"Well, if we require it, I can tell you how to dress it," replied Mr.
Seagrave. "Now, William, what is the next?"
"This odd-looking, rough thing."
"That's the egg-plant: it bears fruit of a blue colour. I am told they eat it in the hot countries."
"Yes, sir, they do; they fry it with pepper and salt; they call it bringal. I think it must be that."
"I do not doubt but you are right," replied Mr. Seagrave. "Why,
William, you should know this."
"It is like the grape-vine."
"Yes, and it is so; it is the wild grape; we shall eat them by and bye."
"I have only one more, papa: what is this?"
"You don't know it, because it has sprung up so high, William; but it is the common mustard plant, - what we use in England, and is sold as mustard and cress. I think you have now made a famous day's work of it; and we have much to thank God for."
As soon as they had returned to the house, a consultation was held as to their future proceedings; and, after some debate, it was agreed that it would be advisable that they should take the boat out of the sand; and, as soon as it was ready, examine the reef on the southward, to see if they could find a passage through it, as it would take a long while to go round it; and, as soon as that was accomplished, Mr. Seagrave, Ready, William, and Juno should all go through the wood, carrying with them a tent to pitch on the newly-discovered piece of ground: and that they should set up a flag-staff at the little harbour, to point out its position. Of course, that would be a hard day's work; but that they would, nevertheless, return the same night, and not leave Mrs. Seagrave alone with the children. Having accomplished this, Ready and William would then put the wheels and axle in the boat, and other articles required, such as saw, hatchets, and spades, and row round to the south side of the island, to find the little harbour. As soon as they had landed them, and secured the boat, they would then return by the path through the wood.