Finally, one morning at sunrise, as they were looking round with
the telescope, close to the turtle-pond, Masterman Ready said to Mr.
Seagrave, "Indeed, sir, we must no longer remain in this state of
idleness; I have been thinking a great deal of our present position and
prospects; as to the vessel coming back, we must, at present, give up
all hopes of it. I only wish that we were quite as sure that we shall
not have a visit from the savages: that is my great fear, and it really
haunts me; the idea of our being surprised some night, and Mrs.
Seagrave and the dear children, perhaps, murdered in their beds, is
awful to reflect upon."
"God help us!" exclaimed Mr. Seagrave, covering up his face.
"God will help us, Mr. Seagrave, but at the same time it is necessary
that we should help ourselves; he will give his blessing to our
exertions, but we cannot expect that miracles will be performed for us;
and if we remain as we now are, inactive, and taking no steps to meet
the danger which threatens us, we cannot expect the divine assistance.
We have had a heavy shock, but it is now time that we recover from it,
and put our own shoulders to the wheel."
"I agree with you, Ready," replied William; "indeed I have been
thinking the same thing for many days past.
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