Mr. Seagrave then went down to the cove; the little boat was lying on
the beach, just lifted by the rippling waves; they pushed her off, and
got into her. "I know where the steward kept the tea and coffee,
father," said William, as they pulled on board; "mamma would like some
for breakfast, I'm sure, and I'll milk the goats for baby."
Although they were neither of them very handy at the oar, they were
soon alongside of the ship; and, having made the boat fast, they
climbed on board.
William first went down to the cabin for the tea and coffee, and then
left his father to collect other things while he went to milk the
goats, which he did in a tin pan. He then poured the milk into a
bottle, which he had washed out, that it might not be spilt, and went
back to his father.
"I have filled these two baskets full of a great many things, William,
which will be very acceptable to your mamma. What else shall we take?"
"Let us take the telescope, at all events, father; and let us take a
whole quantity of clothes - they will please mamma: the clean ones are
all in the drawers - we can bring them up in a sheet; and then, father,
let us bring some of the books on shore; and I'm sure mamma will long
for her Bible and prayer-book; - here they are."
"You are a good boy, William," replied Mr. Seagrave. "I will now take
those things up to the boat, and then return for the rest."
In a short time everything was put into the boat, and they pulled on
shore again. They found Juno, who had been washing herself, waiting for
them at the cove, to assist to take up the things.
"Well, Juno, how do you find yourself this morning?"
"Quite well, massa," said Juno: and then pointing to the clear water,
she said, "Plenty fish here."
"Yes, if we only had lines," replied Mr. Seagrave. "I think Ready has
both hooks and lines somewhere. Come, Juno, take up this bundle of
linen to your tent: we can manage all the rest."
When they arrived at the tent they found that every one was awake
except Ready, who appeared still to sleep very sound. Mrs. Seagrave had
passed a very good night, and felt herself much refreshed. William made
some touch-paper, which he lighted with one of the glasses from the
telescope, and they soon had a good fire. Mr. Seagrave went to the
beach, and procured three large stones to rest the saucepan on; and in
half an hour the water was boiling and the tea made.
Chapter XII
Juno had taken the children down to the cove, and, walking out into the
water up to her knees, had dipped them in all over, as the shortest way
of washing them, and had then dressed them and left them with their
mother, while she assisted William to get the cups and saucers and
plates for breakfast. Everything was laid out nice and tidy between the
two tents, and then William proposed that he should awaken Ready.
"Yes, my boy, you may as well now - he will want his breakfast."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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