Another day came round. Nub was constantly on his feet looking about for the expected sail, as there was a light breeze, which might have brought one towards them. Hour after hour passed by and no sail appeared.
“Will a ship neber come?” frequently ejaculated Nub. He was losing patience, and it was but natural. “The biscuits and water will soon be all gone, and den what shall we do?” he thought to himself; but he did not say that aloud, lest Alice might be alarmed.
“I am sure that the boats, or a ship, will find us to-morrow,” said Alice.
“Why do you tink dat?” asked Nub.
“Because our biscuits are coming to an end,” said Alice calmly; “and, Nub, I see that you eat very few of them, and you are growing weak and thin. You ought to take twice as many as I do, as you are twice as big; and yet I am sure that you eat much fewer.”
“How you know dat, Missie Alice?” asked Nub.
“Because the last time you served them out I counted the number you took; and while you gave me four, you only ate two yourself.”
“Well, you bery cunning girl,” said Nub, trying to laugh. “But den remember you are growing, and want food more dan I do. I have only to eat enough to keep body and soul togeder; and you have not been accustomed to hardships as I have since I can remember; so you see dat it’s right I should give you more dan I take myself.”
Alice did not quite understand Nub’s reasoning, but she felt very hungry, and was thankful to obtain the food.
“Now, Missie Alice, I am not going to eat any more of de biscuits,” said Nub. “De next food I take will be one of de fowls.”