Fritz and Jack said they would not leave us; Ernest spoke not a word,
but I saw that he had made up his mind to go. I did not grieve at this,
as I felt that our isle was too small for the scope of his mind, and
did not give him the means to learn all he could wish. I told him to
speak out, when he said he should like to leave the place for a few
years, and he knew Frank had a wish to go with him.
I thought this would give my wife pain, but she said that the boys had
made a good choice, and that she knew Ernest and Frank would make their
way in the world.
Captain Stone gave Jane, Ernest, and Frank leave to go with him, as
there was room in the ship now that the Wests were to stay with us.
The ship was brought round to Safe Bay, and Fritz and Jack went on
board to fetch Mrs. West and her two girls, who were glad to find that
they were not to go back to the ship, for the storm had made them dread
the sea.
I may here say, by the way, that my wife soon found that her two sons
grew fond of their fair friends, and gave me a hint that some day we
should see them wed, which would be a fresh source of joy to us.
I have not much more to tell. The stores I had laid up--furs, pearls,
spice, and fruits--were put on board the ship, and left to the care of
my sons, who were to sell them.
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