If they were to take you and your family into the boat, it might
be the cause of all perishing together; if I thought otherwise I would
try what I could do to persuade them, but it is useless."
"What must be done, then, Ready?"
"We must put our trust in a merciful God, Mr. Seagrave, who will
dispose of us as he thinks fit."
"We must? What! do not you go with them?"
"No, Mr. Seagrave. I have been thinking about it this last hour, and I
have made up my mind to remain with you. They intend to take poor
Captain Osborn with them, and give him a chance, and have offered to
take me; but I shall stay here."
"To perish?" replied Mr. Seagrave, with surprise.
"As God pleases, Mr. Seagrave I am an old man, and it is of little
consequence. I care little whether I am taken away a year or two
sooner, but I do not like to see blossoms cut off in early spring: I
may be of use if I remain, for I've an old head upon my shoulders, and
I could not leave you all to perish when you might be saved if you only
knew how to act. But here the seamen come - the boat is all ready, and
they will now take poor Captain Osborn with them."
The sailors came aft, and lifted up the still insensible captain.
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