"Then we shall want a storehouse for all the things we have got, and all that are in the wood and on the beach: and consider what a many trips we shall have to make with the little boat to bring them all round." "Yes, that is very true, Ready. Have we anything more to do?" "Plenty; we have to build a turtle-pond and a fish-pond, and a bathing-place for Juno to wash the children in. But first we must make a proper well at the spring, so as to have plenty of fresh water: now there's enough for a year's hard work at least." "Well, let us once get mamma and the children here, and we will work hard." "I should wish very much to see it all done, William," said Ready. "I hope my life will be spared till it is done, at all events." "But why do you say that, Ready? you are an old man, but you are strong and healthy." "I am so now; but what does the Book say? - `In the midst of life we are in death'. You are young and healthy, and promise a long life; but who knows but you may be summoned away tomorrow. Can I, then, an old man, worn out with hardships, expect to live long? No - no, William! Still I should like to remain here as long as I can be useful, and then I trust I may depart in peace. I never wish to leave this island; and I have a kind of feeling that my bones will remain on it. God's will be done!" For some time after Ready had finished, neither of them said a word, but continued their employment, stretching out the canvas of the tent, and fastening it down to the ground with pegs. At last William broke the silence. "Ready, did you not say your Christian name was Masterman?" "So it is, William." "It is a very odd Christian name! You were called after some other person?" "Yes, I was, William; he was a very rich man." "Do you know, Ready, I should like very much if you will one day tell me your history - I mean your whole life, from the time you were a boy." "Well, perhaps I may, William; for there are many parts of my life which would prove a lesson to others: but that must be after we have got through our work." "How old are you, Ready?" "I am turned of sixty-four; a very old age for a seaman. I could not obtain employment on board of a vessel if it were not that I am well known to several captains." "But why do you say `old for a seaman'?" "Because sailors live faster than other people, partly from the hardships which they undergo, and partly from their own fault in drinking so much spirits; and then they are too often reckless and care nothing for their healths." "But you never drink spirits now?" "No, never, William; but in my early days I was as foolish as others. Now, Juno, you may bring in the bedding. We have two or three hours yet, William; what shall we do next?" "Had we not better make the fireplace all ready for cooking?" "It was what I was going to propose, if you had not. I shall be here to-morrow long before any of you, and I will take care that supper is ready on your arrival."