The Swiss Family Robinson
by Johann David Wyss

Translated into English by William H. G. Kingston from the French
translation by Mme la Baronne Isabelle de Montolieu of the
original Der Schweizerische Robinson, Oder der Schriffbruchige
Schweizerprediger und Seine Familie.

Please assume that typos and spelling mistakes in this
electronic edition are only mine--and tell me about them so that
I can fix them Haradda@aol.com and davidr@burgoyne.com. 

This is my favorite of many English translations and adaptations
of The Swiss Family Robinson. Johann David Wyss, a Swiss pastor,
originally wrote it to entertain and instruct his four sons.
Years later, his son Johann Rudolf Wyss, by then a professor of
philosophy, convinced his father to allow him to rewrite and edit
the unfinished manuscript. 

Chapter 1

For many days we had been tempest-tossed. Six times had the
darkness closed over a wild and terrific scene, and returning
light as often brought but renewed distress, for the raging storm
increased in fury until on the seventh day all hope was lost. 
We were driven completely out of our course; no conjecture could
be formed as to our whereabouts. The crew had lost heart, and
were utterly exhausted by incessant labour.

The riven masts had gone by the board, leaks had been sprung in
every direction, and the water, which rushed in, gained upon us
rapidly.

Instead of reckless oaths, the seamen now uttered frantic cries
to God for mercy, mingled with strange and often
ludicrous vows, to be performed should deliverance be granted. 
Every man on board alternately commended his soul to his Creator,
and strove to bethink himself of some means of saving his life. 
My heart sank as I looked round upon my family in the midst of
these horrors. Our four young sons were overpowered by
terror. `Dear children,' said I, `if the Lord will, He can save
us even from this fearful peril; if not, let us calmly yield our
lives into His hand, and think of the joy and blessedness of
finding ourselves for ever and ever united in that happy home
above.'

At these words my weeping wife looked bravely up, and, as the
boys clustered round her, she began to cheer and encourage them
with calm and loving words. I rejoiced to see her
fortitude, though my heart was ready to break as I gazed on my
dear ones.

We knelt down together, one after another praying with deep
earnestness and emotion. Fritz, in particular, besought help and
deliverance for his dear parents and brothers, as though quite
forgetting himself.

Our hearts were soothed by the never-failing comfort of
child-like confiding prayer, and the horrors of our situation
seemed less overwhelming. `Ah,' thought I, `the Lord will hear
our prayer! He will help us.'

Amid the roar of the thundering waves I suddenly heard the cry of
`Land! land!', while at the same instant the ship struck with a
frightful shock, which threw everyone to the deck, and seemed to
threaten her immediate destruction.

Dreadful sounds betokened the breaking up of the ship, and the
roaring waters poured in on all sides.

Then the voice of the captain was heard above the tumult,
shouting, `Lower away the boats! We are lost!'

`Lost!' I exclaimed, and the word went like a dagger to my heart;
but seeing my children's terror renewed, I composed myself,
calling out cheerfully, `Take courage, my boys! We are all above
water yet. There is the land not far off, let us do our best to
reach it. You know God helps those that help
themselves!' With that, I left them and went on deck. What was my
horror when through the foam and spray I beheld the only
remaining boat leave the ship, the last of the seamen spring into
her and push off, regardless of my cries and entreaties that we
might be allowed to share their slender chance of
preserving their lives. My voice was drowned in the howling of
the blast, and even had the crew wished it, the return of the
boat was impossible.

Casting my eyes despairingly around, I became gradually aware
that our position was by no means hopeless, inasmuch as the stern
of the ship containing our cabin was jammed between two high
rocks, and was partly raised from among the breakers which dashed
the fore-part to pieces. As the clouds of mist and rain drove
past, I could make out, through rents in the
vaporous curtain, a line of rocky coast, and, rugged as it was,
my heart bounded towards it as a sign of help in the hour of
need. Yet the sense of our lonely and forsaken condition
weighed heavily upon me as I returned to my family,
constraining myself to say with a smile, `Courage, dear ones!
Although our good ship will never sail more, she is so placed
that our cabin will remain above water, and tomorrow, if the wind
and waves abate, I see no reason why we should not be able to get
ashore.'

These few words had an immediate effect on the spirits of my
children, who at once regarded our problematical chance of
escaping as a happy certainty, and began to enjoy the relief from
the violent pitching and rolling of the vessel.

My wife, however, perceived my distress and anxiety in spite of
my forced composure, and I made her comprehend our real
situation, greatly fearing the effect of the intelligence on her
nerves. Not for a moment did her courage and trust in
Providence forsake her, and on seeing this, my fortitude
revived.

`We must find some food, and take a good supper,' said she, `it
will never do to grow faint by fasting too long. We shall require
our utmost strength tomorrow.'

Night drew on apace, the storm was as fierce as ever, and at
intervals we were startled by crashes announcing further damage
to our unfortunate ship.

`God will help us soon now, won't He, father?' said my
youngest child.

`You silly little thing,' said Fritz, my eldest son,
sharply, `don't you know that we must not settle what God is to
do for us? We must have patience and wait His time.'

`Very well said, had it been said kindly, Fritz, my boy. You too
often speak harshly to your brothers, although you may not mean
to do so.'

A good meal being now ready, my youngsters ate heartily, and
retiring to rest were speedily fast asleep. Fritz, who was of an
age to be aware of the real danger we were in, kept watch with
us. After a long silence, `Father,' said he, `don't you think we
might contrive swimming-belts for mother and the boys? With those
we might all escape to land, for you and I can
swim.'

`Your idea is so good,' answered I, `that I shall arrange
something at once, in case of an accident during the night.'  We
immediately searched about for what would answer the purpose, and
fortunately got hold of a number of empty flasks and tin
canisters, which we connected two and two together so as to form
floats sufficiently buoyant to support a person in the water, and
my wife and young sons each willingly put one on. I then provided
myself with matches, knives, cord, and other portable articles,
trusting that, should the vessel go to pieces before daylight, we
might gain the shore, not wholly destitute.

Fritz, as well as his brothers, now slept soundly.
Throughout the night my wife and I maintained our prayerful
watch, dreading at every fresh sound some fatal change in the
position of the wreck.

At length the faint dawn of day appeared, the long weary night
was over, and with thankful hearts we perceived that the gale had
begun to moderate; blue sky was seen above us, and the lovely
hues of sunrise adorned the eastern horizon.

I aroused the boys, and we assembled on the remaining
portion of the deck, when they, to their surprise, discovered
that no one else was on board.

`Hello, papa! What has become of everybody? Are the sailors gone?
Have they taken away the boats? Oh, papa! why did they leave us
behind? What can we do by ourselves!'

`My good children,' I replied, `we must not despair,
although we seem deserted. See how those on whose skill and good
faith we depended have left us cruelly to our fate in the hour of
danger. God will never do so. He has not forsaken us, and we will
trust Him still. Only let us bestir ourselves, and each cheerily
do his best. Who has anything to propose?'

`The sea will soon be calm enough for swimming,' said Fritz. 
`And that would be all very fine for you,' exclaimed Ernest, `but
think of mother and the rest of us! Why not build a raft and all
get on shore together?'

`We should find it difficult, I think, to make a raft that would
carry us safe to shore. However, we must contrive
something, and first let each try to procure what will be of most
use to us.'

Away we all went to see what was to be found, I myself
proceeding to examine, as of greatest consequence, the supplies
of provisions and fresh water within our reach.

My wife took her youngest son, Franz, to help her to feed the
unfortunate animals on board, who were in a pitiful plight,
having been neglected for several days.

Fritz hastened to the arms chest, Ernest to look for tools; and
Jack went towards the captain's cabin, the door of which he no
sooner opened, than out sprang two splendid large dogs, who
testified their extreme delight and gratitude by such
tremendous bounds that they knocked their little deliverer
completely head over heels, frightening him nearly out of his
wits. Jack did not long yield either to fear or anger, he
presently recovered himself, the dogs seemed to ask pardon by
vehemently licking his face and hands, and so, seizing the larger
by the ears, he jumped on his back, and, to my great amusement,
coolly rode to meet me as I came up the hatchway. 
When we reassembled in the cabin, we all displayed our
treasures.

Fritz brought a couple of guns, shot belt, powder-flasks, and
plenty of bullets.

Ernest produced a cap full of nails, an axe, and a hammer, while
pincers, chisels and augers stuck out of all his pockets.  Little
Franz carried a box, and eagerly began to show us the `nice sharp
little hooks' it contained. `Well, done, Franz!' cried 1, `these
fish hooks, which you the youngest have found, may contribute
more than anything else in the ship to save our lives by
procuring food for us. Fritz and Ernest, you have chosen well.'

`Will you praise me too?' said my dear wife. `I have nothing to
show, but I can give you good news. Some useful animals are still
alive; a cow, a donkey, two goats, six sheep, a ram and a fine
sow. I was but just in time to save their lives by taking food to
them.'

`All these things are excellent indeed,' said I, `but my friend
Jack here, has presented me with a couple of huge hungry useless
dogs, who will eat more than any of us.'

`Oh, papa! They will be of use! Why, they will help us to hunt
when we get on shore!'

`No doubt they will, if ever we do get on shore, Jack; but I must
say I don't know how it is to be done.'

`Can't we each get into a big tub, and float there?'
returned he. `I have often sailed splendidly like that, round the
pond at home.'

`My child, you have hit on a capital idea,' cried I. `Now,
Ernest, let me have your tools, hammers, nails, saws, augers, and
all; and then make haste to collect any tubs you can find!'  We
very soon found four large casks, made of sound wood, and
strongly bound with iron hoops; they were floating with many
other things in the water in the hold, but we managed to fish
them out, and drag them to a suitable place for launching them.
They were exactly what I wanted, and I succeeded in sawing them
across the middle. Hard work it was, and we were glad enough to
stop and refresh ourselves with wine and biscuits.

My eight tubs now stood ranged in a row near the water's edge,
and I looked at them with great satisfaction; to my
surprise, my wife did not seem to share my pleasure!

`I shall never,' said she, `muster courage to get into one of
these!'

`Do not be too sure of that, dear wife; when you see my
contrivance completed, you will perhaps prefer it to this
immovable wreck.'

I next procured a long thin plank on which my tubs could be
fixed, and the two ends of this I bent upwards so as to form a
keel. Other two planks were nailed along the sides of the tubs;
they also being flexible, were brought to a point at each end,
and all firmly secured and nailed together. I felt satisfied that
in smooth water this craft would be perfectly trustworthy. But
when we thought all was ready for the launch, we found, to our
dismay, that the grand contrivance was so heavy and clumsy, that
even our united efforts could not move it an inch.

`I must have a lever,' cried I. `Run and fetch the capstan bar!' 
Fritz quickly brought one and, having formed rollers by cutting
up a long spar, I raised the forepart of my boat with the bar,
and my sons placed a roller under it.

`How is it, father,' inquired Ernest, `that with that thing you
alone can do more than all of us together?'

I explained, as well as I could in a hurry, the principle of the
lever; and promised to have a long talk on the subject of
Mechanics, should we have a future opportunity.

I now made fast a long rope to the stern of our boat,
attaching the other end to a beam; then placing a second and
third roller under it, we once more began to push, this time with
success, and soon our gallant craft was safely launched: so
swiftly indeed did she glide into the water that, but for the
rope, she would have passed beyond our reach. The boys wished to
jump in directly; but, alas, she leaned so much on one side that
they could not venture to do so.

Some heavy things being thrown in, however, the boat righted
itself by degrees, and the boys were so delighted that they
struggled which should first leap in to have the fun of sitting
down in the tubs. But it was plain to me at once that something
more was required to make her perfectly safe, so I contrived
out-riggers to preserve the balance, by nailing long poles across
at the stem and stern, and fixing at the ends of each empty
brandy casks. Then the boat appearing steady, I got in; and
turning it towards the most open side of the wreck, I cut and
cleared away obstructions, so as to leave a free passage for our
departure, and the boys brought oars to be ready for the voyage.
This important undertaking we were forced to
postpone until the next day, as it was by this time far too late
to attempt it. It was not pleasant to have to spend
another night in so precarious a situation; but, yielding to
necessity, we sat down to enjoy a comfortable supper, for
during our exciting and incessant work all day we had taken
nothing but an occasional biscuit and a little wine.

We prepared for rest in a much happier frame of mind than on the
preceding day, but I did not forget the possibility of a renewed
storm, and therefore made every one put on the belts as before.
Then retiring to our berths, peaceful sleep prepared us all for
the exertions of the coming day.

We rose up betimes, for sleep weighs lightly on the hopeful, as
well as on the anxious. After kneeling together in prayer, `Now
my beloved ones,' said I, `with God's help we are about to effect
our escape. Let the poor animals we must leave behind, be well
fed, and put plenty of fodder within their reach: in a few days
we may be able to return, and save them likewise. After that,
collect everything you can think of which may be of use to us.' 
The boys joyfully obeyed me, and I selected from the large
quantity of stores they got together, canvas to make a tent, a
chest of carpenter's tools, guns, pistols, powder, shot, and
bullets, rods and fishing tackle, an iron pot, a case of
portable soup and another of biscuit. These useful articles of
course took the place of the ballast I had hastily thrown in the
day before.

With a hearty prayer for God's blessing, we now began to take our
seats, each in his tub. Just then we heard the cocks begin to
crow, as though to reproach us for deserting them. `Why should
not the fowls go with us!' exclaimed I. `If we find no food for
them, they can be food for us!' Ten hens and a couple of cocks
were accordingly placed in one of the tubs, and secured with some
wire-netting over them.

The ducks and geese were set at liberty, and took to the water at
once, while the pigeons, rejoicing to find themselves on the
wing, swiftly made for the shore. My wife, who managed all this
for me, kept us waiting for her some little time, and came at
last with a bag as big as a pillow in her arms. `This is my
contribution,' said she, throwing the bag to little
Franz, to be, as I thought, a cushion for him to sit upon.  All
being ready, we cast off, and moved away from the wreck. My good,
brave wife sat in the first compartment of the boat; next her was
Franz, a pretty little boy, nearly eight years old. Then came
Fritz, a handsome, spirited young fellow of fifteen; the two
centre tubs contained the valuable cargo; then came our bold,
thoughtless Jack; next him Ernest, my second son, intelligent,
well-informed, and rather indolent. I myself, the anxious, loving
father, stood in the stern, endeavouring to guide the raft with
its precious burden to a safe
landing-place.

The elder boys took the oars, everyone wore a float belt, and had
something useful close to him in case of being thrown into the
water.

The tide was flowing, which was a great help to the young
oarsmen. We emerged from the wreck and glided into the open sea.
All eyes were strained to get a full view of the land, and the
boys pulled with a will; but for some time we made no
progress, as the boat kept turning round and round, until I hit
upon the right way to steer it, after which we merrily made for
the shore.

We had left the two dogs, Turk and Juno, on the wreck, as being
both large mastiffs we did not care to have their
additional weight on board our craft; but when they saw us
apparently deserting them, they set up a piteous howl, and sprang
into the sea. I was sorry to see this, for the distance to the
land was so great that I scarcely expected them to be able to
accomplish it. They followed us, however, and,
occasionally resting their fore-paws on the outriggers, kept up
with us well. Jack was inclined to deny them this their only
chance of safety. `Stop,' said I, `that would be unkind as well
as foolish; remember, the merciful man regardeth the life of his
beast.'

Our passage though tedious was safe; but the nearer we
approached the shore the less inviting it appeared; the barren
rocks seemed to threaten us with misery and want.

Many casks, boxes and bales of goods floated on the water around
us. Fritz and I managed to secure a couple of hogsheads, so as to
tow them alongside. With the prospect of famine before us, it was
desirable to lay hold of anything likely to contain provisions. 
By-and-by we began to perceive that, between and beyond the
cliffs, green grass and trees were discernible. Fritz could
distinguish many tall palms, and Ernest hoped they would prove to
be coconut trees, and enjoyed the thoughts of drinking the
refreshing milk.

`I am very sorry I never thought of bringing away the
Captain's telescope,' said I.

`Oh, look here, father!' cried Jack, drawing a little
spy-glass joyfully out of his pocket.

By means of this glass, I made out that at some distance to the
left the coast was much more inviting; a strong current however
carried us directly towards the frowning rocks, but I presently
observed an opening, where a stream flowed into the sea, and saw
that our geese and ducks were swimming towards this place. I
steered after them into the creek, and we found ourselves in a
small bay or inlet where the water was perfectly smooth and of
moderate depth. The ground sloped gently upwards from the low
banks to the cliffs which here retired inland, leaving a small
plain, on which it was easy for us to land. Everyone sprang
gladly out of the boat but little Franz, who, lying packed in his
tub like a potted shrimp, had to be lifted out by his mother. 
The dogs had scrambled on shore before us; they received us with
loud barking and the wildest demonstrations of delight. The geese
and ducks kept up an incessant din, added to which was the
screaming and croaking of flamingoes and penguins, whose dominion
we were invading. The noise was deafening, but far from unwelcome
to me, as I thought of the good dinners the birds might furnish. 
As soon as we could gather our children around us on dry land, we
knelt to offer thanks and praise for our merciful escape, and
with full hearts we commended ourselves to God's good keeping for
the time to come.

All hands then briskly fell to the work of unloading, and, oh,
how rich we felt ourselves as we did so! The poultry we left at
liberty to forage for themselves, and set about finding a
suitable place to erect a tent in which to pass the night. This
we speedily did; thrusting a long spar into a hole in the rock,
and supporting the other end by a pole firmly planted in the
ground, we formed a framework over which we stretched the
sailcloth we had brought; besides fastening this down with pegs,
we placed our heavy chests and boxes on the border of the canvas,
and arranged hooks so as to be able to close up the entrance
during the night.

When this was accomplished, the boys ran to collect moss and
grass, to spread in the tent for our beds, while I arranged a
fireplace with some large flat stones, near the brook which
flowed close by. Dry twigs and seaweed were soon in a blaze on
the hearth, I filled the iron pot with water, and giving my wife
several cakes of the portable soup, she established
herself as our cook, with little Franz to help her.

He, thinking his mother was melting some glue for carpentry, was
eager to know `what papa was going to make next?'

`This is to be soup for your dinner, my child. Do you think these
cakes look like glue?'

`Yes, indeed I do!' replied Franz, `And I should not much like to
taste glue soup! Don't you want some beef or mutton, Mamma?' 
`Where can I get it, dear?' said she, `we are a long way from a
butcher's shop! But these cakes are made of the juice of good
meat, boiled till it becomes a strong stiff jelly--people take
them when they go to sea, because on a long voyage they can only
have salt meat, which will not make nice soup.'

Fritz meanwhile leaving a loaded gun with me, took another
himself, and went along the rough coast to see what lay beyond
the stream; this fatiguing sort of walk not suiting Ernest's
fancy, he sauntered down to the beach, and Jack scrambled among
the rocks searching for shellfish.

I was anxious to land the two casks which were floating alongside
our boat, but on attempting to do so, I found that I could not
get them up the bank on which we had landed, and was therefore
obliged to look for a more convenient spot. As I did so, I was
startled by hearing Jack shouting for help, as though in great
danger. He was at some distance, and I hurried towards him with a
hatchet in my hand. The little fellow stood
screaming in a deep pool, and as I approached, I saw that a huge
lobster had caught his leg in its powerful claw. Poor Jack was in
a terrible fright; kick as he would, his enemy still clung on. I
waded into the water, and seizing the lobster
firmly by the back, managed to make it loosen its hold, and we
brought it safe to land. Jack, having speedily recovered his
spirits, and anxious to take such a prize to his mother, caught
the lobster in both hands, but instantly received such a severe
blow from its tail, that he flung it down, and passionately hit
the creature with a large stone. This display of temper vexed me.
`You are acting in a very childish way, my son,' said I. `Never
strike an enemy in a revengeful spirit.' Once more
lifting the lobster, Jack ran triumphantly towards the tent. 
`Mother, mother! A lobster! A lobster, Ernest! Look here, Franz!
Mind, he'll bite you! Where's Fritz?' All came crowding round
Jack and his prize, wondering at its unusual size, and Ernest
wanted his mother to make lobster soup directly, by adding it to
what she was now boiling.

She, however, begged to decline making any such experiment, and
said she preferred cooking one dish at a time. Having
remarked that the scene of Jack's adventure afforded a
convenient place for getting my casks on shore, I returned
thither and succeeded in drawing them up on the beach, where I
set them on end, and for the present left them.

On my return I resumed the subject of Jack's lobster, and told
him he should have the offending claw all to himself when it was
ready to be eaten, congratulating him on being the first to
discover anything useful.

`As to that,' said Ernest, `I found something very good to eat,
as well as Jack, only I could not get at them without wetting my
feet.'

`Pooh!' cried Jack, `I know what he saw--nothing but some nasty
mussels--I saw them too. Who wants to eat trash like that!
Lobster for me!'

`I believe them to be oysters, not mussels,' returned Ernest
calmly.

`Be good enough, my philosophical young friend, to fetch a few
specimens of these oysters in time for our next meal,' said I.
`We must all exert ourselves, Ernest, for the common good, and
pray never let me hear you object to wetting your feet. See how
quickly the sun has dried Jack and me.'

`I can bring some salt at the same time,' said Ernest, `I
remarked a good deal lying in the crevices of the rocks; it
tasted very pure and good, and I concluded it was produced by the
evaporation of sea water in the sun.'

`Extremely probable, learned sir,' cried I, `but if you had
brought a bag full of this good salt instead of merely
speculating so profoundly on the subject, it would have been more
to the purpose. Run and fetch some directly.'

It proved to be salt sure enough, although so impure that it
seemed useless, till my wife dissolved and strained it, when it
became fit to put in the soup.

`Why not use the sea-water itself?' asked Jack.

`Because,' said Ernest, `it is not only salt, but bitter too.
Just try it.'

`Now,' said my wife, tasting the soup with the stick with which
she had been stirring it, `dinner is ready, but where can Fritz
be?' she continued, a little anxiously.

`How are we to eat our soup when he does come?' I asked. `We have
neither plates nor spoons, and we can scarcely lift the boiling
pot to our mouths. We are in as uncomfortable a
position as was the fox to whom the stork served up a dinner in a
jug with a long neck.'

`Oh, for a few coconut shells!' sighed Ernest.

`Oh, for half a dozen plates and as many silver spoons!' rejoined
I, smiling.

`Really though, oyster-shells would do,' said he, after a
moment's thought.

`True, that is an idea worth having! Off with you, my boys, get
the oysters and clean out a few shells. What though our spoons
have no handles, and we do burn our fingers a little in baling
the soup out.'

Jack was away and up to his knees in the water in a moment
detaching the oysters. Ernest followed more leisurely, and still
unwilling to wet his feet, stood by the margin of the pool and
gathered in his handkerchief the oysters his brother threw him;
as he thus stood he picked up and pocketed a large mussel shell
for his own use. As they returned with a good supply we heard a
shout from Fritz in the distance; we returned it joyfully, and he
presently appeared before us, his hands behind his back, and a
look of disappointment upon his
countenance.

`Unsuccessful!' said he.

`Really!' I replied. `Never mind, my boy, better luck next time.' 
`Oh, Fritz!' exclaimed his brothers who had looked behind him. `A
sucking-pig, a little sucking-pig. Where did you get it? How did
you shoot it? Do let us see it!'

Fritz then with sparkling eyes exhibited his prize.

`I am glad to see the result of your prowess, my boy,' said I;
`but I cannot approve of deceit, even as a joke; stick to the
truth in jest and earnest.'

Fritz then told us how he had been to the other side of the
stream. `So different from this,' he said, `it is really a
beautiful country, and the shore, which runs down to the sea in a
gentle slope, is covered with all sorts of useful things from the
wreck. Do let us go and collect them. And, father, why should we
not return to the wreck and bring off some of the animals? Just
think of what value the cow would be to us, and what a pity it
would be to lose her. Let us get her on shore, and we will move
over the stream, where she will have good pasturage, and we shall
be in the shade instead of on this desert, and, father, I do wish
-'

`Stop, stop, my boy!' cried I. `All will be done in good time.
Tomorrow and the day after will bring work of their own. And tell
me, did you see no traces of our shipmates?'

`Not a sign of them, either on land or sea, living or dead,' he
replied.

`But the sucking-pig,' said Jack, `where did you get it?'  `It
was one of several,' said Fritz, `which I found on the shore;
most curious animals they are, they hopped rather than walked,
and every now and then would squat down on their hind legs and
rub their snouts with their forepaws. Had not I been afraid of
losing them all, I would have tried to catch one alive, they
seemed so tame.'

Meanwhile, Ernest had been carefully examining the animal in
question.

`This is no pig,' he said, `and except for its bristly skin, does
not look like one. See its teeth are not like those of a pig, but
rather those of a squirrel. In fact,' he continued, looking at
Fritz, `your sucking-pig is an agouti.'

`Dear me,' said Fritz, `listen to the great professor
lecturing! He is going to prove that a pig is not a pig!'

`You need not be so quick to laugh at your brother,' said I, in
my turn, `he is quite right. I, too, know the agouti by
descriptions and pictures, and there is little doubt that this is
a specimen. The little animal is a native of North America, where
it makes its nest under the roots of trees, and lives upon fruit.
But, Ernest, the agouti not only looks something like a pig, but
most decidedly grunts like a porker.'

While we were thus talking, Jack had been vainly
endeavouring to open an oyster with his large knife. `Here is a
simpler way,' said I, placing an oyster on the fire; it
immediately opened. `Now,' I continued, `who will try this
delicacy?' All at first hesitated to partake of them, so
unattractive did they appear. Jack, however, tightly closing his
eyes and making a face as though about to take medicine, gulped
one down. We followed his example, one after the other, each
doing so rather to provide himself with a spoon than with any
hope of cultivating a taste for oysters.

Our spoons were now ready, and gathering round the pot we dipped
them in, not, however, without sundry scalded fingers. Ernest
then drew from his pocket the large shell he had
procured for his own use, and scooping up a good quantity of soup
he put it down to cool, smiling at his own foresight. 
`Prudence should be exercised for others,' I remarked, `your cool
soup will do capitally for the dogs, my boy; take it to them, and
then come and eat like the rest of us.'

Ernest winced at this, but silently taking up his shell he placed
it on the ground before the hungry dogs, who lapped up its
contents in a moment; he then returned, and we all went merrily
on with our dinner. While we were thus busily employed, we
suddenly discovered that our dogs, not satisfied with their
mouthful of soup, had espied the agouti, and were rapidly
devouring it. Fritz seizing his gun flew to rescue it from their
hungry jaws, and before I could prevent him, struck one of them
with such force that his gun was bent. The poor beasts ran off
howling, followed by a shower of stones from Fritz, who shouted
and yelled at them so fiercely, that his mother was actually
terrified. I followed him, and as soon as he would listen to me,
represented to him how despicable as well as wicked was such an
outbreak of temper. `For,' said I, `you have hurt, if not
actually wounded, the dogs; you have distressed and terrified
your mother, and spoiled your gun.'

Though Fritz's passion was easily aroused it never lasted long,
and speedily recovering himself, immediately he entreated his
mother's pardon, and expressed his sorrow for his fault. 
By this time the sun was sinking beneath the horizon, and the
poultry, which had been straying to some little distance,
gathered round us, and began to pick up the crumbs of biscuit
which had fallen during our repast. My wife hereupon drew from
her mysterious bag some handfuls of oats, peas, and other
grain, and with them began to feed the poultry. She at the same
time showed me several other seeds of various vegetables. `That
was indeed thoughtful,' said I, `but pray be careful of what will
be of such value to us; we can bring plenty of damaged biscuits
from the wreck, which though of no use as food for us, will suit
the fowls very well indeed.'

The pigeons now flew up to crevices in the rocks, the fowls
perched themselves on our tent pole, and the ducks and geese
waddled off cackling and quacking to the marshy margin of the
river. We too were ready for repose, and having loaded our guns,
and offered up our prayers to God, thanking him for his many
mercies to us, we commended ourselves to his protecting care, and
as the last ray of light departed, closed our tent and lay down
to rest.

The children remarked the suddenness of nightfall, for
indeed there had been little or no twilight. This convinced me
that we must be not far from the equator, for twilight results
from the refraction of the sun's rays; the more obliquely these
rays fall, the further does the partial light extend, while the
more perpendicularly they strike the earth the longer do they
continue their undiminished force, until when the sun sinks, they
totally disappear, thus producing sudden darkness.

Chapter 2

We should have been badly off without the shelter of our tent,
for the night proved as cold as the day had been hot, but we
managed to sleep comfortably, every one being thoroughly fatigued
by the labours of the day. The voice of our vigilant cock, which
as he loudly saluted the rising moon, was the last sound I heard
at night, roused me at daybreak, and I then awoke my wife, that
in the quiet interval while yet our children slept, we might take
counsel together on our situation and prospects. It was plain to
both of us that in the first place, we should ascertain if
possible the fate of our late
companions, and then examine into the nature and resources of the
country on which we were stranded.

We therefore came to the resolution that, as soon as we had
breakfasted, Fritz and I should start on an expedition with these
objects in view, while my wife remained near our
landing-place with the three younger boys.

`Rouse up, rouse up, my boys,' cried I, awakening the
children cheerfully. `Come and help your mother to get
breakfast ready.'

`As to that,' said she, smiling, `we can but set on the pot, and
boil some more soup!'

`Why! You forget Jack's fine lobster!' replied I. `What has
become of it, Jack?'

`It has been safe in this hole in the rock all night,
father. You see, I thought as the dogs seem to like good
things, they might take a fancy to that as well as to the
agouti.'

`A very sensible precaution,' remarked I, `I believe even my
heedless Jack will learn wisdom in time. It is well the lobster
is so large, for we shall want to take part with us on our
excursion to-day.'

At the mention of an excursion, the four children were wild with
delight, and, capering around me, clapped their hands for joy. 
`Steady there, steady! said I, `you cannot expect all to go. Such
an expedition as this would be too dangerous and fatiguing for
you younger ones. Fritz and I will go alone this time, with one
of the dogs, leaving the other to defend you.'

We then armed ourselves, each taking a gun and a game-bag; Fritz,
in addition, sticking a pair of pistols in his belt, and I a
small hatchet in mine; breakfast being over, we stowed away the
remainder of the lobster and some biscuits, with a flask of
water, and were ready for a start.

We now found that the banks of the stream were on both sides so
rocky that we could get down to the water by only one narrow
passage, and there was no corresponding path on the other side. I
was glad to see this however, for I now knew that my wife and
children were on a comparatively inaccessible spot, the other
side of the tent being protected by steep and precipitous
cliffs. Fritz and I pursued our way up the stream until we
reached a point where the waters fell from a considerable
height in a cascade, and where several large rocks lay half
covered by the water; by means of these we succeeded in
crossing the stream in safety. We thus had the sea on our left,
and a long line of rocky heights, here and there adorned with
clumps of trees, stretching away inland to the right. We had
forced our way scarcely fifty yards through the long rank
grass, which was here partly withered by the sun and much
tangled, when we heard behind us a rustling, and on looking round
saw the grass waving to and fro, as if some animal were passing
through it. Fritz instantly turned and brought his gun to his
shoulder, ready to fire the moment the beast should appear. I was
much pleased with my son's coolness and presence of mind, for it
showed me that I might thoroughly rely upon him on any future
occasion when real danger might occur; this time, however, no
savage beast rushed out, but our trusty dog Turk, whom, in our
anxiety at parting, we had forgotten, and who had been sent after
us doubtless by my thoughtful wife.

From this little incident, however, we saw how dangerous was our
position, and how difficult escape would be should any fierce
beast steal upon us unawares: we therefore hastened to make our
way to the open seashore. Here the scene which
presented itself was indeed delightful. A background of hills,
the green waving grass, the pleasant groups of trees stretching
here and there to the very water's edge, formed a lovely
prospect. On the smooth sand we searched carefully for any trace
of our hapless companions, but not the mark of a footstep could
we find.

`Shall I fire a shot or two?' said Fritz. `That would bring our
companions, if they are within hearing.'

`It would indeed,' I replied, `or any savages that may be here.
No, no; let us search diligently, but as quietly as
possible.'

`But why, father, should we trouble ourselves about them at all?
They left us to shift for ourselves, and I for one don't care to
set eyes on them again.'

`You are wrong, my boy,' said I. `In the first place, we should
not return evil for evil; then, again, they might be of great
assistance to us in building a house of some sort; and lastly,
you must remember that they took nothing with them from the
vessel, and may be perishing of hunger.'

Thus talking, we pushed on until we came to a pleasant grove
which stretched down to the water's edge; here we halted to rest,
seating ourselves under a large tree, by a rivulet which murmured
and splashed along its pebbly bed into the great ocean before us.
A thousand gaily plumaged birds flew twittering above us, and
Fritz and I gazed up at them.

My son suddenly started up.

`A monkey,' he exclaimed, `I am nearly sure I saw a monkey.'  As
he spoke he sprang round to the other side of the tree, and in
doing so stumbled over a round substance, which he
handed to me, remarking, as he did so, that it was a round bird's
nest, of which he had often heard.

`You may have done so,' said I, laughing, `but you need not
necessarily conclude that every round hairy thing is a bird's
nest; this, for instance, is not one, but a coconut.'

We split open the nut, but, to our disgust, found the kernel dry
and uneatable.

`Hullo,' cried Fritz, `I always thought a coconut was full of
delicious sweet liquid, like almond milk.'

`So it is,' I replied, `when young and fresh, but as it ripens
the milk becomes congealed, and in course of time is solidified
into a kernel. This kernel then dries as you see here, but when
the nut falls on favourable soil, the germ
within the kernel swells until it bursts through the shell, and,
taking root, springs up a new tree.'

`I do not understand,' said Fritz, `how the little germ manages
to get through this great thick shell, which is not like an
almond or hazel-nut shell, that is divided down the middle
already.'

`Nature provides for all things,' I answered, taking up the
pieces. `Look here, do you see these three round holes near the
stalk; it is through them that the germ obtains egress. Now let
us find a good nut if we can.'

As coconuts must be over-ripe before they fall naturally from the
tree, it was not without difficulty that we obtained one in which
the kernel was not dried up. When we succeeded, however, we were
so refreshed by the fruit that we could defer the repast we
called our dinner until later in the day, and so spare our stock
of provisions.

Continuing our way through a thicket, which was so densely
overgrown with lianas that we had to clear a passage with our
hatchets, we again emerged on the seashore beyond, and found an
open view, the forest sweeping inland, while on the space
before us stood at intervals single trees of remarkable
appearance.

These at once attracted Fritz's observant eye, and he
pointed to them, exclaiming, `Oh, what absurd-looking trees,
father! See what strange bumps there are on the trunks.'

We approached to examine them, and I recognized them as calabash
trees, the fruit of which grows in this curious way on the stems,
and is a species of gourd, from the hard rind of which bowls,
spoons, and bottles can be made. `The savages,' I remarked, `are
said to form these things most ingeniously, using them to contain
liquids: indeed, they actually cook food in them.'

`Oh, but that is impossible,' returned Fritz. `I am quite sure
this rind would be burnt through directly it was set on the
fire.'

`I did not say it was set on the fire at all. When the gourd has
been divided in two, and the shell or rind emptied of its
contents, it is filled with water, into which the fish, or
whatever is to be cooked, is put; red-hot stones are added until
the water boils; the food becomes fit to eat, and the gourd-rind
remains uninjured.'

`That is a very clever plan: very simple too. I daresay I should
have hit on it, if I had tried,' said Fritz.

`The friends of Columbus thought it very easy to make an egg
stand upon its end when he had shown them how to do it. But now
suppose we prepare some of these calabashes, that they may be
ready for use when we take them home.'

Fritz instantly took up one of the gourds, and tried to split it
equally with his knife, but in vain: the blade
slipped, and the calabash was cut jaggedly. `What a nuisance!'
said Fritz, flinging it down, `The thing is spoiled; and yet it
seemed so simple to divide it properly.'

`Stay,' said I, `you are too impatient, those pieces are not
useless. Do you try to fashion from them a spoon or two while I
provide a dish.'

I then took from my pocket a piece of string, which I tied
tightly round a gourd, as near one end of it as I could; then
tapping the string with the back of my knife, it penetrated the
outer shell. When this was accomplished, I tied the string yet
tighter; and drawing the ends with all my might, the gourd fell,
divided exactly as I wished.

`That is clever!' cried Fritz. `What in the world put that plan
into your head?'

`It is a plan,' I replied, `which the negroes adopt, as I have
learned from reading books of travel.'

`Well, it certainly makes a capital soup-tureen, and a
soup-plate too,' said Fritz, examining the gourd. `But
supposing you had wanted to make a bottle, how would you have set
to work?'

`It would be an easier operation than this, if possible. All that
is necessary, is to cut a round hole at one end, then to scoop
out the interior, and to drop in several shot or stones; when
these are shaken, any remaining portions of the fruit are
detached, and the gourd is thoroughly cleaned, and the bottle
completed.'

`That would not make a very convenient bottle though,
father; it would be more like a barrel.'

`True, my boy; if you want a more shapely vessel, you must take
it in hand when it is younger. To give it a neck, for instance,
you must tie a bandage round the young gourd while it is still on
the tree, and then all will swell but that part which you have
checked.'

As I spoke, I filled the gourds with sand, and left them to dry;
marking the spot that we might return for them on our way back. 
For three hours or more we pushed forward, keeping a sharp
look-out on either side for any trace of our companions, till we
reached a bold promontory, stretching some way into the sea, from
whose rocky summit I knew that we should obtain a good and
comprehensive view of the surrounding country. With little
difficulty we reached the top, but the most careful survey of the
beautiful landscape failed to show us the slightest sign or trace
of human beings. Before us stretched a wide and lovely bay,
fringed with yellow sands, either side extending into the
distance, and almost lost to view in two shadowy promontories;
enclosed by these two arms lay a sheet of rippling water, which
reflected in its depths the glorious sun above. The scene
inland was no less beautiful; and yet Fritz and I both felt a
shade of loneliness stealing over us as we gazed on its utter
solitude.

`Cheer up, Fritz, my boy,' said I, presently. `Remember that we
chose a settler's life long ago, before we left our own dear
country; we certainly did not expect to be so entirely
alone--but what matters a few people, more or less. With God's
help, let us endeavour to live here contentedly, thankful that we
were not cast upon some bare and inhospitable island. But come,
the heat here is getting unbearable; let us find some shady place
before we are completely broiled away.'

We descended the hill and made for a clump of palm trees, which
we saw at a little distance. To reach this, we had to pass
through a dense thicket of reeds, no pleasant or easy task; for,
besides the difficulty of forcing our way through, I feared at
every step that we might tread on some venomous
snake. Sending Turk in advance, I cut one of the reeds,
thinking it would be a more useful weapon against a reptile than
my gun. I had carried it but a little way, when I noticed a thick
juice exuding from one end. I tasted it, and to my delight, found
it sweet and pleasant. I at once knew that I was standing amongst
sugar-canes. Wishing Fritz to make the same discovery, I advised
him to cut a cane for his defense; he did so, and as he beat the
ground before him, the reed split, and his hand was covered with
the juice. He carefully touched the cane with the tip of his
tongue, then, finding the juice sweet, he did so again with less
hesitation; and a moment afterwards sprang back to me,
exclaiming, `Oh, father, sugar-canes,
sugar-canes! Taste it. Oh, how delicious, how delightful! Do let
us take a lot home to mother,' he continued, sucking
eagerly at the cane!

`Gently there,' said I, `take breath a moment, moderation in all
things, remember. Cut some to take home if you like; only don't
take more than you can conveniently carry.'

In spite of my warning, my son cut a dozen or more of the largest
canes, and stripping them of their leaves, carried them under his
arm. We then pushed through the cane-brake, and
reached the clump of palms for which we had been making; as we
entered it a troop of monkeys, who had been disporting
themselves on the ground, sprang up, chattering and grimacing,
and before we could clearly distinguish them, were at the very
top of the trees.

Fritz was so provoked by their impertinent gestures that he
raised his gun, and would have shot one of the poor beasts. 
`Stay,' cried I, `never take the life of any animal
needlessly. A live monkey up in that tree is of more use to us
than a dozen dead ones at our feet, as I will show you.'

Saying this, I gathered a handful of small stones, and threw them
up towards the apes. The stones did not go near them, but
influenced by their instinctive mania for imitation, they
instantly seized all the coconuts within their reach, and sent a
perfect hail of them down upon us.

Fritz was delighted with my stratagem, and rushing forward picked
up some of the finest of the nuts. We drank the milk they
contained, drawing it through the holes which I pierced, and
then, splitting the nuts open with the hatchet, ate the cream
which lined their shells. After this delicious meal, we
thoroughly despised the lobster we had been carrying, and threw
it to Turk, who ate it gratefully: but far from being
satisfied, the poor beast began to gnaw the ends of the
sugar-canes, and to beg for coconut. I slung a couple of the nuts
over my shoulder, fastening them together by their stalks, and
Fritz having resumed his burden, we began our homeward march. 
I soon discovered that Fritz found the weight of his canes
considerably more than he expected: he shifted them from
shoulder to shoulder, then for a while carried them under his
arm, and finally stopped short with a sigh. `I had no idea,' he
said, `that a few reeds would be so heavy.'

`Never mind, my boy,' I said, `Patience and courage! Do you not
remember the story of Aesop and his breadbasket, how heavy he
found it when he started, and how light at the end of his
journey? Let us each take a fresh staff, and then fasten the
bundle crosswise with your gun.'

We did so, and once more stepped forward. Fritz presently noticed
that I from time to time sucked the end of my cane. 
`Oh, come,' said he, `that's a capital plan of yours,
father, I'll do that too.'

So saying, he began to suck most vigorously, but not a drop of
the juice could he extract. `How is this?' he asked. `How do you
get the juice out, father?'

`Think a little,' I replied, `you are quite as capable as I am of
finding out the way, even if you do not know the real reason of
your failure.'

`Oh, of course,' said he, `it is like trying to suck marrow from
a marrow bone, without making a hole at the other end.' 
`Quite right,' I said, `you form a vacuum in your mouth and the
end of your tube, and expect the air to force down the liquid
from the other end which it cannot possibly enter.' 
Fritz was speedily perfect in the accomplishment of sucking
sugar-cane, discovering by experience the necessity for a fresh
cut at each joint or knot in the cane, through which the juice
could not flow; he talked of the pleasure of initiating his
brothers in the art, and of how Ernest would enjoy the coconut
milk, with which he had filled his flask.

`My dear boy,' said I, `you need not have added that to your
load; the chances are it is vinegar by the time we get home. In
the heat of the sun, it will ferment soon after being drawn from
the nut.'

`Vinegar! Oh, that would be a horrid bore! I must look
directly, and see how it is getting on,' cried Fritz, hastily
swinging the flask from his shoulder, and tugging out the cork.
With a loud `pop' the contents came forth, foaming like
champagne.

`There now!' said I, laughing as he tasted this new luxury. `You
will have to exercise moderation again, friend Fritz! I daresay
it is delicious, but it will go to your head, if you venture deep
into your flask.'

`My dear father, you cannot think how good it is! Do take some.
Vinegar, indeed! This is like excellent wine.'

We were both invigorated by this unexpected draught, and went on
so merrily after it, that the distance to the place where we had
left our gourd dishes seemed less than we
expected. We found them quite dry, and very light and easy to
carry.

Just as we had passed through the grove in which we
breakfasted, Turk suddenly darted away from us, and sprang
furiously among a troop of monkeys, which were gambolling
playfully on the turf at a little distance from the trees. They
were taken by surprise completely, and the dog, now really
ravenous from hunger, had seized, and was fiercely tearing one to
pieces before we could approach the spot.

His luckless victim was the mother of a tiny little monkey, which
being on her back when the dog flew at her, had hindered her
flight; the little creature attempted to hide among the grass,
and in trembling fear watched the tragic fate of its mother. On
perceiving Turk's bloodthirsty design, Fritz had eagerly rushed
to the rescue, flinging away all he was
carrying, and losing his hat in his haste. All to no purpose as
far as the poor mother ape was concerned, and a laughable scene
ensued, for no sooner did the young monkey catch sight of him
than at one bound it was on his shoulders, and, holding fast by
his thick curly hair, it firmly kept its seat in spite of all he
could do to dislodge it. He screamed and plunged about as he
endeavoured to shake or pull the creature off, but all in vain,
it only clung the closer to his neck, making the most absurd
grimaces.

I laughed so much at this ridiculous scene, that I could scarcely
assist my terrified boy out of his awkward
predicament.

At last, by coaxing the monkey, offering it a bit of
biscuit, and gradually disentangling its small sinewy paws from
the curls it grasped so tightly, I managed to relieve poor Fritz,
who then looked with interest at the baby ape, no bigger than a
kitten, as it lay in my arms.

`What a jolly little fellow it is!' exclaimed he. `Do let me try
to rear it, father. I daresay coconut milk would do until we can
bring the cow and the goats from the wreck. If he lives he might
be useful to us. I believe monkeys instinctively know what fruits
are wholesome and what are poisonous.'

`Well,' said I, `let the little orphan be yours. You bravely and
kindly exerted yourself to save the mother's life, now you must
train her child carefully, for unless you do so its
natural instinct will prove mischievous instead of useful to us. 
Turk was meanwhile devouring with great satisfaction the little
animal's unfortunate mother. I could not grudge it him, and
continued hunger might have made him dangerous to
ourselves. We did not think it necessary to wait until he had
dined, so we prepared to resume our march.

The tiny ape seated itself in the coolest way imaginable on
Fritz's shoulder, I helped to carry his canes, and we were on
some distance before Turk overtook us, looking uncommonly well
pleased, and licking his chops as though recalling the memory of
his feast.

He took no notice of the monkey, but it was very uneasy at sight
of him, and scrambled down into Fritz's arms, which was so
inconvenient to him that he devised a plan to relieve
himself of his burden. Calling Turk, and seriously enjoining
obedience, he seated the monkey on his back, securing it there
with a cord, and then putting a second string round the dog's
neck that he might lead him, he put a loop of the knot into the
comical rider's hand, saying gravely, `Having slain the parent,
Mr Turk, you will please to carry the son.'

At first this arrangement mightily displeased them both, but by
and by they yielded to it quietly; the monkey especially amused
us by riding along with the air of a person perfectly at his
ease.

`We look just like a couple of mountebanks on their way to a fair
with animals to exhibit,' said I. `What an outcry the children
will make when we appear!'

My son inquired to what species of the monkey tribe I
thought his ****proteacute; geacute; belonged, which led to a
good deal of talk on the subject, and conversation beguiling the
way we found ourselves ere long on the rocky margin of the stream
and close to the rest of our party.

Juno was the first to be aware of our approach, and gave notice
of it by loud barking, to which Turk replied with such hearty
goodwill, that his little rider, terrified at the noise his steed
was making, slipped from under the cord and fled to his refuge on
Fritz's shoulder, where he regained his composure and settled
himself comfortably.

Turk, who by this time knew where he was, finding himself free,
dashed forward to rejoin his friend, and announce our coming. 
One after another our dear ones came running to the opposite
bank, testifying in various ways their delight at our return, and
hastening up on their side of the river, as we on ours, to the
ford at which we had crossed in the morning. We were
quickly on the other side, and, full of joy and affection, our
happy party was once more united.

The boys suddenly perceiving the little animal which was clinging
close to their brother, in alarm at the tumult of voices, shouted
in ecstasy.

`A monkey! A monkey! Oh, how splendid! Where did Fritz find him?
What may we give him to eat? Oh, what a bundle of sticks! Look at
those curious great nuts father has got!'

We could neither check this confused torrent of questions, nor
get in a word in answer to them.

At length when the excitement subsided a little, I was able to
say a few words with a chance of being listened to. `I am truly
thankful to see you all safe and well, and, thank God, our
expedition has been very satisfactory, except that we have
entirely failed to discover any trace of our shipmates.'

`If it be the will of God,' said my wife, `to leave us alone on
this solitary place, let us be content, and rejoice that we are
all together in safety.'

`Now we want to hear all your adventures, and let us relieve you
of your burdens,' added she, taking my gamebag.

Jack shouldered my gun, Ernest took the coconuts, and little
Franz carried the gourds, Fritz distributed the sugarcanes
amongst his brothers, and handing Ernest his gun replaced the
monkey on Turk's hack. Ernest soon found the burden with which
Fritz had laden him too heavy to his taste. His mother
perceiving this, offered to relieve him of part of the load. He
gave up willingly the coconuts, but no sooner had he done so than
his elder brother exclaimed, `Hullo, Ernest, you surely do not
know what you are parting with; did you really intend to hand
over those good coconuts without so much as tasting them?'  `What
ho?! Are they really coconuts?' cried Ernest, `Do let me take
them again, mother, do let me look at them.' `No, thank you,'
replied my wife with a smile. `I have no wish to see you again
overburdened.' `Oh but I have only to throw away these sticks,
which are of no use, and then I can easily carry them.'  `Worse
and worse,' said Fritz, `I have a particular regard for those
heavy useless sticks. Did you ever hear of
sugar-canes?'

The words were scarcely out of his mouth when Ernest began to
suck vigorously at the end of the cane with no better
result, however, than Fritz had obtained as we were on the march. 
`Here,' said Fritz, `let me show you the trick of it,' and he
speedily set all the youngsters to work extracting the
luscious juice.

My wife, as a prudent housekeeper, was no less delighted than the
children with this discovery; the sight of the dishes also
pleased her greatly, for she longed to see us eat once more like
civilized beings. We went into the kitchen and there found
preparations for a truly sumptuous meal. Two forked
sticks were planted in the ground on either side of the fire, on
these rested a rod from which hung several tempting-looking fish,
opposite them hung a goose from a similar contrivance, slowly
roasting while the gravy dropped into a large shell placed
beneath it. In the centre sat the great pot from which issued the
smell of a most delicious soup. To crown this
splendid array, stood an open hogshead full of Dutch cheeses. All
this was very pleasant to two hungry travellers, but I was about
to beg my wife to spare the poultry until our stock
should have increased, when she, perceiving my thought, quickly
relieved my anxiety. `This is not one of our geese,' she said,
`but a wild bird Ernest killed.'

`Yes,' said Ernest, `it is a penguin, I think, it let me get
quite close, so that I knocked it on the head with a stick. Here
are its head and feet which I preserved to show you; the bill is,
you see, narrow and curved downwards, and the feet are webbed. It
had funny little bits of useless wings, and its eyes looked so
solemnly and sedately at me, that I was almost
ashamed to kill it. Do you not think it must have been a
penguin?'

`I have little doubt on the matter, my boy,' and I was about to
make a few remarks on the habits of this bird, when my wife
interrupted me and begged us to come to dinner and continue our
natural history conversation at some future time. We then sat
down before the appetizing meal prepared for us, our gourds
coming for the first time into use, and having done it full
justice, produced the coconuts by way of dessert. `Here is better
food for your little friend,' said I to Fritz, who had been
vainly endeavouring to persuade the monkey to taste dainty
morsels of the food we had been eating. `The poor little animal
has been accustomed to nothing but its mother's milk; fetch me a
saw, one of you.'

I then, after extracting the milk of the nuts from their natural
holes, carefully cut the shells in half, thus providing several
more useful basins. The monkey was perfectly satisfied with the
milk, and eagerly sucked the corner of a handkerchief dipped in
it. Fritz now suddenly recollected his delicious wine, and
producing his flask, begged his mother to taste it. `Try it first
yourself,' said I; Fritz did so, and I instantly saw by his
countenance that the liquor had passed through the first stage of
fermentation and had become vinegar.

`Never mind, my boy,' said my prudent wife, when she learned the
cause of his wry faces, `we have wine already but no
vinegar; I am really pleased at the transformation.'

The sun was now rapidly sinking behind the horizon, and the
poultry retiring for the night warned us that we must follow
their example. Having offered up our prayers, we lay down on our
beds, the monkey crouched down between Jack and Fritz, and we
were all soon fast asleep.

We did not, however, long enjoy this repose; a loud barking from
our dogs, who were on guard outside the tent, awakened us, and
the fluttering and cackling of our poultry warned us that a foe
was approaching. Fritz and I sprang up, and seizing our guns
rushed out. There we found a desperate combat going on, our
gallant dogs, surrounded by a dozen or more large jackals, were
fighting bravely, four of their opponents lay dead, but the
others were in no way deterred by the fate of their
comrades. Fritz and I, however, sent bullets through the heads of
a couple more, and the rest galloped off. Turk and Juno did not
intend that they should escape so cheaply, and pursuing them,
they caught, killed, and devoured another of the animals,
regardless of their near relationship. Fritz wished to save one
of the jackals that he might be able to show it to his brothers
in the morning; dragging therefore the one that he had shot near
the tent, he concealed it, and we once more returned to our beds. 
Soundly and peacefully we slept until cock-crow next
morning, when my wife and I awoke, and began to discuss the
business of the day.

`It seems absolutely necessary, my dear wife,' I began, `to
return at once to the wreck while it is yet calm, that we may
save the poor animals left there, and bring on shore many
articles of infinite value to us, which, if we do not now
recover, we may finally lose entirely. On the other hand, I feel
that there is an immense deal to be done on shore, and that I
ought not to leave you in such an insecure shelter as this tent.' 
`Return to the wreck by all means,' replied my wife,
cheerfully. `Patience, order and perseverance will help us
through all our work, and I agree with you that a visit to the
wreck is without doubt our first duty. Come, let us wake the
children, and set to work without delay.'

They were soon roused, and Fritz overcoming his drowsiness before
the others, ran out for his jackal; it was cold and stiff from
the night air, and he placed it on its legs before the tent, in a
most life-like attitude, and stood by to watch the effect upon
the family. The dogs were the first to perceive their enemy, and
growling, seemed inclined to dispose of the animal as they had
disposed of its brethren in the night, but Fritz called them off.
The noise the dogs made, however, had the effect of bringing out
the younger children, and many were the exclamations they made at
the sight of the strange animal. 
`A yellow dog!' cried Franz.

`A wolf!' exclaimed Jack.

`It is a striped fox,' said Ernest.

`Hullo,' said Fritz. `The greatest men may make mistakes. Our
professor does not know a jackal when he sees one.'

`But really,' continued Ernest, examining the animal, `I think it
is a fox.'

`Very well, very well,' retorted Fritz, `no doubt you know better
than your father! He thinks it is a jackal.'

`Come boys,' said I, `no more of this quarrelling; you are none
of you very far wrong, for the jackal partakes of the nature of
all three, dog, wolf, and fox.'

The monkey had come out on Jack's shoulder, but no sooner did it
catch sight of the jackal, than it fled precipitately back into
the tent, and hid itself in a heap of moss until nothing was
visible but the tip of its little nose. Jack
soothed and comforted the frightened little animal, and I then
summoned them all to prayers, soon after which we began our
breakfast. So severely had we dealt with our supper the
previous night, that we had little to eat but the biscuits, which
were so dry and hard, that, hungry as we were, we could not
swallow much. Fritz and I took some cheese to help them down,
while my wife and younger sons soaked theirs in water. Ernest
roamed down to the shore, and looked about for
shellfish. Presently he returned with a few whelks. `Ah,' said
he, `if we had but some butter.' `My good boy,' I replied, `Your
perpetual "if, if", quite annoys me, why do you not sit down and
eat cheese like the rest of us?' `Not while I can get butter,' he
said, `see here, father,' and he pointed to a large cask, `that
barrel contains butter of some sort or another, for it is oozing
out at the end.'

`Really, Ernest,' I said, `we are indebted to you. I will open
the cask.' So saying, I took a knife and carefully cut a small
hole, so that I could extract the butter without exposing the
mass of it to the effects of the air and heat. Filling a coconut
shell, we once more sat down, and toasting our biscuits before
the fire, spread them with the good Dutch butter. We found this
vastly better than the dry biscuit, and while we were thus
employed, I noticed that the two dogs were lying unusually
quietly by my side. I at first attributed this
drowsiness to their large meal during the night, but I soon
discovered that it arose from a different cause; the faithful
animals had not escaped unhurt from their late combat, but had
received several deep and painful wounds, especially about the
neck. The dogs began to lick each other on the places which they
could not reach with their own tongues, and my wife
carefully dressed the wounds with butter from which she had
extracted the salt by washing.

A sudden thought now struck Ernest, and he wisely remarked, that
if we were to make spiked collars for the dogs, they would in
future escape such dangerous wounds. `Oh yes,' exclaimed Jack,
`and I will make them, may I not, father?'

`Try by all means, my little fellow,' said I, `and persuade your
mother to assist you; and now, Fritz,' I continued, `we must be
starting, for you and I are to make a trip to the
wreck.' I begged the party who were to remain on shore, to keep
together as much as possible, and having arranged a set of
signals with my wife, that we might exchange communications,
asked a blessing on our enterprise. I erected a signal-post, and
while Fritz was making preparations for our departure, hoisted a
strip of sailcloth as a flag; this flag was to remain hoisted so
long as all was well on shore, but should our return be desired,
three shots were to be fired and the flag lowered. 
All was now ready, and warning my wife that we might find it
necessary to remain all night on the vessel, we tenderly bade
adieu and embarked. Except our guns and ammunition we were taking
nothing, that we might leave as much space as possible for the
stowage of a large cargo. Fritz, however, had resolved to bring
his little monkey, that he might obtain milk for it as soon as
possible. We had not got far from the shore, when I perceived
that a current from the river set in directly for the vessel, and
though my nautical knowledge was not great, I
succeeded in steering the boat into the favourable stream, which
carried us nearly three-fourths of our passage with
little or no trouble to ourselves; then, by dint of hard
pulling, we accomplished the whole distance, and, entering
through the breach, gladly made fast our boat and stepped on
board. Our first care was to see to the animals, who greeted us
with joy--lowing, bellowing, and bleating as we approached; not
that the poor beasts were hungry, for they were all still well
supplied with food, but they were apparently pleased by the mere
sight of human beings. Fritz then placed his monkey by one of the
goats, and the little animal immediately sucked the milk with
evident relish, chattering and grinning all the
while; the monkey provided for, we refreshed ourselves with some
wine and biscuits. `Now,' said I, `we have plenty to do; where
shall we begin?'

`Let us fix a mast and sail to our boat,' answered Fritz, `for
the current which brought us out will not take us back; whereas
the fresh breeze we met would help us immensely had we but a
sail.'

`Capital thought,' I replied, `let us set to work at once.'  I
chose a stout spar to serve as a mast, and having made a hole in
a plank nailed across one of the tubs we, with the help of a rope
and a couple of blocks, stepped it and secured it with stays. We
then discovered a lug-sail, which had belonged to one of the
ship's boats; this we hoisted; and our craft was ready to sail.
Fritz begged me to decorate the mast-head with a red streamer, to
give our vessel a more finished appearance. Smiling at this
childish but natural vanity, I complied with his request. I then
contrived a rudder, that I might be able to steer the boat; for
though I knew that an oar would serve the purpose, it was
cumbrous and inconvenient. While I was thus employed, Fritz
examined the shore with his glass, and soon announced that the
flag was flying and all was well.

So much time had now slipped away, that we found we could not
return that night, as I had wished. We signalled our
intention of remaining on board, and then spent the rest of our
time in taking out the stones we had placed in the boat for
ballast, and stowed in their place heavy articles, of value to
us. The ship had sailed for the purpose of supplying a young
colony, she had therefore on board every conceivable article we
could desire in our present situation, our only difficulty indeed
was to make a wise selection. A large quantity of powder and shot
we first secured, and as Fritz considered that we could not have
too many weapons, we added three excellent guns, and a whole
armful of swords, daggers and knives. We remembered that knives
and forks were necessary, we therefore laid in a large stock of
them, and kitchen utensils of all sorts.
Exploring the captain's cabin, we discovered a service of
silver-plate and a cellaret of good old wine; we then went over
the stores, and supplied ourselves with potted meats, portable
soups, Westphalian hams, sausages, a bag of maize and wheat, and
a quantity of other seeds and vegetables. I then added a barrel
of sulphur for matches, and as much cordage as I could find. All
this--with nails, tools and agricultural
implements--completed our cargo, and sank our boat so low, that I
should have been obliged to lighten her had not the sea been
calm.

Night drew on and a large fire, lighted by those on shore, showed
us that all was well. We replied by hoisting four ship's
lanterns, and two shots announced us that our signal was
perceived; then, with a heartfelt prayer for the safety of our
dear ones on shore, we retired to our boat, and Fritz at all
events was soon sound asleep. For a while I could not sleep, the
thought of my wife and children--alone and unprotected, save by
the great dogs--disturbed my rest.

The night at length passed away. At daybreak Fritz and I arose,
and went on deck. I brought the telescope to bear upon the shore,
and with pleasure saw the flag still waving in the morning
breeze; while I kept the glass directed to the land, I saw the
door of the tent open, and my wife appear and look steadfastly
towards us.

I at once hoisted a white flag, and in reply, the flag on shore
was thrice dipped. Oh, what a weight seemed lifted from my heart
as I saw the signal!

`Fritz,' I said, `I am not now in such haste to get back, and
begin to feel compassion for all these poor beasts. I wish we
could devise some means for getting them on shore.'

`We might make a raft,' suggested Fritz, `and take off one or two
at a time.'

`True,' I replied; `it is easy enough to say, "make a
raft", but to do it is quite another thing.'

`Well,' said Fritz, `I can think of nothing else, unless indeed
we make them such swimming-belts as you made for the children.' 
`Really, my boy, that idea is worth having. I am not joking,
indeed,' I continued, as I saw him smile, `we may get every one
of the animals ashore in that way.'

So saying, I caught a fine sheep, and proceeded to put our plan
into execution. I first fastened a broad piece of linen round its
belly, and to this attached some corks and empty tins; then with
Fritz's help, I flung the animal into the
sea--it sank, but a moment afterwards rose and floated
famously.

`Hurrah!' exclaimed Fritz, `we will treat them all like that.' We
then rapidly caught the other animals and provided them one after
the other with a similar contrivance. The cow and ass gave us
more trouble than did the others, for, for them we required
something more buoyant than the mere cork; we at last found some
empty casks and fastened two to each animal by thongs passed
under its belly. This done the whole herd were ready to start,
and we brought the ass to one of the ports to be the first to be
launched. After some manoeuvring <!--oe should be &oelig;, except
that it doesn't exist...--> we got him in a convenient position,
and then a sudden heave sent him plunging into the sea. He sank,
and then, buoyed up by the casks, emerged head and back from the
water. The cow, sheep and goats followed him one after the other,
and then the sow alone remained. She seemed, however determined
not to leave the ship; she kicked, struggled and squealed so
violently, that I really thought we should be obliged to abandon
her; at length, after much trouble, we succeeded in sending her
out of the port after the others, and when once in the water,
such was the old lady's energy that she quickly distanced them,
and was the first to reach the shore.

We had fastened to the horns or neck of each animal a cord with a
float attached to the end, and now embarking, we
gathered up these floats, set sail, and steered for shore,
drawing our herd after us.

Delighted with the successful accomplishment of our task, we got
out some biscuits and enjoyed a midday meal; then, while Fritz
amused himself with his monkey, I took up my glass and tried to
make out how our dear ones on shore were employing themselves. As
I was thus engaged, a sudden shout from Fritz surprised me. I
glanced up; there stood Fritz with his gun to his shoulder,
pointing it at a huge shark; the monster was making for one of
the finest sheep; he turned on his side to seize his prey; as the
white of his belly appeared Fritz fired. The shot took effect,
and our enemy disappeared, leaving a trace of blood on the calm
water.

`Well done, my boy,' I cried, `you will become a crack shot one
of these days; but I trust you will not often have such dangerous
game to shoot.' Fritz's eyes sparkled at his success and my
praise, and reloading his gun, carefully watched the water. But
the shark did not again appear, and borne onwards by the breeze,
we quickly neared the shore. Steering the boat to a convenient
landing place, I cast off the ropes which secured the animals,
and let them get ashore as best they might.

There was no sign of my wife or children when we stepped on land,
but a few moments afterwards they appeared, and with a shout of
joy ran towards us. We were thankful to be once more united, and
after asking and replying to a few preliminary questions,
proceeded to release our herd from their swimming belts, which,
though so useful in the water, were exceedingly inconvenient on
shore. My wife was astonished at the apparatus. 
`How clever you are,' said she.

`I am not the inventor,' I replied, `the honour is due to Fritz.
He not only thought of this plan for bringing off the animals,
but saved one at least of them from a most fearful death.' And I
then told them how bravely he had encountered the shark.

My wife was delighted with her son's success, but declared that
she would dread our trips to the vessel more than ever, knowing
that such savage fish inhabited the waters.

Fritz, Ernest and I began the work of unloading our craft, while
Jack, seeing that the poor donkey was still encumbered with his
swimming-belt, tried to free him from it. But the donkey would
not stand quiet, and the child's fingers were not strong enough
to loosen the cordage; finally, therefore, he scrambled upon the
animal's back, and urging him on with hand and foot, trotted
towards us.

`Come, my boy,' I said, `no one must be idle here, even for a
moment; you will have riding practice enough hereafter;
dismount and come and help us.'

Jack was soon on his feet. `But I have not been idle all day,' he
said, `look here!' and he pointed to a belt round his waist. It
was a broad belt of yellow hair in which he had stuck a couple of
pistols and a knife. `And see,' he added, `what I have made for
the dogs. Here, Juno, Turk,' the dogs came
bounding up at his call, and I saw that they were each supplied
with a collar of the same skin, in which were fastened nails,
which bristled round their necks in a most formidable manner. 
`Capital, capital! my boy,' said I, `but where did you get your
materials, and who helped you?'

`Except in cutting the skin,' said my wife, `he had no
assistance, and as for the materials, Fritz's jackal supplied us
with the skin, and the needles and thread came out of my
wonderful bag.'

Fritz evidently did not approve of the use to which his jackal's
hide had been devoted, and holding his nose, begged his little
brother to keep at a distance. `Really, Jack,' he said, `you
should have cured the hide before you used it, the smell is
disgusting, don't come near me.'

`It's not the hide that smells at all,' retorted Jack, `it is
your nasty jackal itself that you left in the sun.'

`Now, boys,' said I, `no quarrelling here; do you, Jack, help
your brother to drag the carcass to the sea, and if your belt
smells after that you must take it off and dry it better.'  The
jackal was dragged off, and we then finished our work of
unloading our boat. When this was accomplished we started for our
tent, and finding there no preparation for supper, I said,
`Fritz, let us have a Westphalian ham.'

`Ernest,' said my wife, smiling, `let us see if we cannot conjure
up some eggs.'

Fritz got out a splendid ham and carried it to his mother
triumphantly, while Ernest set before me a dozen white balls with
parchment-like coverings.

`Turtles' eggs!' said I. `Well done, Ernest, where did you get
them?'

`That,' replied my wife, `shall be told in due course when we
relate our adventures; now we will see what they will do towards
making a supper for you; with these and your ham I do not think
we shall starve.'

Leaving my wife to prepare supper, we returned to the shore and
brought up what of the cargo we had left there; then,
having collected our herd of animals, we returned to the tent. 
The meal which awaited us was as unlike the first supper we had
there enjoyed as possible. My wife had improvised a table of a
board laid on two casks, on this was spread a white damask
tablecloth, on which were placed knives, forks, spoons and plates
for each person. A tureen of good soup first appeared, followed
by a capital omelette, then slices of the ham; and finally some
Dutch cheese, butter and biscuits, with a bottle of the captain's
canary wine, completed the repast.

While we thus regaled ourselves, I related to my wife our
adventures, and then begged she would remember her promise and
tell me all that had happened in my absence.

Chapter 3

`I will spare you a description,' said my wife, `of our first
day's occupations; truth to tell, I spent the time
chiefly in anxious thought and watching your progress and
signals. I rose very early this morning, and with the utmost joy
perceiving your signal that all was right, hastened to reply to
it, and then while my sons yet slumbered, I sat down and began to
consider how our position could be improved. "For it is perfectly
impossible," said I to myself, "to live much longer where we are
now. The sun beats burningly the livelong day on this bare rocky
spot, our only shelter is this poor tent, beneath the canvas of
which the heat is even more
oppressive than on the open shore. Why should not I and my little
boys exert ourselves as well as my husband and Fritz? Why should
not we too try to accomplish something useful? If we could but
exchange this melancholy and unwholesome abode for a pleasant
shady dwelling-place, we should all improve in health and
spirits. Among those delightful woods and groves where Fritz and
his father saw so many charming things, I feel sure there must be
some little retreat where we could establish ourselves
comfortably; there must be, and I will find it." 
`By this time the boys were up, and I observed Jack very quietly
and busily occupied with his knife about the spot where Fritz's
jackal lay. Watching his proceedings, I saw that he had cut two
long narrow strips of the animal's skin, which he
cleaned and scraped very carefully, and then taking a handful of
great nails out of his pocket, he stuck them through the skin
points outwards, after which he cut strips of canvas
sailcloth twice as broad as the thongs, doubled them, and laid
them on the raw side of the skin so as to cover the broad flat
nail heads. At this point of the performance, Master Jack came to
me with the agreeable request that I would kindly stitch the
canvas and (moist) skin together for him. I gave him needles and
thread, but could not think of depriving him of the
pleasure of doing it himself.

`However, when I saw how good-humouredly he persevered in the
work with his awkward unskilful fingers, I took pity upon him,
and conquering the disgust I felt, finished lining the skin
dog-collars he had so ingeniously contrived. After this I was
called upon to complete in the same way a fine belt of skin he
had made for himself. I advised him to think of some means by
which the skin might be kept from shrinking.

`Ernest, although rather treating Jack's manufacture with
ridicule, proposed a sensible-enough plan, which Jack forthwith
put in execution. He nailed the skin, stretched flat, on a board,
and put it in the sun to dry.

`My scheme of a journey was agreed to joyously by my young
companions. Preparations were instantly set on foot: weapons and
provisions provided: the two elder boys carrying guns, while they
gave me charge of the water flask, and a small
hatchet.

`Leaving everything in as good order as we could at the tent, we
proceeded towards the stream, accompanied by the dogs. Turk, who
had accompanied you on your first expedition, seemed immediately
to understand that we wished to pursue the same route, and
proudly led the way.

`As I looked at my two young sons, each with his gun, and
considered how much the safety of the party depended on these
little fellows, I felt grateful to you, dear husband, for
having acquainted them in childhood with the use of firearms. 
`Filling our water-jar, we crossed the stream, and went on to the
height from whence, as you described, a lovely prospect is
obtained, at the sight of which a pleasurable sensation of
buoyant hope, to which I had long been a stranger, awoke within
my breast.

`A pretty little wood in the distance attracted my notice
particularly, and thither we directed our course. But soon
finding it impossible to force our way through the tall strong
grass which grew in dense luxuriance higher than the children's
heads, we turned towards the open beach on our left, and
following it we reached a point much nearer the little wood,
when, quitting the strand, we made towards it.

`We had not entirely escaped the tall grass, however and with the
utmost fatigue and difficulty were struggling through the reeds,
when suddenly a great rushing noise terrified us all dreadfully.
A very large and powerful bird sprang upward on the wing. Both
boys attempted to take aim, but the bird was far away before they
were ready to fire.

`"Oh dear, what a pity!" exclaimed Ernest; "now if I had only had
my light gun, and if the bird had not flown quite so fast, I
should have brought him down directly!"

`"Oh yes," said I, "no doubt you would be a capital
sportsman if only your game would always give you time to make
ready comfortably."

`"But I had no notion that anything was going to fly up just at
our feet like that," cried he.

`"A good shot," I replied, "must be prepared for
surprises: neither wild birds nor wild beasts will send you
notice that they are about to fly or to run."

`"What sort of bird can it have been?" inquired Jack.  

`"Oh, it certainly must have been an eagle," answered
little Franz, "it was so very big!"

`"Just as if every big bird must be an eagle!" replied
Ernest, in a tone of derision.

`"Let's see where he was sitting, at all events!" said I.   
`Jack sprang towards the place, and instantly a second bird,
rather larger than the first, rushed upward into the air, with a
most startling noise.

`The boys stood staring upwards, perfectly stupefied, while I
laughed heartily, saying, "Well, you are first-rate
sportsmen, to be sure! You certainly will keep my larder
famously well supplied!"

`At this, Ernest coloured up, and looked inclined to cry, while
Jack put on a comical face, pulled off his cap, and with a low
bow, called after the fugitive, "Adieu for the present, sir! I
live in hopes of another meeting!"

`On searching the ground carefully, we discovered a rude sort of
nest made untidily of dry grass. It was empty, although we
perceived broken egg-shells at no great distance, and
concluded that the young brood had escaped among the grass,
which, in fact, we could see was waving at a little distance, as
the little birds ran through it.

`"Now look here, Franz," said Ernest, presently, "just
consider how this bird could by any possibility have been an
eagle. Eagles never build on the ground, neither can their young
leave the nest and run as soon as they are out of the egg. That
is a peculiarity of the gallinaceous tribe of birds alone, to
which then these must belong. The species, I think, is indicated
by the white belly and dull red colour of the wing coverts which
I observed in these specimens, and I believe them to be bustards,
especially as I noticed in the largest the fine moustache-like
feathers over the beak, peculiar to the Great Bustard."

`"My dear boy!" I said, "your eyes were actively
employed, I must confess, if your fingers were unready with the
gun. And after all, it is just as well, perhaps, that we have not
thrown the bustard's family into mourning."

`Thus chatting, we at length approached my pretty wood. Numbers
of birds fluttered and sang among the high branches, but I did
not encourage the boys in their wish to try to shoot any of the
happy little creatures. We were lost in admiration of the trees
of this grove, and I cannot describe to you how wonderful they
are, nor can you form the least idea of their enormous size
without seeing them yourself. What we had been calling a wood
proved to be a group of about a dozen trees only, and, what was
strange, the roots sustained the massive trunks exalted in the
air, forming strong arches, and props and stays all around each
individual stem, which was firmly rooted in the centre.

`I gave Jack some twine, and scrambling up one of the
curious open-air roots, he succeeded in measuring round the trunk
itself, and made it out to be about eighteen yards. I saw no sort
of fruit, but the foliage is thick and abundant,
throwing delicious shade on the ground beneath, which is
carpeted with soft green herbage, and entirely free from
thorns, briars, or bushes of any kind. It is the most charming
resting-place that ever was seen, and I and the boys enjoyed our
midday meal immensely in this glorious palace of the woods, so
grateful to our senses after the glare and heat of our
journey thither. The dogs joined us after a while. They had
lingered behind on the sea-shore, and I was surprised to see them
lie down and go comfortably to sleep without begging for food, as
they do usually when we eat.

`The longer we remained in this enchanting place, the more did it
charm my fancy; and if we could but manage to live in some sort
of dwelling up among the branches of those grand, noble trees, I
should feel perfectly safe and happy. It seemed to me absurd to
suppose we should ever find another place half so lovely, so I
determined to search no further, but return to the beach and see
if anything from the wreck had been cast up by the waves, which
we could carry away with us.

`Before starting, Jack persuaded me to sit quietly a little
longer, and finish making his belt and the spike-collars for the
dogs, for you must know that the child had actually been carrying
the board on which these were stretched all this time, so that
they should get the full benefit of the sun. As they were now
quite dry, I completed them easily, and Jack girded on the belt
with great pride, placing his pistols in it, and
marching about in a most self-important style, while Ernest
fitted the collars on the two dogs.

`On reaching the shore, we found it strewed with many
articles, doubtless of value, but all too heavy for us to lift.
We rolled some casks, however, beyond high-water mark, and
dragged a chest or two also higher on the beach; and, while doing
so, observed that our dogs were busy among the rocks. They were
carefully watching the crevices and pools, and every now and then
would pounce downwards and seize something which they swallowed
with apparent relish.

`"They are eating crabs," said Jack. "No wonder they have not
seemed hungry lately."

`And, sure enough, they were catching the little green crabs with
which the water abounded. These, however, did not
apparently entirely satisfy them.

`Some time afterwards, just as we were about to turn inland
towards the ford, we noticed that Juno was scraping in the sand,
and turning up some round substances, which she hastily devoured.
Ernest went to see what these were, and reported in his calm way
that the dog had found turtles' eggs.

`"Oh," cried I, "then let us by all means share in the
booty!" Mrs Juno, however, did not at all approve of this, and it
was with some difficulty that we drove her aside while we
gathered a couple of dozen of the eggs, stowing them in our
provision bags.

`While thus employed, we caught sight of a sail which
appeared to be merrily approaching the shore beyond the cliffs.
Ernest declared it must be our raft. Little Franz, always
having the fear of savages before his eyes, began to look
frightened, and for a moment I myself was doubtful what to think. 
`However, we hastened to the stream; and, crossing it by the
stepping-stones, came in sight of the landing-place, where we
joyfully met you.

`Now I hope you approve of the proceedings of your exploring
party, and that tomorrow you will do me the favour of packing
everything up, and taking us away to live amongst my splendid
trees.'

`Aye, little wife,' said I, `so that is your idea of comfort and
security is it! A tree, I do not know how many feet high, on
which we are to perch and roost like the birds? If we had but
wings or a balloon, it would, I own, be a capital plan.' 
`Laugh as much as you like,' returned my wife, `my idea is not so
absurd as you make it out. We should be safe up there from
jackals' visits during the night. And I know I have seen at home
in Switzerland, quite a pretty arbour, with a strong floor, up
among the branches of a lime tree, and we went up a staircase to
reach it. Why could not we contrive a place like that, where we
could sleep safely at night?'

`I will consider the idea seriously, my wife,' said I,
`perhaps something may come of it, after all! Meantime, as we
have finished supper, and night is coming on, let us commend
ourselves to Almighty protection and retire to rest.'

Beneath the shelter of our tent, we all slept soundly, like
marmots, until break of day; when, my wife and I awaking, took
counsel together as to future proceedings.

Referring to the task she had the previous evening proposed for
me, I remarked that to undertake it would involve so many
difficulties that it was highly necessary to look closely into
the subject.

`In the first place,' said I, `I am unwilling hastily to quit a
spot to which I am convinced we were providentially led as a
landing-place. See how secure it is; guarded on all sides by
these high cliffs, and accessible only by the narrow passage to
the ford, while from this point it is so easy to reach the ship
that the whole of its valuable cargo is at our disposal. Suppose
we decide to stay patiently here for the
present---until, at least, we have brought on shore everything we
possibly can?'

`I agree with you to a certain extent, dear husband,'
replied she, `but you do not know how dreadfully the heat among
the rocks tries me. It is almost intolerable to us who remain
here all day while you and Fritz are away out at sea, or
wandering among the shady woods, where cool fruits refresh, and
fair scenes delight you. As to the contents of the ship, an
immense deal has been cast ashore, and I would much rather give
up all the remainder, and be spared the painful anxiety it gives
me when you even talk of venturing again on the faithless deep.' 
`Well, I must admit that there is much right on your side,' I
continued; `suppose we were to remove to your chosen abode, and
make this rocky fastness our magazine and place of retreat in
case of danger. I could easily render it still more secure, by
blasting portions of the rock with gunpowder. But a bridge must
be constructed in the first place, to enable us to cross bag and
baggage.'

`Oh, I shall be parched to death before we can leave this place,
if a bridge has to be made,' cried my wife impatiently. `Why not
just take our things on our backs and wade across as we have done
already? The cow and the donkey could carry a great deal.' 
`That they will have to do, in whatever fashion we make the
move,' said I; `but bags and baskets we must have, to put
things in, and if you will turn your attention to providing
those, I will set about the bridge at once. It will be wanted not
once, but continually; the stream will probably swell and be
impassable at times, and even as it is, an accident might
happen.'

`Well, well!' cried my wife, `I submit to your opinion; only pray
set about it without delay, for I long to be off. It is an
excellent idea to make a strong place among the cliffs here; the
gunpowder especially, I shall be delighted to see stored here
when we go away, for it is frightfully dangerous to keep so much
as we have close to our habitation.'

`Gunpowder is indeed the most dangerous and at the same time the
most useful thing we have,' said I, `and for both these reasons
we must be especially careful of it. In time I will hollow out a
place in the rock where we can store it safe from either fire or
damp.'

By this morning's consultation we had settled the weighty
question of our change of abode, and also chalked out work for
the day.

When the children heard of the proposed move their joy was
boundless; they began at once to talk of it as our `journey to
the Promised Land', and only regretted that time must be
`wasted', as they said, in bridge-building before it could be
undertaken.

Everyone being impatient for breakfast that work might be begun
at once, the cow and goats were milked, and, having
enjoyed a comfortable meal of biscuit boiled in milk, I
prepared to start for the wreck, in order to obtain planks for
the proposed bridge. Ernest as well as Fritz accompanied me, and
we were soon within the influence of the current, and were
carried swiftly out to sea. Fritz was steering, and we had no
sooner passed beyond the islet at the entrance of the bay, so as
to come in sight of its seaward beach, than we were
astonished to see a countless multitude of sea-birds, gulls and
others, which rose like a cloud into the air, disturbed by our
approach, and deafened us by their wild and screaming cries.
Fritz caught up his gun, and would have sent a shot among them
had I permitted it. I was very curious to find out what could be
the great attraction for all this swarm of feathered fowl; and,
availing myself of a fresh breeze from the sea, I set the sail
and directed our course towards the island.

The swelling sail and flying pennant charmed Ernest, while Fritz
bent his keen eyes eagerly towards the sandy shore, where the
flocks of birds were again settling.

Presently he shouted, `Aha, now I see what they are after! They
have got a huge monster of a fish there, and a proper feast they
are making! Let's have a nearer look at it, father!' 
We could not take our boat very close in, but we managed to
effect a landing at a short distance from the festive scene; and,
securing the raft by casting a rope round a large stone, we
cautiously drew near the object of interest.

It proved to be a monstrous fish, on whose flesh these
multitudes of birds were ravenously feeding; and it was
extraordinary to watch the ferocity, the envy, the gluttony, and
all manner of evil passions, exhibited among the guests at this
banquet.

`There was nothing on this sandy beach when we passed
yesterday, I am certain, father,' said Fritz. `It seems strange
to see this creature stranded here.'

`Why, Fritz!' cried Ernest, `it must be the shark! Your shark,
you know! I believe I can see where you hit him in the head.' 
`You are right, I do believe, Ernest,' said I, `though I think
your imagination only can distinguish the gunshot wounds among
all the pecking and tearing of the voracious birds there. Just
look, boys, at those terrific jaws, beneath the strangely
projecting snout. See the rows upon rows of murderous teeth, and
thank God we were delivered from them! Let us try if we can
induce these greedy birds to spare us a bit of the shark's skin;
it is extremely rough, and when dry may be used like a file.' 
Ernest drew the ramrod from his gun, and charged so manfully into
the crowd, that striking right and left he speedily killed
several, whilst most of the others took to flight. Fritz
detached some broad strips of skin with his knife, and we
returned towards the boat. Perceiving with satisfaction that the
shore was strewn with just the sort of boards and planks I
wanted, I lost no time in collecting them; and, forming a raft to
tow after us, we were in a short time able to direct our course
homeward, without visiting the wreck at all. As we
sailed along, extremely well pleased with our good fortune,
Fritz, by my direction, nailed part of the shark's skin flat on
boards to dry in the sun and the rest on the rounded mast.  By
this time we were close in shore; and, lowering the sail, we soon
had our craft with the raft in tow, safely moored to the bank.

No one was in sight, not a sound to be heard, so with united
voice we gave a loud cheery halloo, which after a while was
answered in shrill tones, and my wife with her two boys came
running from behind the high rocks between us and the stream,
each carrying a small bundle in a handkerchief, while little
Franz held aloft a landing-net.

Our return so soon was quite unexpected, and they anxiously
inquired the reason, which we soon explained; and then the
mysterious bundles were opened, and a great number of fine
crawfish displayed; whose efforts to escape by scuttling away in
every direction, directly they were placed in a heap on the
ground, caused immense fun and laughter as the boys pursued and
brought them back, only to find others scrambling off in a dozen
different ways.

`Now, father, have we not done well, today!' cried Jack, `did you
ever see such a splendid crawfish? Oh, there were thousands of
them, and I am sure we have got two hundred here at least. Just
look at their claws!'

`No doubt you were the discoverer of these fine crabs, eh, Jack?'
said I.

`No! Fancy young Franz being the lucky man!' answered he. `He and
I went towards the stream while mother was busy, just to look for
a good place for the bridge. Franz was picking up pebbles and
alabasters, some because they were so pretty, some to strike
sparks with in the dark, and some he insisted were "gold". "Jack!
Jack!" cried he presently, "come and see the crabs on Fritz's
jackal!" You know we threw it away there, and to be sure it was
swarming with these creatures. Are you glad we have found them,
father? Will they be good to eat?'

`Very excellent, my boy, and we may be thankful that food for our
wants is thus provided day by day.'

When each party had related the day's adventures, and while my
wife was cooking the crawfish, we went to bring our store of
planks to land. Even this apparently simple operation required
thought, and I had to improvise rope-harness for the cow and the
donkey, by which we could make them drag each board
separately from the water's edge to the margin of the stream. 
Jack showed me where he thought the bridge should be, and I
certainly saw no better place, as the banks were at that point
tolerably close to one another, steep, and of about equal
height.

`How shall we find out if our planks are long enough to reach
across?' said I. `A surveyor's table would be useful now.' 
`What do you say to a ball of string, father?' said Ernest. `Tie
one end to a stone, throw it across, then draw it back, and
measure the line!'

Adopting my son's idea, we speedily ascertained the distance
across to be eighteen feet. Then allowing three feet more at each
side, I calculated twenty-four feet as the necessary
length of the boards.

The question as to how the planks were to be laid across was a
difficult one. We resolved to discuss it during dinner, to which
we were now summoned. And my wife, as we sat resting, displayed
to me her needlework. With hard labour had she made two large
canvas bags for the ass to carry. Having no suitable needle, she
had been obliged to bore the hole for each stitch with a nail,
and gained great praise for her ingenuity and patience. Dinner
was quickly dispatched, as we were all eager to continue our
engineering work. A scheme had occurred to me for conveying one
end of a plank across the water, and I set about it in this way.
There fortunately were one or two trees close to the stream on
either side; I attached a rope pretty near one end of a beam, and
slung it loosely to the tree beside us; then, fastening a long
rope to the other end, I crossed with it by means of broken rocks
and stones, and having a
pulley and block, I soon arranged the rope on a strong limb of
the opposite tree, again returning with the end to our own side. 
Now putting my idea to the proof, I brought the ass and the cow,
and fastening this rope to the harness I had previously contrived
for them, I drove them steadily away from the bank. To my great
satisfaction, and the surprise and delight of the boys, the end
of the plank which had been laid alongside the stream began
gently to move, rose higher, turned, and soon projecting over the
water continued to advance, until, having described the segment
of a circle, it reached the opposite bank; I stopped my team, the
plank rested on the ground, the bridge was made! So at least
thought Fritz and Jack, who in a moment were lightly running
across the narrow way, shouting joyfully as they sprang to the
other side.

Our work was now comparatively easy. A second and third plank
were laid beside the first; and when these were carefully secured
at each end to the ground and to the trees, we very quickly laid
short boards side by side across the beams, the boys nailing them
lightly down as I sawed them in lengths; and when this was done,
our bridge was pronounced complete. Nothing could exceed the
excitement of the children. They danced to and fro on the
wonderful structure, singing, shouting and cutting the wildest
capers.

I must confess I heartily sympathized with their triumphant
feelings.

Now that the work was done, we began to feel how much we were
fatigued, and gladly returned to our tent for refreshment and
repose.

Next morning, while we breakfasted, I made a little speech to my
sons on the subject of the important move we were about to make,
wishing to impress them with a sense of the absolute necessity of
great caution.

`Remember,' said I, `that, although you all begin to feel very
much at your ease here, we are yet complete strangers to a
variety of dangers which may surprise us unawares. I charge you,
therefore, to maintain good order, and keep together on the
march. No darting off into bye-ways, Jack. No lingering behind to
philosophize, Ernest. And now all hands to work.' 
The greatest activity instantly prevailed in our camp. Some
collected provisions, others packed kitchen utensils, tools,
ropes, and hammocks, arranging them as burdens for the cow and
ass. My wife pleaded for a seat on the latter for her little
Franz, and assuring me likewise that she could not possibly leave
the poultry, even for a night, nor exist an hour without her
magic bag, I agreed to do my best to please her, without
downright cruelty to animals.

Away ran the children to catch the cocks and hens. Great chasing,
fluttering and cackling ensued; but with no success whatever,
until my wife recalled her panting sons, and,
scattering some handfuls of grain within the open tent, soon
decoyed the fowls and pigeons into the enclosure; where, when the
curtain was dropped, they were easily caught, tied
together, and placed on the cow. This amiable and phlegmatic
animal had stood calmly chewing the cud, while package after
package was disposed on her broad back, nor did she now object
even to this noisy addition to her load. I placed a couple of
half-hoops over all; and, spreading sailcloth on them, put the
fowls in darkness, and they rapidly became quiet; and the cow,
with the appearance of having a small waggon on her back, was
ready to start.

Franz was firmly seated on the ass, amidst bags and bundles of
all sorts and sizes; they rose about him like cushions and
pillows, and his curly head rested on the precious magic bag,
which surmounted all the rest.

Having filled the tent with the things we left behind,
closing it carefully, and ranging chests and casks around it, we
were finally ready to be off, each well equipped and in the
highest spirits.

Fritz and his mother led the van.

Franz (the young cavalier), and the sober-minded cow
followed them closely.

Jack conducted the goats; one of these had also a rider, for
Knips the monkey was seated on his foster-mother, whose patience
was sorely tried by his
restlessness and playful tricks.

The sheep were under Ernest's care, and I brought up the rear of
this patriarchal band, while the two dogs kept
constantly running backwards and forwards in the character of
aides-de-camp.

With honest pride I introduced my wife to my bridge, and after
receiving from her what I considered well-merited praise for my
skill in its construction, we passed over it in grand procession,
reinforced unexpectedly on the opposite side by the arrival of
our cross-grained old sow. The perverse creature had obstinately
resisted our attempts to bring her with us, but finding herself
deserted, had followed of her own accord,
testifying in the most unmistakable manner, by angry grunts and
squeals, her entire disapproval of our proceedings.

I soon found we must, as before, turn down to the sea beach, for
not only did the rank grass impede our progress, but it also
tempted the animals to break away from us, and, but for our
watchful dogs, we might have lost several of them.

On the firm, open sands we were making good way, when to my
annoyance, both our dogs suddenly left us, and springing into the
thick cover to our right, commenced a furious barking, following
by howling as if in fear and violent pain.

Not for a moment doubting that some dangerous animal was at hand,
I hastened to the spot, remarking as I went the
characteristic behaviour of my three sons.

Fritz cocked his gun and advanced boldly, but with caution. 
Ernest looked disconcerted, and drew back, but got ready to fire. 
While Jack hurried after Fritz without so much as unslinging his
gun from his shoulders.

Before I could come up with them, I heard Jack shouting
excitedly,

`Father! Father! Come quickly! A huge porcupine! A most enormous
porcupine!'

Sure enough, the dogs were rushing round and round a
porcupine, and having attempted to seize it, were already
severely wounded by its quills. Each time they came near, the
creature, with a rattling noise, bristled up its spines.

Somewhat to my amusement, while we were looking at the
curious defense this creature was making, little Jack stepped
close up to it, with a pocket pistol in his hand, and shot it
dead, making sure of it by a couple of hearty raps on the head,
and then giving way to a burst of boyish exultation, he called
upon us to help to convey his prize to his mother. This it was
not by any means easy to do. Sundry attempts resulted in bloody
fingers, till Jack, taking his pocket-handkerchief, and
fastening one corner round its neck, ran off, dragging it after
him to where his mother awaited us.

`Hullo, mother! Here's a jolly beast, isn't it? I shot it, and
it's good to eat! Father says so! I only wish you had seen how it
terrified the dogs, and heard the rattling and rustling of its
spines. Oh, it is a fearful creature!'

Ernest, examining it carefully, pronounced its incisor
teeth, its ears and feet, to resemble those of the human race,
and pointed out the curious crest of stiff hairs on its head and
neck.

`I have read of another species,' said he, `called the
tuft-tailed porcupine, which must be even more curious-looking
than this is. It has short flat quills, and a scaly tail ending
in an extraordinary tuft, like a bunch of narrow strips of
parchment. It cannot be such a disagreeable enemy to encounter as
this fellow.'

`Were you not afraid, Jack,' asked I, `lest the porcupine should
cast some of his quills like darts at you?'

`Of course not,' returned he, `I know well enough that is nothing
but a fable!'

`A fable!' said I, `why look at your mother! She is drawing five
or six spines out of each of the dogs!'

`Ah, those stuck into them when they so fiercely fell upon it in
their attack. Those are the shortest quills, and seem very
slightly fixed in its skin. The long quills bent aside when Juno
pressed against them.'

`You are perfectly right, my boy,' said I, `there is no truth in
the old idea of shooting out the spines. But now, shall we leave
this prickly booty of yours, or attempt to take it with us?' 
`Oh, please, father, let us take it! Why, it is good to eat!' 
Smiling at the child's eagerness, and willing to please him, I
made a somewhat awkward bundle of the porcupine, wrapping it in
several folds of cloth, and added it to the donkey's load.  Our
party then resumed the march, which, with little
interruption, was continued steadily, until we came in sight of
our future place of residence.

The wonderful appearance of the enormous trees, and the calm
beauty of the spot altogether, fully came up to the
enthusiastic description which had been given to me. And my wife
gladly heard me say that if an abode could be contrived among the
branches, it would be the safest and most charming home in the
world.

We hastily unloaded the ass and cow, securing them, as well as
the sheep and goats, by tying their fore-feet loosely
together. The doves and poultry were set at liberty, and we sat
down to rest among the soft herbage while we laid our plans for
the night.

Fritz soon left us, but presently two shots were fired, and he
appeared holding a fine tiger-cat by the hind legs, which, with
the intensest delight, he exhibited to each in turn.

`Well done, Fritz!' cried I. `Our cocks and hens would have had
an unfortunate night of it but for this lucky shot of
yours. It is to be hoped he has left no companion near at hand.
You must be on the look-out. But now, Fritz, tell us how you
obtained your prize.'

`Observing that something moved among the branches,' said he, `I
went softly round the tree with my gun, and making sure the
creature was a wild cat I fired and brought it down. It was
severely wounded, but, rising in a fury, it attempted to climb
the tree, when I luckily having a loaded pistol, gave it a
quietus. And do tell me, father, what sort of cat it is.'

`It is a mercy the brute did not fly at your throat instead of
attempting to escape,' said I. `It belongs to a fierce and
blood-thirsty race---that of the ocelots or tiger-cats, natives
of the tropical parts of America. I should say this was a
margay, and as it would have proved a cruel foe, not only of our
poultry, but also of our sheep and goats, I am well pleased that
you have rid us of it.'

`May I have the beautiful skin, father? And will you tell me what
will be the best use to make of it?'

`I advise you to skin the animal very carefully, and of the
handsome black and yellow tail, make a hunting-belt for
yourself. The paws---let me see---why, I fancy the paws might be
made famous cases for knife, fork and spoon, and look well
hanging from the belt. The skin of the body you had better
preserve until you find some suitable use for it.'

`Oh, father, what a splendid plan!' cried Jack. `Do tell me some
good use for my porcupine.'

`I think its feet may make cases also; at least, you may try. The
quills, I am sure, may be used for packing needles, and for
tipping arrows, and I should try to make defensive armour for the
dogs out of the rest. They may fall in with foes more dangerous
than any we have yet seen.'

`To be sure, father, the very thing!' shouted Jack in high glee.
`I have seen pictures of boar-hunts, in which the dogs were
protected by a sort of leather coat of mail. That will be grand!' 
After giving this advice, I got no peace until I had shown my
boys how to act upon it, and in a short time each had his prize
fastened up by the hind legs, and carefully slitting the skin,
was stripping it from the carcass.

Ernest, meanwhile, was fetching large flat stones in order to
form a fire-place, while Franz gathered sticks, as his
mother was anxious to prepare some food.

`What sort of tree do you suppose this to be, father?'
inquired Ernest, seeing me examining that under which we were
encamping. `Is not the leaf something like a walnut?'

`There is a resemblance, but in my opinion these gigantic trees
must be mangroves or wild figs. I have heard their
enormous height described, and also the peculiarity of the
arching roots supporting the main trunk raised above the soil.' 
Just then little Franz came up with a large bundle of
sticks, and his mouth full of something he was eating with
evident satisfaction.

`Oh, mother!' cried he, `this is so good! So delicious!' 
`Greedy little boy!' exclaimed she in a fright. `What have you
got there? Don't swallow it, whatever you do. Very likely it is
poisonous! Spit it all out this minute!' And his anxious mother
quickly extracted from the rosy little mouth the remains of a
small fig.

`Where did you find this?' said I.

`There are thousands lying among the grass yonder,' replied the
little boy. `They taste very nice. I thought poison was nasty. Do
you think they will hurt me? The pigeons and the hens are
gobbling them up with all their might and main, papa!' 
`I think you have no cause for alarm, dear wife,' I said. `The
trees seem to be the fig-bearing mangrove of the Antilles. But
remember, Franz, you must never eat anything without first
showing it to me, never mind how good it seems. If birds and
monkeys eat a fruit or vegetable, it is usually safe to believe
it wholesome,' added I, turning to the other boys, who
instantly taking the hint, coaxed Franz to give them the figs he
still had in his pocket, and ran to offer them to Knips, who was
closely watching the skinning of the tiger-cat and
porcupine, apparently giving his opinion on the subject with much
chattering and gesticulation.

`Here, Knips, allow me to present you with a fig!' cried Jack,
holding one out to the funny little creature.

Knips took it readily, and after turning it about, and
sniffing and smelling it, he popped it into his mouth, with such
a droll grimace of delight and satisfaction that the boys all
laughed and clapped their hands, crying

`Bravo, Knips! You know a good thing when you see it, don't you,
old fellow! Hurrah!'

My wife, with her mind set at rest on the question of the figs,
now continued her preparations for dinner.

The flesh of the margay was given to the dogs, but part of the
porcupine was put on the fire to boil, while we reserved the rest
for roasting.

I employed myself in contriving needles for my wife's work, by
boring holes at one end of the quills, which I did by means of a
red hot nail, and I soon had a nice packet of various sizes,
which pleased her immensely. I also laid plans for
making proper harness for our beasts of burden, but could not
attempt to begin that while so many wants more pressing
demanded attention.

We examined the different trees, and chose one which seemed most
suited to our purpose. The branches spread at a great height
above us, and I made the boys try if it were possible to throw
sticks or stones over one of these, my intention being to
construct a rope ladder if we could once succeed in getting a
string across a strong bough.

Finding we could not succeed in that way, I resolved other
schemes in my mind, and meantime went with Jack and Fritz to a
small brook close by, where I showed them how to place the skins
to steep and soften in the water, with stones placed on them to
keep them beneath the surface.

When dinner was over, I prepared our night quarters. I first
slung our hammocks from the roots of the tree, which, meeting
above us, formed an arched roof, then covering the whole with
sailcloth, we made a temporary tent, which would at least keep
off the night damps and noxious insects.

Leaving my wife engaged in making a set of harness for the ass
and cow, whose strength I intended to employ the following day in
drawing the beams up to our tree, I walked down with Fritz and
Ernest to the beach to look for wood suitable for building our
new abode and also to discover, if possible, some light rods to
form a ladder. For some time we hunted in vain, nothing but rough
driftwood was to be seen, utterly unfit for our purpose. Ernest
at length pointed out a quantity of bamboos half buried in the
sand. These were exactly what I wanted, and stripping them of
their leaves I cut them into lengths of about five feet each;
these I bound in bundles to carry to the tree, and then began to
look about for some slight reeds to serve as arrows.

I presently saw what I required in a copse at a little
distance. We advanced cautiously lest the thicket should
contain some wild beast or venomous serpent. Juno rushed ahead;
as she did so a flock of flamingos, which had been quietly
feeding, rose in the air. Fritz instantly firing brought a couple
of the birds to the ground, the rest of the squadron sailing away
in perfect order, their plumage continually
changing, as they flew, from beautiful rose to pure white, as
alternately their snowy wings and rosy breasts were visible. One
of those which fell was perfectly dead, but the other
appeared only slightly wounded in the wing, for it made off
across the swampy ground. I attempted to follow, but soon found
that progress was impossible on the marsh; Juno, however,
chased the bird and, seizing it, speedily brought it to my feet.
Fritz and Ernest were delighted at the sight of our
prize.

`What a handsome bird!' exclaimed they. `Is it much hurt? Let us
tame it and let it run about with the fowls.'

`Its plumage is much more brilliant than that of the dead one,'
remarked Fritz.

`Yes,' said Ernest, `this is a full-grown bird, while yours is
younger; it is some years before they reach perfection. See what
long active legs it has, like those of a stork, while with its
great webbed feet it can swim faster than a goose. Earth, air, or
water is all the same to the flamingo, it is equally at home in
any one of the three.'

`Well,' said Fritz, `let us take the dead one to mother and get
her to introduce it to the other element and see what it will
make of that; if it is young and tender, as you say, it should
make a delicious roast.'

Fritz and Ernest then carried the birds and bamboos to the tree,
while I proceeded to cut my reeds. I chose those which had
flowered, knowing that they were harder, and having cut a
sufficient quantity of these, I selected one or two of the
tallest canes I could find to assist me in measuring the height
of the tree. I then bound them together and returned to my
family.

`Do you mean to keep this great hungry bird Fritz has
brought?' said my wife. `It is another mouth to feed, remember,
and provisions are still scarce.'

`Luckily,' I replied, `the flamingo will not eat grain like our
poultry, but will be quite satisfied with insects, fish, and
little crabs, which it will pick up for itself. Pray
reassure yourself, therefore, and let me see to the poor bird's
wound.'

So saying, I procured some wine and butter and anointing the
wing, which though hurt was not broken, I bound it up, and then
took the bird to the stream where I fastened it by a long cord to
a stake and left it to shift for itself. In a few days the wound
was healed, and the bird, subdued by kind treatment, became
rapidly tame.

While I was thus employed my sons were endeavouring to
ascertain the height of the lowest branch of the tree from the
ground. They had fastened together the long reeds I had brought
with them, and were trying to measure the distance, but in vain;
they soon found that were the rods ten times their length they
could not touch the branch.

`Hello, my boys,' I said, when I discovered what they were about,
`that is not the way to set to work. Geometry will
simplify the operation considerably; with its help the altitude
of the highest mountains are ascertained; we may, therefore,
easily find the height of that branch.'

So saying, I measured out a certain distance from the base of the
tree and marked the spot, and then by means of a rod, whose
length I knew, and imaginary lines, I calculated the angle
subtended by the trunk of the tree from the ground to the root of
the branch. This done, I was able to discover the
height required, and, to the astonishment of the younger
children, announced that we should henceforth live thirty feet
above the ground. This I wanted to know, that I might construct a
ladder of the necessary length.

Telling Fritz to collect all our cord, and the others to roll all
the twine into a ball, I sat down and taking the
reeds, speedily manufactured half a dozen arrows and feathered
them from the dead flamingo. I then took a strong bamboo, bent it
and strung it so as to form a bow. When the boys saw what I had
done they were delighted, and begged to have the pleasure of
firing the first shot.

`No, no!' said 1, `I did not make this for mere pleasure, nor is
it even intended as a weapon, the arrows are pointless.
Elizabeth,' I continued to my wife, `can you supply me with a
ball of stout thread from your wonderful bag?'

`Certainly,' replied she, `I think that a ball of thread was the
first thing to enter the bag,' and diving her hand deep in, she
drew out the very thing I wanted.

`Now, boys,' I said, `I am going to fire the first shot,' and I
fastened one end of the thread to one of my arrows and aimed at a
large branch above me. The arrow flew upwards and bore the thread
over the branch and fell at our feet. Thus was the first step in
our undertaking accomplished. Now for the rope ladder!

Fritz had obtained two coils of cord each about forty feet in
length; these we stretched on the ground side by side; then Fritz
cut the bamboos into pieces of two feet for the steps of the
ladder, and as he handed them to me, I passed them through knots
which I had prepared in the ropes, while Jack fixed each end with
a nail driven through the wood. When the ladder was finished, I
carried over the bough a rope by which it might be hauled up.
This done, I fixed the lower end of the ladder
firmly to the ground by means of stakes, and all was ready for an
ascent. The boys who had been watching me with intense
interest were each eager to be first.

`Jack shall have the honour,' said I, `as he is the
lightest, so up with you, my boy, and do not break your neck.' 
Jack, who was as active as a monkey, sprang up the ladder and
quickly gained the top.

`Three cheers for the nest!' he exclaimed, waving his cap.
`Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah for our jolly nest! What a grand house we
will have up here; come along, Fritz!'

His brother was soon by his side, and with a hammer and nails
secured the ladder yet more securely. I followed with an axe, and
took a survey of the tree. It was admirably suited to our
purpose; the branches were very strong and so closely
interwoven that no beams would be required to form a flooring,
but when some of the boughs were lopped and cleared away, a few
planks would be quite sufficient.

I now called for a pulley, which my wife fastened to the cord
hanging beside the ladder, I hauled it up, and finding the boys
rather in my way, told them to go down while I proceeded to
fasten the pulley to a stout branch above me, that we might be
able to haul up the beams we should require the next day. I then
made other preparations that there might be no delay on the
morrow, and a bright moon having arisen, I by its light continued
working until I was quite worn out, and then at
length descended. I reached the ground, but to my surprise found
that the two boys were not there. They had not been seen. A
moment afterwards, however, all anxiety was dispelled, for
amongst the topmost boughs I heard their young voices raised in
the evening hymn. Instead of descending, they had, while I was
busy, climbed upwards, and had been sitting in silent
admiration of the moonlight scene, high above me. They now joined
us, and my wife showed me the results of her labour. She had made
two complete sets of harness. I congratulated her upon her
success, and we then sat down to supper. On a cloth spread out
upon the grass were arranged a roast shoulder of porcupine, a
delicious bowl of soup made from a piece of the same animal,
cheese, butter, and biscuits, forming a most tempting repast.
Having done this ample justice, we collected our cattle, and the
pigeons and fowls having retired to roost on the
neighbouring trees, and on the steps of our ladder, we made up a
glorious fire to keep off any prowling wild beasts, and
ourselves lay down. The children, in spite of the novelty of the
hammocks, were quickly asleep. In vain I tried to follow their
example; a thousand anxious thoughts presented
themselves, and as quickly as I dispelled them others rose in
their place. The night wore on, and I was still awake; the fire
burned low, and I rose and replenished it with dry fuel. Then
again I