"Yes, that is very true, Ready. Have we anything more to do?"
"Plenty; we have to build a turtle-pond and a fish-pond, and a bathing-place for Juno to wash the children in. But first we must make a proper well at the spring, so as to have plenty of fresh water: now there's enough for a year's hard work at least."
"Well, let us once get mamma and the children here, and we will work hard."
"I should wish very much to see it all done, William," said Ready. "I hope my life will be spared till it is done, at all events."
"But why do you say that, Ready? you are an old man, but you are strong and healthy."
"I am so now; but what does the Book say? - `In the midst of life we are in death'. You are young and healthy, and promise a long life; but who knows but you may be summoned away tomorrow. Can I, then, an old man, worn out with hardships, expect to live long? No - no, William! Still I should like to remain here as long as I can be useful, and then I trust I may depart in peace. I never wish to leave this island; and I have a kind of feeling that my bones will remain on it. God's will be done!"
For some time after Ready had finished, neither of them said a word, but continued their employment, stretching out the canvas of the tent, and fastening it down to the ground with pegs. At last William broke the silence.
"Ready, did you not say your Christian name was Masterman?"
"So it is, William."
"It is a very odd Christian name! You were called after some other person?"