“I can answer that now,” said William.
“Well, what is the answer?” asked the Captain, in great good-humor.
“Why, their pluck and courage everybody would envy, or at least they ought to; but, for the rest, I would rather stay at home.”
“Well, well,” said the Captain, smiling pleasantly, “each to his taste. I rather think I should prefer being in the ‘Mariner’s Rest’ myself”;—saying which he led the way into the grounds in front of the cottage which he loved so well, where he took leave of his little friends once more, making them promise over and over again (for which there was no need at all) that they would come next day and hear about the cave, and how they there built themselves a shelter from the Arctic storms.
CHAPTER XI.
In which the little People are convinced of the Goodness of Providence, as the Reader ought to be,—seeing that to be cast away is not to be forsaken.
