As for Zeke and the Cockney, they seemed mightily pleased at this evidence of our willingness to exert ourselves.
It was not long ere all the potatoes were turned out; and then came the worst of it: they were to be lugged down to the beach, a distance of at least a quarter of a mile.

And there being no such thing as a barrow, or cart, on the island, there was nothing for it but spinal-marrows and broad shoulders.

Well knowing that this part of the business would be anything but agreeable, Zeke did his best to put as encouraging a face upon it as possible; and giving us no time to indulge in desponding thoughts, gleefully directed our attention to a pile of rude baskets--made of stout stalks--which had been provided for the occasion.

So, without more ado, we helped ourselves from the heap: and soon we were all four staggering along under our loads.
The first trip down, we arrived at the beach together: Zeke's enthusiastic cries proving irresistible.

A trip or two more, however, and my shoulders began to grate in their sockets; while the doctor's tall figure acquired an obvious stoop.