with brushwood growing in front of the cocoa-nut trees.

"That," said Ready, pointing to it, "must be our location. Let us get
into the boat again and pull to it."

In a few minutes they arrived at the cove; the water was shallow, and as
clear as crystal. Beneath the boat's bottom they could see beautiful
shells, and the fish darting about in every direction.

The sand extended about forty yards from the water, and then commenced
the brushwood, which ran back about forty yards further, intermingled
with single cocoa-nut trees, until it joined the cocoa-nut grove. They
pulled the boat in and landed.

"What a lovely spot this is!" exclaimed Mr Seagrave; "and perhaps
mortal man has never yet visited it till now: those cocoa-nuts have
borne their fruit year after year, have died, and others have sprung up
in their stead; and here has this spot remained, perhaps for centuries,
all ready for man to live in, and to enjoy whenever he should come to
it."

"Providence is bountiful, Mr Seagrave," replied Ready, "and supplies
our wants when we least expect it. If you please we will walk a little
way into the wood: take the gun as a precaution, sir; not that there
appears to be much occasion for it--there is seldom anything wild on
these small islands, except a pig or two has been put on shore by
considerate Christians."

"Well, now that we are in the grove, Ready, what do you think?"

"I was looking for a place to fix a tent up for the present, sir, and I
think that on that little rise would be a very good place till we can
look about us and do better; but we have no time now, sir, for we have
plenty of trips to make before nightfall. If you please, we'll haul the
sail and other articles on to the beach, and then return on board."

As they were pulling the boat back, Ready said, "I've been thinking
about what is best, Mr Seagrave. Would Mrs Seagrave mind your leaving
her?--if not, I should say we should have Juno and William on shore
first, as they can be of use."

"I do not think that she will mind being left on board with William and
the children, provided that I return for her when she is to come on
shore herself with the baby."

"Well then, let William remain on board, if you please, sir. I'll land
you and Juno, Tommy, and the dogs, this time, for they will be a
protection in case of accidents. You and Juno can be doing something
while I return by myself for the other articles we shall require."

As soon as