ally revived. William then left
Ready, and went up to acquaint his father and mother with this
unexpected event.

William soon returned with Mr Seagrave, and as the women were now able
to sit up, they hauled up the canoe as far as they could, to prevent her
being beat to pieces. They found nothing in the canoe, except a piece
of matting and the two paddles which had been used by the natives.

"You see, sir," said Ready, "it is very clear that these two poor women,
having been left in charge of the canoe, have been blown off from the
shore of one of the islands to the south-east; they must have been
contending with the gale ever since the day before yesterday, and, as it
appears, without food or water. It's a mercy that they gained this
island."

"It is so," replied Mr Seagrave; "but to tell the truth, I am not over
pleased at their arrival. It proves what we were not sure of before,
that we have very near neighbours, who may probably pay us a very
unwelcome visit."

"That may be, sir," replied Ready; "still these two poor creatures being
thrown on shore here does not make the matter worse, or the danger
greater. Perhaps it may turn to our advantage; for if these women learn
to speak English before any other islanders visit us, they will
interpret for us, and be the means, perhaps, of saving our lives."

"Would their visit be so dangerous, then, Ready?"

"Why, sir, a savage is a savage, and, like a child, wishes to obtain
whatever he sees; especially he covets what he may turn to use, such as
iron, etcetera. If they came, and we concealed a portion, and gave up
the remainder of our goods, we might escape; but still there is no
trusting to them, and I would infinitely prefer defending ourselves
against numbers to trusting to their mercy."

"But how can we defend ourselves against a multitude?"

"We must be prepared, sir: if we can fortify ourselves, with our muskets
we would be more than a match for hundreds."

Mr Seagrave turned away. After a pause he said, "It is not very
pleasant to be now talking of defending ourselves against savages, when
we hoped two days ago to be leaving the island. Oh, that that brig
would make its appearance again!"

"The wind is going down fast, sir," observed Ready; "it will be fine
weather before the evening. We may look out for her; at all events, for
the next week I shall not give up all hopes."

"A whole week, Ready! Alas! how true it is, that hope deferred maketh