"
"And very natural that they should, Mr. Seagrave; I feel it also. I am
content, it is true, because I have nothing to wish or look forward to;
but still I could not help thinking of poor Captain Osborn and my
shipmates, as I looked upon the wreck, and wishing that I might take
them by the hand again. It is very natural that one should do so. Why,
sir, do you know that I feel unhappy even about the poor ship. We
sailors love our vessels, especially when they have good qualities, and
the Pacific was as fine a vessel as ever was built. Now, sir, I feel
quite melancholy when I see her planks and timbers lying about here.
But, sir, if we cannot help feeling as we do, it is our duty to check
the feeling, so that it does not get the mastery over us. We can do no
more."
"Very true, Ready," said Mr. Seagrave, rising up; "it is not only
useless, but even sinful to indulge in them, as they only can lead to
our repining at the decrees of heaven. Let us now examine the rocks,
and see if anything has been thrown up that may be of use to us."
They walked round, but, with the exception of spars and a barrel or two
of tar, they could find nothing of value. There was no want of staves
and iron hoops of broken casks, and these, Ready observed, would make
excellent palings for the garden when they had time to bring them
round.
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