my bones will remain on it. God's will be done!"

For some time after Ready had finished, neither of them said a word, but
continued their employment, stretching out the canvas of the tent, and
fastening it down to the ground with pegs. At last William broke the
silence.

"Ready, did you not say your Christian name was Masterman?"

"So it is, William."

"It is a very odd Christian name! You were called after some other
person?"

"Yes, I was, William; he was a very rich man."

"Do you know, Ready, I should like very much if you will one day tell me
your history--I mean your whole life, from the time you were a boy."

"Well, perhaps I may, William; for there are many parts of my life which
would prove a lesson to others: but that must be after we have got
through our work."

"How old are you, Ready?"

"I am turned of sixty-four; a very old age for a seaman. I could not
obtain employment on board of a vessel if it were not that I am well
known to several captains."

"But why do you say `old for a seaman?'"

"Because sailors live faster than other people, partly from the
hardships which they undergo, and partly from their own fault in
drinking so much spirits; and then they are too often reckless and care
nothing for their healths."

"But you never drink spirits now?"

"No, never, William; but in my early days I was as foolish as others.
Now, Juno, you may bring in the bedding. We have two or three hours
yet, William; what shall we do next?"

"Had we not better make the fireplace all ready for cooking?"

"It was what I was going to propose, if you had not. I shall be here
to-morrow long before any of you, and I will take care that supper is
ready on your arrival."

"I brought a bottle of water in my knapsack," replied William, "not so
much for the water, as because I want to milk the goats and take back
the milk for baby."

"You proved yourself not only thoughtful but kind, William: now while
you and Juno fetch the stones for the fireplace, I will stow away under
the trees the things I have brought in the boat."

"Shall we let the goats and sheep loose, Ready?"

"Oh, yes,--there is no fear of their straying; the herbage here is
better than on the other side, and there is plenty of it."

"Well, I will let Nanny go as soon as Juno has milked her. Now, Juno,
let us see how many stones we can carry at once."

In an hour the fireplace was made, Ready had done all that he could, the
goats were