Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/86

 their young companions, it would be their duty to be their teachers.

In order not to overburden the youngsters with work too great for their age, every opportunity would be taken of exercising their bodies as well as their minds. When the weather permitted they would be allowed out, in suitable clothes of course, to run and enjoy themselves in the fresh air, or work at such labour as their strength allowed them. In short, the plan was drawn up on the four main principles which form the basis of English education: —

"If you are frightened at a thing, do it."

"Never lose a chance of doing your very best."

"Never fear fatigue, for nothing you can do is useless."

"A healthy body means a healthy mind."

And this is what was agreed upon after discussion at a general meeting of the boys.

For two hours every morning, and two hours every evening, all would work in the hall. Taking it in turns, Briant, Donagan, Cross, and Baxter, of the fifth form, and Wilcox and Webb of the fourth, would hold classes for their schoolfellows of the third, second, and first forms. They would teach them mathematics, geography, history, adding to the knowledge they had gained at school by that obtained from the books in the library. This would prevent their forgetting what they already knew. Twice a week, on Sunday and Thursday, there would be a debate on some subject of science, or history, or actual event, in which all would take part.

Gordon, as chief of the colony, would see that the programme was carried out.

To begin with, an arrangement was made regarding time. They had the yacht's almanac, but each day had to be regularly run through, and they had watches, but it was necessary for them to be regularly wound up and adjusted so as to keep exact time. Two of the bigger boys were entrusted with this duty. Wilcox