Her steering towards the
island must then be either that she required water or something else;
perhaps she would alter her course and pass by them. "At all events,"
thought the old man, "we are in the hands of God, who will, at his own
time and in his own way, do with us as he thinks fit. I will not at
present say anything to Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave. It would be cruel to
raise hopes which might end in disappointment. A few hours will decide.
And yet I cannot do without help - I must trust William."
Ready rose, examined the vessel with his telescope, and then walked
towards the house. William was up, and the remainder of the family were
stirring.
"William," said Ready to him, as they walked away from the house, "I
have a secret to tell you, which you will at once see the necessity of
not telling to anyone at present. A few hours will decide the
question." William readily gave his promise. "There is a vessel off the
island; she may be the means of rescuing us, or she may pass without
seeing us. It would be too cruel a disappointment to your father and
mother, if the latter were the case."
William stared at Ready, and for a moment could not speak, his
excitement was so great.
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