Now
that their wishes had been granted - so much was the feeling of joy and
gratitude mingled with regret - that could he have been restored to
them, they felt as if they would have gladly remained on the island.
Captain Osborn, the commander, and the crew of the schooner had taken
leave of them for the night, and had gone on board, having made
arrangements for the interment of Ready, previous to their sailing, on
the following day. The children had been put to bed, and Juno had
quitted the house; Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave and William were sitting
together in their now half-dismantled room, when Juno entered; the poor
girl had evidently been weeping.
"Well, Juno," observed Mr. Seagrave, with a view to break the silence
which had continued for some time previous to her entrance, "are you
not glad to leave the island?"
"One time I think I would be very glad, but now I not care much,"
replied Juno. "Island very nice place, all very happy till savage come.
Suppose they not kill old Ready, I not care."
"Yes, indeed," said Mrs. Seagrave, "it is a sad blow to us all; I did
hope to have fostered the good old man, and to have been able to have
shown him our gratitude, but--"
"It is the will of Heaven that it should be otherwise," continued Mr.
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