Easter Sunday.—Very few elders were at either morning or afternoon service, only two or three of the regular ones. Graham was not able to get out, but is improving.
The men were occupied in getting the sheep down to the shore, but in the end were not able to put off, for heavy rain came on and the sea grew rough; one boat started, but had to come back.
Monday, April 20.—No business could be done with the ship to-day; it had been blown eastward. The weather has been bad and there have been heavy rain-storms.
One of Mr. Keytel's dogs, a well-bred pointer, has taken up his abode with us while his master is on the ship. We dare not leave him for an instant in the room by himself if there is any food on the table. The other morning he ate our breakfast of bacon, which had been prepared as an especial delicacy.
Tuesday, April 21.—Another stormy day, and nothing seen of the schooner.
This afternoon school began again; Ellen is helping me with the infants.
Nearly all the children attended.
Wednesday, April 22.—There was a very small school, for many boys were away helping to collect the sheep for the schooner, which was coming in, and some were playing truant. The sheep were carted down to the shore and the men were ready for embarking, when the ship moved out, and so all their labour was again in vain. The sea was "making up," and to-night is stormy. It is rather late in the year for a sailing-ship to do business.
Thursday, April 23.—A roughish sea. No sign of the schooner.
I had some trouble in school to-day with one of the new scholars, a boy of eleven. He thinks he can come to school late, not learn his lessons, and do just as he pleases. I had to cane him. He fought all the time, but at last subsided and meekly went back to his place. I felt breathless, and I am sure the children were breathless with surprise at such behaviour. I had a talk with him afterwards when he stayed behind to learn his lessons. I think that, after his Cape school, he rather looks down upon a little school like this. It is remarkable how well he and his younger brother have been taught to read.
Friday, April 24.—A fairly rough sea and no sign of the schooner.