s to sleep; I think so, at least."

"William said he was too thirsty to sleep, sir, but, poor fellow, he is
now fast enough."

"I trust that boy will be spared, Ready."

"I hope so too; but we are all in the hands of the Almighty."

Mr Seagrave took his station on the plank, and was left to his own
reflections; that they were not of the most pleasant kind may easily be
imagined. He prayed earnestly and fervently that they might be
delivered from the danger and sufferings which threatened them, and
became calm and tranquil; prepared for the worst, if the worst was to
happen, and confidently placing himself and his family under the care of
him who orders all as he thinks best.

At daylight Ready woke up and relieved Mr Seagrave, who did not return
to the house, but lay down on the cocoa-nut boughs, where Ready had been
lying by the side of William. As soon as Ready had got out the
spike-nails and hammer, he summoned William to his assistance, and they
commenced driving them into the cocoa-nut tree, one looking out in case
of the savages approaching, while the other was at work. In less than
an hour they had gained the top of the tree close to the boughs, and had
a very commanding view of the bay, as well as inland. William, who was
driving the last dozen spikes, took a survey, and then came down to
Ready.

"I can see everything, Ready: they have pulled down the old house
altogether, and are most of them lying down outside, covered up with
their war-cloaks; some women are walking to and fro from the canoes,
which are lying on the beach where they first landed."

"They have pulled down the house to obtain the iron nails, I have no
doubt," replied Ready. "Did you see any of their dead?"

"No; I did not look about very much, but I will go up again directly. I
came down because my hands were jarred with hammering, and the hammer
was so heavy to carry. In a minute or two I shall go up light enough.
My lips are burning, Ready, and swelled; the skin is peeling off. I had
no idea that want of water would have been so dreadful. I was in hopes
of finding a cocoa-nut or two on the tree, but there was not one."

"And if you had found one, it would not have had any milk in it at this
season of the year. However, William, if the savages do not go away
to-day, something must be done. I wish now that you would go up again,
and see if they are not stirring."

William again mounted to the top of the tree, and remained