"
As soon as the cocoa-nut leaves were lighted, Ready and William threw
water upon them, so as to damp them and procure a heavy column of
smoke. The vessel approached rapidly, and they were watching her in
silent suspense, when they perceived Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave, Juno
carrying Albert, with Tommy and Caroline running down as fast as they
could to the beach. The fact was, that Tommy, tired of work, had gone
out of the house and walked towards the beach; there he perceived,
first, the flags hoisted, and then he detected the vessel off the
island. He immediately ran back to the house, crying out, "Papa! Mamma!
Captain Osborn come back - come back in a big ship." At this
announcement, Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave ran out of the house, perceived the
vessel and the flags flying, and ran as fast as they could down to
where William and Ready were standing by the flag-staff.
"Oh! Ready, why did you not tell us this before?" exclaimed Mr.
Seagrave.
"I wish you had not known it now, sir," replied Ready; "but, however,
it can't be helped; it was done out of kindness, Mr. Seagrave."
"Yes, indeed it was, papa."
Mrs. Seagrave dropped down on the rock, and burst into tears.
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