The first thing is to get the boat ready, and I shall go to work on that to-day.

I will also take some of the negroes down to the Rackbirds' camp, and bring away more stores." "Oh, let me go!" cried Ralph.

"It is the cruellest thing in the world to keep me cooped up here.

I never go anywhere, and never do anything." But the captain shook his head.

"I am sorry, my boy," said he, "to keep you back so much, but it cannot be helped.