Ready was dressed before daylight, and out on the beach before the sun
had risen. The gale was at its height; and after a careful survey with
his telescope, he could see nothing of the vessel. He remained on the
beach till breakfast-time, when he was summoned by William, and
returned to the house. He found Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave up, and more
composed than they were the evening before; and they welcomed him
warmly.
"I fear, Ready," said Mr. Seagrave, "that you have no good news for
us."
"No, sir; nor can you expect any good news until after the gale is
over. The vessel could not remain here during the gale - that is
certain; and there is no saying what the effects of the gale may be.
She may lie to, and not be far from us when the gale is over; or she
may be obliged to scud before the gale, and run some hundred miles from
us. Then comes the next chance. I think, by her running for the island,
that she was short of water; the question is, then, whether she may not
find it necessary to run for the port she is bound to, or water at some
other place. A captain of a vessel is bound to do his best for the
owners. At the same time I do think, that if she can with propriety
come back for us she will.
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