as so dreadfully frightened that he could not cry.

As soon as Ready landed, William sprang into his arms, crying, "Thank
God, you are safe, Ready!" Mrs Seagrave, overpowered by her feelings,
sank her head upon William's shoulder, and burst into tears.

"It was touch and go, William," observed Ready, as they walked up to the
house, preceded by Mr and Mrs Seagrave. "How much mischief may be
created by a thoughtless boy! However, one can't put old heads on young
shoulders, and so Tommy must be forgiven."

"He has been punished enough, as far as fright goes," replied William;
"I'll answer for it, he'll never get into the boat again by himself."

"No, I think not. But now, William, you saw how nearly I was swamped in
the boat; indeed, it was only by his mercy that I was preserved; but
taking the question merely as far as our endeavours could help us, do
you think that if you had gained the boat instead of me, you would have
brought her to the beach as I did?"

"No, Ready; I never could have managed her so skilfully as you did, and
therefore I must have been swamped before I got on shore."

"Well, William, as I am an old sailor and you are not, therefore it is
not vanity which makes me say that you could not have managed the boat
so well as I did. Now, as I had not three or four seconds to spare,
you, as you say, must have been swamped. I mention this to prove to you
that I was right in desiring your father to order you back."

"Certainly, Ready; but Tommy is my brother, and I felt that it was more
my duty than yours to risk my life for him."

"A very proper feeling, William; but you have other duties, which are,
to look after your father and mother, and be a comfort and solace to
them. Your life is more valuable than mine. I am an old man on the
brink of the grave, and a year or two makes no difference, but your life
is, I hope, of more consequence."

That evening the prayers were more than usually solemn, and the
thanksgivings more heartfelt and sincere. Exhausted with the exciting
scene of the day, they all retired early to bed.

CHAPTER FIFTY NINE.

When Tommy was questioned on the following morning as to his inducement
to get into the boat, to their great surprise he replied, that he wanted
to go round to the tents again, to see if the bananas were ripe; that he
intended to eat some of them and be back before dinner-time, that he
might not be found out.

"I suspect, Tommy, you would have been v