The morning service was then performed in the new house. Violent as the rain was, it did not penetrate through the thatch which had been put on. Ready and William went out to secure the boat, which they were afraid would be injured, and returned wet to the skin. The storm continued without intermission the whole of the night, but they slept dry and safe; and, when awakened by the noise of the thunder and the pelting of the rain, they thanked God that they had found a dwelling in the wilderness upon which they had been cast.
Chapter XXX
When they all rose up the next morning, the clouds had cleared off, and the sun was shining bright. Ready and Juno were the first out of the house - Ready with the telescope under his arm, which he always took with him when he went his rounds, as he termed it, in the morning.
"Well, Juno," said Ready, "this is a fine morning after the rain."
"Yes, Massa Ready, very fine morning; but how I get fire light, and make kittle boil for breakfast, I really don't know - stick and cocoa-nut trash all so wet."
"Before I went to bed last night, Juno, I covered up the embers with ashes, put some stones over them, and then some cocoa-nut branches, so I think you will find some fire there yet. I was going my morning's round, but I will stay a little and help you."
"Tank you, Massa Ready; plenty rain fell last night."
"Yes, not a little, Juno; you must not expect to find the water at the well very clear this morning; indeed, I doubt if you will see the well at all. Here's some stuff which is not very wet."
"I got plenty of fire, too," replied Juno, who had removed the branches and stones, and was now on her knees blowing up the embers.
"You'll do very well now, Juno," said Ready; "besides, William will be out directly - so I'll leave you."