"If my mother and Juno load the muskets for us," replied William, "we shall at all events do as much now as we should have been able to do if there were three, so exhausted as we should have been."
"Perhaps so; at all events we will do our best, for we fight for our lives and for those most dear to us."
William went softly up to Ready, and found that he was dozing; he therefore did not disturb him, but returned to his father. Now that their thirst had been appeased, they all felt the calls of hunger. Juno and William went and cut off steaks from the turtle, and fried them; they all made a hearty meal, and perhaps never had they taken one with so much relish in their lives.
It was nearly daylight, when William, who had several times been softly up to Ready, found him with his eyes open.
"How do you find yourself, Ready?" said William.
"I am quiet and easy, William, and without much pain; but I think I am sinking, and shall not last long. Recollect that if you are obliged to escape from the stockade, you take no heed of me, but leave me where I am. I cannot live, and were you to move me, I should only die the sooner."
"I had rather die with you, than leave you, Ready."
"No, that is wrong; you must save your mother, and your brothers and sister; promise me that you will do as I wish."
William hesitated.
"I point out to you your duty, William. I know what your feelings are, but you must not give way to them; promise me this, or you will make me very miserable."