"That is a sea crawfish, quite as good eating as a lobster. I wonder if I could make a lobster-pot; we should catch plenty, and very good they are."
"And what are those little rough things on the rock?"
"They are a very nice little sort of oyster; not like those we have in
England, but much better - they are so delicate."
"Why, Ready, we have two more good things for our table, again," replied William; "how rich we shall be!"
"Yes; but we have to catch them, recollect: there is nothing to be had in this world without labour."
"Ready," said William, "we have good three hours' daylight; suppose we go back and tell what we have seen: my mother will be so glad to see us."
"I agree with you, William. We have done well for one day; and may safely go back again, and remain for another week. There are no fruits at present, and all I care about are the yams; I should like to protect them from the pigs. But let us go home and talk the matter over with Mr. Seagrave."
They found out the spot where they had left their knapsacks and hatchets, and again took their path through the cocoa-nut trees, following the blaze which they had made in the morning. One hour before sunset they arrived at the house, where they found Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave sitting outside, and Juno standing on the beach with the two children, who were amusing themselves with picking up the shells which were strewed about. William gave a very clear account of all they had seen, and showed his father the specimens of the plants which he had collected.
"This," said Mr. Seagrave, "is a well-known plant; and I wonder Ready did not recognize it; it is hemp."
"I never saw it except in the shape of rope," replied Ready. "I know the seed well enough."