One great advantage to us, is
the feed which we have found for our live stock, and the fodder for
them during the rainy season; but principally, the patch of yams, which
will afford us food during the winter. They are of great importance to
us, and we cannot too soon protect them from the pigs, which will
certainly root them all up, if we do not prevent them. Now, sir, you
know what we had arranged to do, but which we have not done; I think
the cocoa-nut rails will take too much time, and it will be sufficient
to make a ditch and hedge round the yams; but it will be very tedious
if we are to go backwards and forwards to do the work, and Mrs.
Seagrave and the children will be left alone. I therefore propose, as
the weather is now set in fair, and will remain so for months, that we
pitch our tents on that part of the island, and remove the whole family
there; we shall soon be very comfortable, and at all events much safer
there than if we remain here, without any defence,"
"It is an excellent plan, Ready; we shall, as you say, be removed from
danger for the time, and when there, we may consider what we had best
do by and by."
"Yes, sir. Those women may not have gained the other island, it is
true, for they had the wind right against them for several days after
they went away in the canoe, and, moreover, the current sets strong
this way; but if they have, we must expect that the savages will pay us
a visit; they will, of course, come direct to the house, if they do
come.
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