In fact, the appearance of
the vessel and the expectation of leaving the island had completely
overturned all the regularity and content of our island party. No other
subject was broached - not any of the work proposed was begun, as it
was useless to do anything if they were to leave the island. After the
first week had passed, they felt that every day their chances were more
adverse, and at the end of the fortnight all hopes were very
unwillingly abandoned.
The Indian women had, in the meantime, recovered their fatigues, and
appeared to be very mild and tractable. Whatever they were able to do,
they did cheerfully, and had already gained a few words of English. The
party to explore was again talked over, and arranged for the following
Monday, when a new misfortune fell on them, which disconcerted all
their arrangements.
On the Saturday morning, when Ready, as usual, went his rounds, as he
walked along the beach, he perceived that the Indian canoe was missing.
It had been hauled up clear of the water, so that it could not have
floated away. Ready's heart misgave him; he looked through his
telescope in the direction of the large island, and thought he could
distinguish a speck on the water at a great distance.
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