on the stump of the foremast. Ready, who had been some time down in the
cabin, proposed to Mr. Seagrave that Juno and all the children should
go on deck. "They cannot be expected to be quiet, sir; and, now that
Madam is in such a sweet sleep, it would be a pity to wake her. After
so much fatigue she may sheep for hours, and the longer the better, for
you know that (in a short time, I trust) she will have to exert
herself." Mr. Seagrave agreed to the good sense of this proposal, and
went on deck with Juno and the children, leaving William in the cabin
to watch his mother. Poor Juno was very much astonished when she came
up the ladder and perceived the condition of the vessel, and the
absence of the men; but Mr. Seagrave told her what had happened, and
cautioned her against saying a word to Mrs. Seagrave. Juno promised
that she would not; but the poor girl perceived the danger of their
position, and, as she pressed little Albert to her bosom, a tear or two
rolled down her cheeks. Even Tommy and Caroline could not help asking
where the masts and sails were, and what had become of Captain Osborn.

"Look there, sir," said Ready, pointing out some floating sea-weed to
Mr. Seagrave.

"I perceive it," said Mr. Seagrave; "but what then?"

"That by itself would not be quite proof," replied Ready, "but we
sailors have other signs and tokens. Do you see those birds hovering
over the waves?"

"I do."

"Well, sir, those birds never go far from land, that's all: and now,
sir, I'll go down for my quadrant; for, although I cannot tell the