Chapter XX

Everything was now preparing for their removal to the leeward side of
the island. Ready had nearly completed the boat; he had given it a
thorough repair, and fitted a mast and sail. William and Mr. Seagrave
continued to collect and secure the various articles thrown on shore,
particularly such as would be injured by their exposure to the weather:
these they rolled or carried into the cocoa-nut grove, so as to be
sheltered from the sun; but there were so many things thrown on shore
day after day, that they hardly knew what they had: but they secured
case and cask one after another, waiting for a better opportunity to
examine their contents. At last they collected a great many articles
together, and, with their shovels, covered them over with sand, it
being impossible to get them from the beach without more time than they
could spare.

Neither was Mrs. Seagrave, who was now getting quite strong, or Juno,
idle. They had made up everything that they could in packages, ready
for moving. On the eighth day after the gale, they were ready, and it
was arranged that Ready should put into the boat the bedding and canvas
of one tent, and should take William with him on his expedition. Having
transported this safe, he should return for a load of the most
necessary articles, and then the family should walk through the grove
to the other side of the island, and remain there with Mr. Seagrave
while Ready and William returned for the other tent; and after that,
the boat should make as many trips as the weather would permit, till
they had brought all the things absolutely required. It was a lovely
calm morning when Ready and William pushed off in the boat, which was
well loaded; and as soon as they were clear of the cove they hoisted