“What a delightful spot this is!” said Mrs Seagrave. “I think we ought always to make it our summer residence, and only go back to the house during the rainy season.”
“It is much cooler here, madam, during the summer, and much more pleasant; but we are more protected in the house by the cocoa-nut grove.”
“Yes; that is true, and it is very valuable during the rainy season; but it makes it warmer in the summer time. I like the change, Ready, and shall be sorry when we have to go back again.”
“Now I must go, and help Juno to cut up the turtle,” said Ready. “We must make our larder among the banana trees.”
“But what are we all to do, Ready?” said Mr Seagrave. “We must not be idle.”
“No, sir; but I think we must give up this day to putting everything to rights, and making everything comfortable inside the tents; to-morrow we will commence the ditch and hedge round the yam plantation. We need not work very hard at it, for I don’t think the pigs will venture here again, as I mean to tie up all the dogs round the yam patch every night, and their barking will keep them off.”
“That will be a very good plan, Ready. What beautiful food there is for the sheep and goats!”
“Yes; this must be their future residence for the best part of the year. I think to-morrow we will begin a piece of the ditch, and show William how to put in the cuttings of prickly pear for the hedge, and then, I should propose that you and I go to the cove to examine the stores and select what it will be necessary to bring round. I think you said that you must go yourself?”
“Yes, Ready, I wish to go. When we have made our selection, I will return, and then you and William, who is more used to the boat than I am, can bring the stores round. I presume we shall not bring them here?”
“No, sir, we will take them round to the storehouse. When we have done that job, we must then commence our alterations and our stockade.”