THE DEAR LITTLE ISLAND. 11

river-this afternoon, and stayed too long; the
potatoes are not done yet.”

“T am as hungry as a bear; but I can wait
patiently, my little Bessie,” he replied, with
perfect good humor.

Tom wisely thought this was not a suitable
time to ask for the slabs, and seating himself
quietly in a corner, took out of his pocket a
piece of chalk, and on the bottom of a wooden
chair drew the plan of his boat.

The supper was at length ready, and it was
enjoyed with a keen relish.

It was a cool evening early in April; and
after supper it was pleasant to draw up to the
fire. 3

Bessie washed the dishes, and then set out
a little round table, which she called a candle-
stand, on one side the fire-place. She then
placed a candle upon it, and sat down with
her knitting beside it.

Mixon took off his coarse, heavy shoes, and
making himself comfortable in an arm-chair,
soon fell asleep.

It was a bright moonlight night. Tom went