On Saturday morning, they went for the last time to the cove, and Ready
selected some heavy oak timber out of the quantity which was lying on
the beach, part of which they put into the boat, and the remainder they
towed astern. It was a heavy load, and although the wind was fair to
sail hack again to the bay, the boat went but slowly through the water.
"Well, William," said Ready, "we have done a good week's work, and I
must say it is high time that it is done; for the boat is in rather a
crazy condition, and I must contrive to patch her up by and by, when
there is time."
"We shall not want to use her very much after this, Ready," replied
William; "a few trips round to the little harbour will be all that will
be required before we come back again to our old quarters."
"That's true, William; but she leaks very much, and at all events I'll
give her a coat of pitch as soon as possible. For a slight-built little
thing as she is, she has done hard duty."
"Pray, Ready, why, when you speak of a ship or boat, do you always call
it she?"
"Well, William, I don't know why, but it is certain that we sailors
always do so. I believe it is because a sailor loves his ship.
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