humility. What is the first thing which
you wish we should set about?"

"I think, sir, the first object is to have a good supply of fresh
water; and I therefore wish you and William - Here he is. Good-morning,
William - I was saying that I thought it better that Mr. Seagrave and
you should clear out the spring while I am away in the boat. I brought
another shovel with me yesterday, and you both can work; perhaps we had
better go there, as Juno, I see, is getting the breakfast ready. You
observe, Mr. Seagrave, we must follow up the spring till we get among
the cocoa-nut trees, where it will be shaded from the sun; that is
easily done by digging towards them, and watching how the water flows.
Then, if you will dig out a hole large enough to sink down in the earth
one of the water-casks which lie on the beach, I will bring it down
with me this afternoon; and then, when it is fixed in the earth in that
way, we shall always have the cask full of water for use, and the
spring filling it as fast as we empty it."

"I understand," replied Mr. Seagrave; "that shall be our task while you
are absent."

"Now, I have nothing more to do than to speak to Juno about dinner,"
replied Ready; "and then I'll just take a mouthful, and be off."