"So he does, sir. Well, you've established a post on the island, which is a great improvement. Seriously, William, it may prove very useful." "At all events it will be a great comfort to my mother." "Yes, especially as we shall be obliged all three to be here when we fit up the storehouse, and make the proposed alterations. Now I think we had better go to bed, for we must be up with the lark to-morrow." "Here I suppose we ought to say, up with the parrots; for they are the only land birds on the island." "You forget the pigeons; I saw one of them in the wood the other day. Good night!" The next morning, they were off before breakfast. The boat was soon loaded, and they returned under sail. They then breakfasted, and having left the things they had brought on the beach, that they might lose no time, they set off again, and returned with another cargo two hours before dusk; this they landed, and then secured the boat. As soon as they were in the house, William wrote on a piece of paper:-- "Dear Mamma:-- We have brought round two cargoes to-day. All well, and very tired. Yours, WILLIAM." Remus did not require any teaching this time. William patted him, and said, "Good dog. Now, Remus, go back - go home, sir;" and the dog wagged his tail, and set off immediately. Before they were in bed, the dog returned with the answer. "How fast he must run, Ready! he has not been away more than two hours." "No. So, now, Remus, you shall have plenty of supper, and plenty of patting and coaxing, for you are a clever, good little dog." The next day, as they had to take the two cargoes up to the house, they could only make one trip to the cove. On Saturday they only made one trip, as they had to return to the tents, which they did by water, having first put a turtle into the boat; on their arrival, they found them all at the little harbour, waiting to receive them. "Well, William, you did keep your promise and send me a letter by post," said Mrs. Seagrave. "How very delightful it is! I shall have no fear now when you are all away." "I must teach Romulus and Vixen to do the same, mamma." "And I'll teach the puppies," said Tommy. "Yes, Tommy; by the time you can write a letter, the puppies will be old enough to carry it," said Ready. "Come, Albert, I'll carry you up; you and I haven't had a game of play for a long while. How does the ditch and hedge get on, Mr. Seagrave?" "Pretty well, Ready," replied Mr. Seagrave; "I have nearly finished two sides. I think by the end of next week I shall have pretty well inclosed it." "Well, sir, you must not work too hard, there is no great hurry; William and I can get through a great deal together." "It is my duty to work, Ready; and I may add, it is a pleasure." As they were at supper the conversation turned upon the cleverness shown by the dog Remus.