as missing.
It had been hauled up clear of the water, so that it could not have
floated away. Ready's heart misgave him; he looked through his
telescope in the direction of the large island, and thought he could
distinguish a speck on the water at a great distance. As he was thus
occupied, William came down to him.

"William," said Ready, "I fear those island women have escaped in their
canoe. Run up, and see if they are in the outhouse, or anywhere else,
and let me know as soon as you can."

William in a few minutes returned, breathless, stating that the women
were not to be found, and that they had evidently carried away with them
a quantity of the large nails and other pieces of iron which were in the
small kegs in the storehouse.

"This is bad, William; this is worse than the vessel not coming back."

"Why, we can do without them, Ready."

"Yes; but when they get back to their own people, and show them the iron
they have brought with them, and describe how much more there is to be
had, depend upon it, we shall have a visit from them in numbers, that
they may obtain more. I ought to have known better than to leave the
canoe here. We must go and consult with Mr Seagrave, for the sooner we
begin to work now, the better."

They communicated the intelligence to Mr Seagrave when they were
outside. He at once perceived their danger, so they held a council, and
came to the following resolutions:--

That it would be necessary that they should immediately stockade the
storehouse, so as to render it impossible for any one to get in; and
that, as soon as the fortification was complete, the storehouse should
be turned into their dwelling-house; and such stores as could not be put
within the stockade should be removed to their present house, or
concealed in the cocoa-nut grove.

It was decided that nothing should be begun on that day, Saturday; that
Sunday should be spent in devout prayer for help and encouragement from
the Almighty, who would do towards them as his wisdom should ordain; and
that on Monday, with the blessing of God, they would recommence their
labour.

"I don't know why, but I feel more courage now that there is a prospect
of danger, than I felt when there was little or none," said Mrs
Seagrave.

"How little do we know what the day may bring forth!" exclaimed Mr
Seagrave. "How joyful were our anticipations when the vessel hoisted
her colours! we felt sure that we were to be taken off the islan