Seagrave, at his request, put the pitch-pot on the galley fire, all
ready for pitching the canvas when it was nailed on. It was not till
dinner-time that Ready, who had worked hard, could patch up the boat;
he then payed the canvas and the seams which he had caulked with pitch
both inside and out.

"I think we shall do now, sir," said Ready; "we'll drag her to the
gangway and launch her. It's fortunate for us that they did clear away
the gunnel, as we shall have no trouble."

A rope was made fast to the boat, to hold her to the ship: she was then
launched over the gunnel by the united exertions of Mr. Seagrave and
Ready, and to their great satisfaction she appeared to leak very
little.

"Now, sir," said Ready, "what shall we do first - take some things on
shore, or some of the children?"

"What do you say, Ready?"

"I think as the water is as smooth as glass, and we can land anywhere,
you and I had better go first to reconnoitre, - it is not two hundred
yards to the beach, and we shall lose but little time."

"Very well, Ready, I will first run down and tell my wife."

"And, in the meanwhile, I'll put the sail into the boat, and one or two
other things."

Ready put the sail in, an axe, a musket, and some cord; then they both