eather till the Mackerel shall be changing their
Quarters. I am vexed to see the Lugger come in Day after day so
poorly stored after all the Labour and Time and Anxiety given to the
work by her Crew; but I can do no more, and at any rate take my share
of the Loss very lightly. I can afford it better than they can. I
have told Newson to set sail and run home any Day, Hour, or Minute,
when he wishes to see his Wife and Family."

Newson and Jack were down at Lowestoft with the _Scandal_, and it was
characteristic of FitzGerald to give his skipper leave to run home when
he wished. FitzGerald always liked the _Meum and Tuum_ to be in harbour
on a Sunday so that the men could see their wives and families and have a
"good hot dinner."

CHAPTER VII
"FLAGSTONE FITZGERALD"

Now that the _Meum and Tuum_ was ready for work FitzGerald's anxiety for
the lives of her crew made him insist upon their taking life-belts aboard
with them, although the mate had stated that no one would wear them. On
April 24th a letter was written to Posh from Woodbridge.

"DEAR POSHY,

"I hear from Mr. Birt this morning that the Life Belts were sent off
to you yesterday--_directed to your house_. So I suppose they will
reach you without your having to go look for them. But you can
enquire at the Rail if they don't show up.

"Mr. Birt says that he makes the Belts of _two_ sizes for the Life
Boat. But he has sent _all_ yours of the large size, except one for
the Boy. I had told him I thought you were all of you biggish Men,
except the Boy. I suppose I have blundered as usual. But if the
Jackets are too big you must change some of them. That will only cost
carriage; and that I must pay for my Blunder.

"I doubt you have been unlucky in your drying days--yesterday we had
such violent showers as would have washed out your oil, I think. And
it must have rained much last night. But you share in _my_ luck now,
you know.

"But I am very glad the children are better. I thought it was bad
weather for fever. There has been great sickness here, I think. Mr.
Gowing and his house are as tedious as Mr. Dove and _my_ house; we
must hope that does not mean to play as false.

"I am very sorry for your loss of lines and anchors.

"E. FG."

Mr. Gowing was, so far as Posh can recollect, a Woodbridge builder, and
Mr. Dove was the Builder who altered Little Gran