"Why, Ready," replied Mr. Seagrave, "it appears to me that you and I
should go."

"Surely not both of you, my dear," interrupted Mrs. Seagrave. "You can
do without my husband, can you not, Ready?"

"I certainly should have liked to have Mr. Seagrave to advise with,
ma'am," replied Ready; "but still I have thought upon it, and do not
think that William would be quite sufficient protection for you; or, at
all events, you would not feel that he was, which is much the same
thing; and so, if Mr. Seagrave has no objection, it would perhaps be
better that he remained with you."

"Would you go alone, then, Ready?" said Mr. Seagrave.

"No, sir, I do not think that would be right either, - some accident
might happen; there is no saying what might happen, although there is
every appearance of safety. I should like, therefore, to have some one
with me; the question is, whether it be William or Juno?"

"Take me," said Tommy.

"Take you, Tommy!" said Ready, laughing; "then I must take Juno to take
care of you. No; I think they cannot spare you. Your mamma will want
you when we are gone; you are so useful in gathering wood for the fire,
and taking care of your little sister and brother, that your mother
cannot part with you; so I must have either Juno or William."

"And which would you prefer, Ready?" said Mrs. Seagrave.