Elijah sighed and gently held up a hand to the boys. "You are coming over to spend the day with me, Bram. But Will works very hard every day, I think its more than fair that he gets one day. " He looked straight at Will. "You do need it. You need a day to relax and maybe have fun if you like. You see how working so hard with little rest does to your father. Just because you are young doesn't mean you can't get worn out as well, especially inside."

Will looked down and nodded. He suddenly felt the urge to run away. But he continued cleaning instead, with greater focus.

"I work very hard as well." Bram said.

"Show us how hard you work and go help out." Ben commented.

Elijah nodded slightly trying to be amicable. "You're right, but school isn't as physically tiring as the boats. And when you are thirteen and working as diligently as he is , I will take you out for a day."

"Okay," said Bram, and he began to help. But he glared at his older brother.

Elijah sighed at the look. "There is no competition, nor rivalry. You are brothers, please act like it."

"Perhaps it's time you take Bram home, Elijah." Ben suggested. The boys arguing was a little more than he could handle now.

Elijah nodded and stood. "Alright, we will be going. Don't hesitate to get me if you need something."

"Thanks, Elijah." said Ben. "If ye see Anne on the way. Please try to convince her to come home."

With a small nod, Elijah took Bram's hand to leave. "We will. If she doesn't come home tonight, let me know and I'll go look for her.' He started out and glanced down at the boy. "Do you want to go anywhere before we head home?"

Ben nodded, frowning. "She'll come home," he said, but partially to strengthen himself. Anne had done a lot of things lately he had thought she would never do, such as telling lies, and running away, and talking back, and Elijah's words worried him.

Bram meanwhile shook his head.