His ship
is his wife, is a very common saying with us; and then you see, Master
William, a vessel is almost a thing of life in appearance. I believe
that's the reason, and of course if a vessel is she, a little boat must
be a she also."
"Well, I think you have explained it very well, Ready. I suppose on
Monday we shall set to at the storehouse, and alter it for our future
residence?"
"Can't begin too soon, William," replied Ready; "I don't doubt but Mr.
Seagrave has finished the hedge and ditch round the yams by this time,
and if so, I expect Madam will not like to be left in the tents alone
with Juno and the children, and so we shall all move back to the house
again until we have altered the storehouse; I must say that I would
rather your mamma remained in the tents until all was finished."
"Because you are afraid of a visit from the savages, Ready?"
"I am, sir, and that's the truth."
"But, Ready, if they do come, we shall see them coming, and would it
not be better that we should all be together, even if we are obliged to
conceal ourselves in consequence of not being prepared? Suppose the
savages were to overrun the island, and find my mother, my little
brother, and sister, defenceless, at the time we were obliged to
retreat from our house; how dreadful that would be!"
"But I counted upon retreating to the tents.
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