nd then we will do as you say, for the sooner we are all
there the better."

As Mr Seagrave was of the same opinion, Juno packed up a piece of salt
pork and some flour-cakes, which, with three or four bottles of water,
they took down to the boat. Ready having thrown in a piece of rope to
moor the boat with, they shoved off and were soon through the reef, and,
after a smart pull, they arrived again at the small harbour.

As soon as they had landed all the things, they made the boat fast by
the rope, and then carried a portion of the canvas and tent-poles up to
the first copse of trees, which were the guavas; they then returned for
the remainder, and after three trips everything was up.

"Now, William, we must see where to pitch the tent; we must not be too
near the cocoa-nut grove, or we shall have too far to go for water."

"Don't you think that the best place will be close to the bananas? the
ground is higher there, and the water is, you know, between the bananas
and the yams."

"Very true, I think it will not be a bad place; let us walk there first,
and reconnoitre the ground."

They walked to where the bananas were now throwing out their beautiful
large green leaves, and decided that they would fix the tents upon the
north side of them.

"So here let it be," said Ready; "and now let us go and fetch all the
things; it is a nice dry spot, and I think will do capitally."

They were soon hard at work, and long before sunset one tent was ready,
and they had put their bedding in it.

"Well, now, I suppose you are a little tired," said Ready; "I'm sure you
ought to be, for you have worked hard to-day."

"I don't feel very tired, Ready, but it's not time to go to bed yet."

"No; and I think we had better take our shovels and dig the pits for the
water, and then we shall know by to-morrow morning whether the water is
good or not."

"Yes, Ready, we can do that before we get our supper."

They walked to where the ground between the bananas and yam patch was
wet and swampy, and dug two large holes about a yard deep and square;
the water trickled in very fast, and they were up to their ankles before
they had finished.

"There'll be no want of water, Ready, if it is only fit to drink."

"I've no fear of that," replied Ready.

They returned to the tent and made their supper off the salt pork and
flour-cakes, and then lay down on the mattresses. They were soon fast
asleep, for they were tired out with the hard w