so bold; but the fact is, that if I was in command
of that vessel, I should do just as they have done. The gale rises
fast, and it would be very dangerous for them to remain where they now
are. It does not at all prove that they intend to leave us; they but
consult their own safety, and, when the gale is over, we shall, I trust,
see them again."

No reply was made to Ready's judicious remarks. The Seagraves only saw
that the vessel was leaving them, and their hearts sank. They watched
her in silence, and as she gradually diminished to the view, so did
their hopes depart from them. The wind was now fierce, and a heavy
squall, with rain, obscured the offing, and the vessel was no longer to
be distinguished. Mr Seagrave turned to his wife, and mournfully
offered her his arm. They walked away from the beach without speaking;
the remainder of the party, with the exception of old Ready, followed
them. Ready remained some time with his eyes in the direction where the
vessel was last seen. At last he hauled down the ensign and flag, and,
throwing them over his shoulder, followed the disconsolate party to the
house.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

When Ready arrived, he found them all plunged in such deep distress,
that he did not consider it advisable to say anything. The evening
closed in; it was time to retire. The countenance of Mr Seagrave was
not only gloomy, but morose. The hour for retiring to rest had long
passed when Ready broke the silence by saying, "Surely, you do not
intend to sit up all night, Mr Seagrave?"

"Oh, no! there's no use sitting up now," replied Mr Seagrave, rising up
impatiently. "Come, my dear, let us go to bed."

Mrs Seagrave rose, and retired behind the canvas screen. Her husband
seemed as if he was about to follow her, when Ready, without speaking,
laid the Bible on the table before him. Mr Seagrave did not appear to
notice it; but William touched his father's arm, pointed to the book,
and then went inside of the screen, and led out his mother.

"God forgive me!" exclaimed Mr Seagrave. "In my selfishness and
discontent I had forgotten--"

"Yes, sir, you had forgotten those words, `Come unto me, all ye who are
weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'"

"I am ashamed of myself," said Mrs Seagrave, bursting into tears.

Mr Seagrave opened the Bible, and read the psalm. As soon as he had
closed the book, "good night" were all the words that passed, and they
all retired to