d. The
same gale that drove the vessel away brought down to us the island
women. The fair weather after the gale, which we hoped would have
brought back the vessel to our succour, on the contrary enabled the
women to escape in the canoe, and make known our existence to those who
may come to destroy us. How true it is that man plans in vain; and that
it is only by the Almighty will and pleasure that he can obtain his
ends!"

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

But although they resolved as stated in the last chapter, nothing was
done. Finally, one morning at sunrise, as they were looking round with
the telescope, close to the turtle-pond, Masterman Ready said to Mr
Seagrave, "Indeed, sir, we must no longer remain in this state of
idleness; I have been thinking a great deal of our present position and
prospects; as to the vessel coming back, we must, at present, give up
all hopes of it. I only wish that we were quite as sure that we shall
not have a visit from the savages: that is my great fear, and it really
haunts me; the idea of our being surprised some night, and Mrs Seagrave
and the dear children, perhaps, murdered in their beds, is awful to
reflect upon."

"God help us!" exclaimed Mr Seagrave, covering up his face.

"God will help us, Mr Seagrave, but at the same time it is necessary
that we should help ourselves; he will give his blessing to our
exertions, but we cannot expect that miracles will be performed for us;
and if we remain as we now are, inactive, and taking no steps to meet
the danger which threatens us, we cannot expect the divine assistance.
We have had a heavy shock, but it is now time that we recover from it,
and put our own shoulders to the wheel."

"I agree with you, Ready," replied William; "indeed I have been thinking
the same thing for many days past."

"We have all been thinking of it, I believe," said Mr Seagrave; "I'm
sure I have lain awake night after night, considering our position and
what we ought to do, but I have never been able to come to any
satisfactory resolution."

"No more have I till last night, Mr Seagrave, but I think that I have
now something to propose which, perhaps, will meet with your approval,"
replied Ready; "so now, sir, suppose we hold another council, and come
to a decision."

"I am most willing, Ready," said Mr Seagrave, sitting down upon a rock;
"and as you are the oldest, and moreover the best adviser of the three,
we will first hear what you have to propose."