It is a melancholy and
cruel fate, Ready, and that you must acknowledge."
"Mr. Seagrave, as an old man compared to you, I may venture to say that
you are ungrateful to Heaven to give way to these repinings. What is
said in the book of Job? `Shall we receive good of the Lord, and shall
we not receive evil?' Besides, who knows whether good may not proceed
from what appears evil? I beg your pardon, Mr. Seagrave, I hope I have
not offended you; but, indeed, sir, I felt that it was my duty to speak
as I have done."
"You have reproved me very just]y, Ready; and I thank you for it,"
replied Mr. Seagrave; "I will repine no more, but make the best of it."
"And trust in God, sir, who, if he thinks fit, will restore you once
more to your friends, and increase tenfold your flocks and herds."
"That quotation becomes very apt, Ready," replied Mr. Seagrave,
smiling, "considering that all my prospects are in flocks and herds
upon my land in New South Wales. I must put myself under your orders;
for, in our present position, you are my superior - knowledge is power.
Can we do anything to-night?"
"I can do a little, Mr. Seagrave; but you cannot assist me till
tomorrow morning, except indeed to help me to drag these two spars aft;
and then I can rig a pair of sheers, and have them all ready for
hoisting up to-morrow morning to get the boat in.
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