"Why, madam, we have provisions enough for three days: if we start
to-morrow morning, which is Wednesday, I hope to be back some time on
Friday evening; but I won't be later than Saturday morning if I can
help it."

"Good-night - and good-bye, mother," said William, "for I shall not see
you to-morrow!"

"God bless and protect you, my dear child!" replied Mrs. Seagrave.
"Take care of him, Ready, and good-bye to you till we meet."

Mrs. Seagrave went into the tent to hide the tears which she could not
suppress.



Chapter XIV

Ready was up before the sun had appeared, and he awakened William. The
knapsacks had been already packed, with two bottles of water in each,
wrapped round with cocoa-nut leaves, to prevent their breaking, and the
beef and pork divided between each knapsack. Ready's, which was larger
than William's, held the biscuit and several other things which Ready
had prepared in case they might require them.

As soon as the knapsacks were on, Ready took the axe and gun, and asked
William if he thought he could carry a small spade on his shoulder,
which they had brought on shore along with the shovels. William replied
that he could; and the dogs, who appeared to know they were going, were
all ready standing by them. Then, just as the sun rose, they turned