All The Tropes

The Swiss Family Robinson/Source: Difference between revisions

Page Discussion

The Swiss Family Robinson/Source (view source)

Revision as of 02:53, 28 February 2015

297,258 bytes removed ,  9 years ago
Splitting page.
VisualWikitext
(from http://www.ccel.org/ccel/wyss/swiss.txt)
 
(Splitting page.)
Line 1:
{{work}}
<big>''Showing the first half of'' The Swiss Family Robinson.<br/>
''For the second half, go '''[[The Swiss Family Robinson/Source Part 2|HERE]]'''.''</big>
 
<!-- Source text follows -->
 
The Swiss Family Robinson
Line 6,735 ⟶ 6,738:
We resolved to transplant a supply of both roots to our kitchen garden.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 10
 
On the following morning we were early astir; and as soon as breakfast
was over, we went regularly to work with the bird-lime. The tough,
adhesive mixture of caoutchouc oil and turpentine turned out well.
 
The boys brought rods, which I smeared over, and made them place among
the upper branches, where the fruit was plentiful, and the birds most
congregated.
 
The prodigious number of the pigeons, far beyond those of last year,
reminded me that we had not then, as now, witnessed their arrival at
their feeding-places, but had seen only the last body of the season, a
mere party of stragglers, compared to the masses which now weighed down
the branches of all the trees in the neighbourhood.
 
The sweet acorns of the evergreen oaks were also patronized; large
flocks were there congregated; and from the state of the ground under
the trees it was evident that at night they roosted on the branches.
Seeing this, I determined to make a raid upon them by torchlight, after
the manner of the colonists in Virginia.
 
Meantime, the bird-lime acted well: the pigeons alighting, stuck fast.
The more they fluttered and struggled, the more completely were they
bedaubed with the tenacious mixture, and at length, with piteous cries,
fell to the ground, bearing the sticks with them. The birds were then
removed, fresh lime spread, and the snare set again.
 
The boys quickly became able to carry on the work without my
assistance; so, leaving it to them, I went to prepare torches, with
pinewood and turpentine, for the night attack.
 
Jack presently brought a very pretty pigeon, unlike the rest, to show
me, as he felt unwilling to kill it; and seeing that it must be one of
our own European breed, which we wished to preserve until their numbers
greatly increased, I took the trembling captive, and gently cleaned its
feet and wings with oil and ashes from the stiff, sticky mess with
which it was bedaubed, placing it then in a wicker cage, and telling
Jack to bring me any others like it which were caught. This he did; and
we secured several pairs, greatly to my satisfaction, as having
necessarily let them go free when we landed, they had become quite
wild, and we derived no advantage from them: whereas now we would have
a cot, and pigeon-pie whenever we liked.
 
When evening drew on, we set out for the wood of sweet acorns, provided
merely with long bamboo canes, torches and canvas sacks.
 
These weapons appeared very curious, and insufficient to the children;
but their use was speedily apparent: for darkness having come upon us
almost before we reached the wood, I lighted the torches, and
perceived, as I expected, that every branch was thickly laden with
ortolans and wild pigeons, who were roosting there in amazing numbers.
 
Suddenly aroused by the glare of light, confusion prevailed among the
terrified birds, who fluttered helplessly through the branches, dazzled
and bewildered, and many falling, even before we began to use the
sticks, were picked up, and put in the bags.
 
When we beat and struck the branches, it was as much as my wife and
Franz could do to gather up the quantities of pigeons that soon lay on
the ground. The sacks were speedily quite full. We turned homewards,
and on reaching Falconhurst, put our booty in safety, and gladly
withdrew to rest.
 
The following day was wholly occupied in plucking, boiling, roasting
and stewing, so that we could find time for nothing else; but next
morning a great expedition to Woodlands was arranged, that measures
might there be taken to prevent a repetition of the monkey invasion.
 
I hoped, could I but catch the mischievous rascals at their work of
destruction, to inflict upon them such a chastisement as would
effectually make them shun the neighbourhood of our farm for the
future.
 
My wife provided us with a good store of provisions, as we were likely
to be absent several days, while she, with Franz and Turk, remained at
home.
 
I took with me abundance of specially prepared birdlime, far stronger
than that which we used for the pigeons; a number of short posts,
plenty of string, and a supply of coconut shells and gourds.
 
The buffalo carried all these things, and one or two of the boys
besides. I myself bestrode the ass, and in due time we arrived at a
convenient spot in the forest, near Woodlands, well concealed by thick
bushes and underwood, where we made a little encampment, pitching the
small tent and tethering the animals. The dogs, too, were tied up, lest
they should roam about, and betray our presence.
 
We found the cottage quite quiet and deserted; and I lost no time in
preparing for the reception of visitors, hoping to be all ready for
them, and out of sight before they arrived.
 
We drove the stakes lightly into the ground, so as to form an irregular
paling round the house, winding string in and out in all directions
between them, thus making a kind of labyrinth, through which it would
be impossible to pass without touching either the stakes or the cords.
 
Everything was plentifully besmeared with bird-lime; and basins of the
mixture were set in all directions, strewed with rice, maize, and other
dainties for bait.
 
Night came without any interruption to our proceedings; and all being
then accomplished, we retired to rest beneath the shelter of our little
tent.
 
Very early in the morning we heard a confused noise, such as we knew
betokened the approach of a large number of apes. We armed ourselves
with strong clubs and cudgels, and holding the dogs in leash, made our
way silently behind the thickets, till, ourselves unseen, we could
command a view of all that went on; and strange indeed was the scene
which ensued!
 
The noise of rustling, crackling and creaking among the branches, with
horrid cries, and shrieks, and chattering, increased to a degree
sufficient to make us perfectly giddy; and then out from the forest
poured the whole disorderly rabble of monkeys, scrambling, springing,
leaping from the trees, racing and tumbling across the grassy space
towards the house; when, at once attracted by the novelties they saw,
they made for the jars and bowls.
 
They seemed innumerable; but the confused, rapid way in which they
swarmed hither and thither, made it difficult to judge accurately of
their numbers. They dashed fearlessly through and over the palings in
all directions, some rushing at the eatables, some scrambling on to the
roof, where they commenced tugging at the wooden pegs, with a view to
forcing an entrance.
 
Gradually, however, as they rambled over the place, all in turn became
besmeared with our bird-lime on head, paws, back or breast. The
wretched predicament of the apes increased every instant.
 
Some sat down, and with the most ludicrous gestures, tried to clean
themselves. Others were hopelessly entangled in stakes and cordage,
which they trailed about after them, looking the picture of bewildered
despair.
 
Others, again, endeavoured to help one another, and stuck fast
together: the more they pulled, and tugged, and kicked, the worse
became their plight.
 
Many had the gourds and coconut shells lumbering and clattering about
with them, their paws having been caught when they sought to obtain the
rice or fruit we had put for bait.
 
Most ridiculous of all was the condition of one old fellow, who had
found a calabash, containing palm wine, and, eagerly drinking it, was
immediately fitted with a mask, for the shell stuck to his forehead and
whiskers, of course covering his eyes; and he blundered about, cutting
the wildest capers in his efforts to get rid of the encumbrance.
 
Numbers took to flight; but, as we had spread bird-lime on several of
the trees around, many apes found themselves fixed to, or hanging from
the branches, where they remained in woeful durance, struggling and
shrieking horribly.
 
The panic being now general, I loosed the three dogs, whose impatience
had been almost uncontrollable, and who now rushed to the attack of the
unfortunate monkeys, as though burning with zeal to execute justice
upon desperate criminals.
 
The place soon had the appearance of a ghastly battlefield; for we were
obliged to do our part with the clubs and sticks, till the din of
howling, yelling, barking, in every conceivable tone of rage and pain,
gave place to an awful silence, and we looked with a shudder on the
shocking spectacle around us.
 
At least forty apes lay mangled and dead, and the boys began to be
quite sad and downhearted, till I, fully sharing their feelings,
hastened to turn their thoughts to active employment in removing and
burying the slain, burning the stakes, cordage, bowls, everything
concerned in the execution of our deadly stratagem.
 
After that we betook ourselves to the task of restoring order to our
dismantled cottage; and seeking for the scattered flock of sheep,
goats, and poultry, we gradually collected them, hoping to settle them
once more peacefully in their yards and sheds.
 
While thus engaged, we repeatedly heard a sound as of something heavy
falling from a tree. On going to look, we found three splendid birds,
caught on some of the limed sticks we had placed loose in the branches.
 
Two of these proved to be a variety of the Blue Molucca pigeon; the
third I assumed to be the Nicobar pigeon, having met with descriptions
of its resplendent green, bronze, and steely-blue plumage; and I was
pleased to think of domesticating them, and establishing them as first
tenants of a suitable dwelling near the cave.
 
First tenants, father!' said Fritz. Do you expect to catch more like
these?'
 
Not exactly catch them; I mean to practise a secret art. Much can be
done by magic, Fritz!'
 
Further explanation I declined to give.
 
In a few days, Woodlands was once more set in order, and everything
settled and comfortable, so that we returned without further adventure
to Falconhurst, where we were joyfully welcomed.
 
Every one agreed that we must go at once to Tentholm, to make the
proposed pigeon-house in the rock. Several other things there also
requiring our attention, we made arrangements for a prolonged stay.
 
My plan for the pigeon-house was to hollow out an ample space in the
cliff, facing towards Jackal river, and close to our rocky home,
fitting that up with partitions, perches and nesting-places; while a
large wooden front was fitted on to the opening, with entrance-holes,
slides, or shutters, and a broad platform in front, where the birds
could rest, and walk about.
 
When, after the work of a few weeks, we thought it was fit for
habitation, I set the other children to work at some distance from our
cavern, and summoning Fritz---`Now, my faithful assistant,' said I, it
is time to conjure the new colonists to their settlement here. Yes,' I
continued, laughing at his puzzled look. I mean to play a regular
pigeon-dealer's trick. You must know such gentry are very ingenious,
not only in keeping their own pigeons safe, but in adding to their
numbers by attracting those of other people. All I want is some soft
clay, aniseed and salt, of which I will compound a mixture, which our
birds will like very much, and the smell of which will bring others to
share it with them.'
 
I can easily get you those things, father.'
 
I shall want some oil of aniseed besides,' said I, to put on the
pigeon-holes, so that the birds' feathers may touch it as they pass in
and out, and become scented with what will attract the wild pigeons.
This I can obtain by pounding aniseed; therefore, bring me the mortar
and some oil.'
 
When this was strongly impregnated with the aromatic oil from the seeds
(for I did not purpose to distil it in regular style), I strained it
through a cloth, pressing it strongly: the result answered my purpose,
and the scent would certainly remain for some days.
 
All my preparations being completed, the pigeons were installed in
their new residence, and the slides closed. The European birds were by
this time quite friendly with the three beautiful strangers; and when
the other boys came home, and scrambled up the ladder to peep in at a
little pane of glass I had fixed in front, they saw them all
contentedly picking up grain, and pecking at the magic food', as Fritz
called it, although he did not betray my secret arts to his brothers.
 
Early on the third morning I aroused Fritz, and directed him to ascend
the rope ladder, and arrange a cord on the sliding door of the
dove-cot, by which it could be opened or closed from below. Also he
poured fresh aniseed oil all about the entrance, after which we
returned, and awoke the rest of the family, telling them that if they
liked to make haste, they might see me let the pigeons fly.
 
Everybody came to the dove-cot, understanding that some ceremony was to
attend the event, and I waved a wand with mock solemnity, while I
muttered a seeming incantation, and then gave Fritz a sign to draw up
the sliding panel.
 
Presently out popped the pretty heads of the captives, the soft eyes
glanced about in all directions; they withdrew, they ventured forth
again, they came timidly out on the verandah', as little Franz
expressed it; then, as though suddenly startled, the whole party took
wing, with the shrill whizzing sound peculiar to the flight of pigeons,
and circling above us, they rose higher, higher, finally darting quite
out of sight.
 
While we were yet gazing after them, they reappeared, and settled
quietly on the dove-cot; but as we congratulated ourselves on a return
which showed they accepted this as a home, up sprang the three blue
pigeons, the noble foreigners, for whom chiefly I had planned the
house, and rising in circles high in air, winged their rapid way direct
towards Falconhurst.
 
Their departure had such air of determination and resolve about it,
that I feared them lost to us for ever.
 
Endeavouring to console ourselves by petting our four remaining birds,
we could not forget this disappointment, and all day long the dove-cot
remained the centre of attraction.
 
Nothing, however, was seen of the fugitives until about the middle of
next day; when most of us were hard at work inside the cavern, Jack
sprang in full of excitement, exclaiming, He is there! He is come! He
really is!'
 
Who? Who is there? What do you mean?'
 
The blue pigeon, to be sure! Hurrah! Hurrah!'
 
Oh, nonsense!' said Ernest. You want to play us a trick.'
 
Why should it be "nonsense"?' cried I. I fully believe we shall see
them all soon!'
 
Out ran everybody to the dove-cot, and there, sure enough, stood the
pretty fellow, but not alone, for he was billing and cooing to a mate,
a stranger of his own breed, apparently inviting her to enter his
dwelling; for he popped in and out at the door, bowing, sidling, and
cooing, in a most irresistible manner, until the shy little lady
yielded to his blandishments, and tripped daintily in. Now, let's shut
the door.'
 
Pull the cord and close the panel!' shouted the boys, making a rush at
the string.
 
Stop!' cried I. Let the string alone! I won't have you frighten the
little darlings. Besides, the others will be coming--would you shut the
door in their faces?'
 
Here they come! Here they come!' exclaimed Fritz, whose keen eye marked
the birds afar, and to our delight the second blue pigeon arrived,
likewise with a mate, whom, after a pretty little flirtation scene of
real and assumed modesty on her part, he succeeded in leading home.
 
The third and handsomest of the new pigeons was the last in making his
appearance. Perhaps he had greater difficulty than the others in
finding a mate as distinguished in rank and beauty as himself.
 
However, we fully expected them, and the boys talked of the arrival of
Mr and Mrs Nicobar' as a matter of course.
 
Late in the day Franz and his mother went out to provide for supper,
but the child returned directly, exclaiming that we must hasten to the
dove-cot to see something beautiful.
 
Accordingly a general rush was made out of the cave, and we saw with
delight that the third stranger also had returned with a lovely bride,
and encouraged by the presence of the first arrivals, they soon made
themselves at home.
 
In a short time nest-building commenced, and among the materials
collected by the birds, I observed a long grey moss or lichen, and
thought it might very possibly be the same which, in the West Indies,
is gathered from the bark of old trees, where it grows, and hangs in
great tuft-like beards, to be used instead of horse-hair for stuffing
mattresses.
 
My wife no sooner heard of it, than her active brain devised fifty
plans for making it of use. Would we but collect enough, she would
clean and sort it, and there would be no end to the bolsters, pillows,
saddles, and cushions she would stuff with it.
 
For the discovery of nutmegs we had also to thank the pigeons, and they
were carefully planted in our orchard.
 
For some time no event of particular note occurred, until at length
Jack, as usual, got into a scrape causing thereby no little excitement
at home.
 
He went off early on one of his own particular private expeditions.
 
He was in the habit of doing this that he might surprise us with some
new acquisition on his return.
 
This time, however, he came back in most wretched plight, covered with
mud and green slime; a great bundle of Spanish canes was on his back,
muddy and green like himself; he had lost a shoe, and altogether
presented a ludicrous picture of misery, at which we could have
laughed, had he not seemed more ready to cry!
 
My dear boy! What has happened to you? Where have you been?'
 
Only in the swamp behind the powder magazine, father,' replied he. I
went to get reeds for my wickerwork, because I wanted to weave some
baskets and hen-coops, and I saw such beauties a little way off in the
marsh, much finer than those close by the edge, that I tried to get at
them.
 
I jumped from one firm spot to another, till at last I slipped and sank
over my ankles; I tried to get on towards the reeds, which were close
by, but in I went deeper and deeper, till I was above the knees in
thick soft mud, and there I stuck!
 
I screamed and shouted, but nobody came, and I can tell you I was in a
regular fright.
 
At last who should appear but my faithful Fangs! He knew my voice and
came close up to me, right over the swamp, but all the poor beast could
do, was to help me to make a row; I wonder you did not hear us! The
very rocks rang, but nothing came of it, so despair drove me to think
of an expedient. I cut down all the reeds I could reach round and round
me, and bound them together into this bundle, which made a firm place
on which to lean, while I worked and kicked about to free my feet and
legs, and after much struggling, I managed to get astride on the reeds.
 
There I sat, supported above the mud and slime, while Fangs ran yelping
backwards and forwards between me and the bank, seeming surprised I did
not follow. Suddenly I thought of catching hold of his tail. He dragged
and pulled, and I sprawled, and crawled, and waded, sometimes on my
reeds like a raft, sometimes lugging them along with me, till we
luckily got back to terra firma But I had a near squeak for it, I can
tell you.'
 
A fortunate escape indeed, my boy!' cried I, And I thank God for it.
Fangs has really acted a heroic part as your deliverer, and you have
shown great presence of mind. Now go with your mother, and get rid of
the slimy traces of your disaster! You have brought me splendid canes,
exactly what I want for a new scheme of mine.'
 
The fact was, I meant to try to construct a loom for my wife, for I
knew she understood weaving, so I chose two fine strong reeds, and
splitting them carefully, bound them together again, that when dry they
might be quite straight and equal, and fit for a frame. Smaller reeds
were cut into pieces and sharpened for the teeth of the comb. The boys
did this for me without in the least knowing their use, and great fun
they made of father's monster toothpicks'.
 
In time all the various parts of the loom were made ready and put
together, my wife knowing nothing of it, while to the incessant
questions of the children, I replied mysteriously, Oh, it is an
outlandish sort of musical instrument; mother will know how to play
upon it.'
 
And when the time came for presenting it, her joy was only equalled by
the amusement and interest with which the children watched her
movements while playing the loom', as they always said.
 
About this time, a beautiful little foal, a son of the onager, was
added to our stud, and as he promised to grow up strong and tractable,
we soon saw how useful he would be. The name of Swift' was given to
him, and he was to be trained for my own riding.
 
The interior arrangements of the cavern being now well forward, I
applied myself to contriving an aqueduct, that fresh water might be led
close up to our cave, for it was a long way to go to fetch it from
Jackal River, and especially inconvenient on washing days. As I wanted
to do this before the rainy season began, I set about it at once.
 
Pipes of hollow bamboo answered the purpose well, and a large cask
formed the reservoir. The supply was good, and the comfort of having it
close at hand so great, that my wife declared she was as well pleased
with our engineering as if we had made her a fountain and marble basin
adorned with mermaids and dolphins.
 
Anticipating the setting-in of the rains, I pressed forward all work
connected with stores for the winter, and great was the in-gathering of
roots, fruits, and grains, potatoes, rice, guavas, sweet acorns,
pine-cones; load after load arrived at the cavern, and my wife's active
needle was in constant requisition, as the demand for more sacks and
bags was incessant.
 
Casks and barrels of all sorts and sizes were pressed into the service,
until at last the raft was knocked to pieces, and its tubs made to do
duty in the store-rooms.
 
The weather became very unsettled and stormy.
 
Heavy clouds gathered in the horizon, and passing storms of wind, with
thunder, lightning, and torrents of rain swept over the face of nature
from time to time.
 
The sea was in frequent commotion; heavy groundswells drove masses of
water hissing and foaming against the cliffs. Everything heralded the
approaching rains. All nature joined in sounding forth the solemn
overture to the grandest work of the year.
 
It was now near the beginning of the month of June, and we had twelve
weeks of bad weather before us.
 
We established some of the animals with ourselves at the salt-cave. The
cow, the ass, Lightfoot, Storm and the dogs, were all necessary to us,
while Knips, Fangs and the eagle were sure to be a great amusement in
the long evenings.
 
The boys would ride over to Falconhurst very often to see that all was
in order there, and fetch anything required.
 
Much remained to be done in order to give the cave a comfortable
appearance, which became more desirable now that we had to live
indoors.
 
The darkness of the inner regions annoyed me, and I set myself to
invent a remedy.
 
After some thought, I called in Jack's assistance, and we got a very
tall, strong bamboo, which would reach right up to the vaulted roof.
This we planted in the earthen floor, securing it well by driving
wedges in round it. Jack ascended this pole very cleverly, taking with
him a hammer and chisel to enlarge a crevice in the roof so as to fix a
pulley, by means of which, when he descended, I drew up a large ship's
lantern, well supplied with oil, and as there were four wicks, it
afforded a very fair amount of light.
 
Several days were spent in arranging the different rooms.
 
Ernest and Franz undertook the library, fixing shelves, and setting the
books in order.
 
Jack and his mother took in hand the sitting-room and kitchen, while
Fritz and I, as better able for heavy work, arranged the workshops. The
carpenter's bench, the turning lathe, and a large chest of tools were
set in convenient places, and many tools and instruments hung on the
walls.
 
An adjoining chamber was kitted up as a forge, with fire-place,
bellows, and anvil, complete, all which we had found in the ship,
packed together, and ready to set up.
 
When the great affairs were settled, we still found in all directions
work to be done. Shelves, tables, benches, movable steps, cupboards,
pegs, door-handles and bolts--there seemed no end to our requirements,
and we often thought of the enormous amount of work necessary to
maintain the comforts and conveniences of life which at home we had
received as matters of course.
 
Our rocky home was greatly improved by a wide porch which I made along
the whole front of our rooms and entrances, by levelling the ground to
form a terrace, and sheltering it with a verandah of bamboo, supported
by pillars of the same.
 
Ernest and Franz were highly successful as librarians.
 
The books, when unpacked and arranged, proved to be a most valuable
collection, capable of affording every sort of educational advantage.
 
Besides a variety of books of voyages, travels, divinity, and natural
history (several containing fine coloured illustrations), there were
histories and scientific works, as well as standard fictions in several
languages; also a good assortment of maps, charts, mathematical and
astronomical instruments, and an excellent pair of globes.
 
I foresaw much interesting study on discovering that we possessed the
grammars and dictionaries of a great many languages, a subject for
which we all had a taste. With French we were well acquainted. Fritz
and Ernest had begun to learn English at school, and made further
progress during a visit to England. Their mother, who had once been
intimate with a Dutch family, could speak that language pretty well.
 
After a great deal of discussion, we agreed to study different
languages, so that in the event of meeting with people of other
nations, there should be at least one of the family able to communicate
with them.
 
All determined to improve our knowledge of German and French.
 
The two elder boys were to study English and Dutch with their mother.
 
Ernest, already possessing considerable knowledge of Latin, wished to
continue to study it, so as to be able to make use of the many works on
natural history and medicine written in that language.
 
Jack announced that he meant to learn Spanish because it sounded so
grand and imposing'.
 
I myself was interested in the Malay language, knowing it to be so
widely spoken in the islands of the Eastern Seas, and thinking it as
likely as any other to be useful to us.
 
Our family circle by and by represented Babel in miniature, for scraps
and fragments of all these tongues kept buzzing about our ears from
morning to night, each sporting his newly acquired word or sentence on
every possible occasion, propounding idioms and peculiar expressions
like riddles, to puzzle the rest.
 
In this way, the labour of learning was very considerably lightened,
and everyone came to know a few words of each language.
 
Occasionally we amused ourselves by opening chests and packages
hitherto untouched, and brought unexpected treasures to light--mirrors,
wardrobes, a pair of console tables with polished marble tops, elegant
writing tables and handsome chairs, clocks of various descriptions, a
musical-box, and a chronometer were found; and by degrees our abode was
fitted up like a palace, so that sometimes we wondered at ourselves,
and felt as though we were strutting about in borrowed plumes.
 
The children begged me to decide on a name for our salt cave dwelling,
and that of Rockburg was chosen unanimously.
 
The weeks of imprisonment passed so rapidly that no one found time hang
heavy on his hands.
 
Books occupied me so much that but little carpenting was done, yet I
made a yoke for the oxen, a pair of cotton-wool carders, and a
spinning-wheel for my wife.
 
As the rainy season drew to a close, the weather for a while became
wilder, and the storms fiercer than ever. Thunder roared, lightning
blazed, torrents rushed towards the sea, which came in raging billows
to meet them, lashed to fury by the tempests of wind which swept the
surface of the deep.
 
The uproar of the elements came to an end at last.
 
Nature resumed her attitude of repose, her smiling aspect of peaceful
beauty; and soon all traces of the ravages of floods and storms would
disappear beneath the luxuriant vegetation of the tropics.
 
Gladly quitting the sheltering walls of Rockburg to roam once more in
the open air, we crossed Jackal River, for a walk along the coast, and
presently Fritz with his sharp eyes observed something on the small
island near Flamingo Marsh, which was, he said, long and rounded,
resembling a boat bottom upwards.
 
Examining it with the telescope, I could form no other conjecture, and
we resolved to make it the object of an excursion next day, being
delighted to resume our old habit of starting in pursuit of adventure.
 
The boat was accordingly got in readiness; it required some repairs,
and fresh pitching, and then we made for the point of interest,
indulging in a variety of surmises as to what we should find.
 
It proved to be a huge stranded whale.
 
The island being steep and rocky, it was necessary to be careful; but
we found a landing-place on the further side. The boys hurried by the
nearest way to the beach where lay the monster of the deep, while I
clambered to the highest point of the islet, which commanded a view of
the mainland from Rockburg to Falconhurst.
 
On rejoining my sons, I found them only half-way to the great fish, and
as I drew near they shouted in high glee: Oh, father, just look at the
glorious shells and coral branches we are finding! How does it happen
that there are such quantities?'
 
Only consider how the recent storms have stirred the ocean to its
depths! No doubt thousands of shellfish have been detached from their
rocks and dashed in all direction by the waves, which have thrown
ashore even so huge a creature as the whale yonder.'
 
Yes; isn't he a frightful great brute!' cried Fritz. Ever so much
larger than he seemed from a distance. The worst of it is, one does not
well see what use to make of the huge carcass.'
 
Why, make train oil, to be sure,' said Ernest. I can't say he's a
beauty, though, and it is much pleasanter to gather these lovely
shells, than to cut up blubber.'
 
Well, let us amuse ourselves with them for the present,' said I, but in
the afternoon, when the sea is calmer, we will return with the
necessary implements, and see if we can turn the stranded whale to good
account.'
 
We were soon ready to return to the boat, but Ernest had a fancy for
remaining alone on the island till we came back, and asked my
permission to do so, that he might experience, for an hour or two, the
sensations of Robinson Crusoe.
 
To this, however, I would not consent, assuring him that our fate, as a
solitary family, gave him quite sufficient idea of shipwreck on an
uninhabited island, and that his lively imagination must supply the
rest.
 
The boys found it hard work to row back, and began to beg of me to
exert my wonderful inventive powers in contriving some kind of rowing
machine.
 
You lazy fellows!' returned I. Give me the great clockwork out of a
church tower, perhaps I might be able to relieve your labours.'
 
Oh father!' cried Fritz. Don't you know there are iron wheels in the
clockwork of the large kitchen-jacks? I'm sure mother would give them
up, and you could make something out of them, could you not?'
 
By the time I have manufactured a rowing-machine out of a
roasting-jack, I think your arms will be pretty well inured to the use
of your oars! However, I am far from despising the hint, my dear
Fritz.'
 
Is coral of any use?' demanded Jack suddenly.
 
In former times it was pounded and used by chemists; but it is now
chiefly used for various ornaments, and made into beads for necklaces
et cetera. As such, it is greatly prized by savages, and were we to
fall in with natives, we might very possibly find a store of coral
useful in bartering with them.
 
For the present we will arrange these treasures of the deep in our
library, and make them the beginning of a Museum of Natural History,
which will afford us equal pleasure and instruction.'
 
Why father, here we are at the landing-place!' exclaimed Jack.
 
The animated recital of our adventures, the sight of the lovely shells
and corals, and the proposed work for the afternoon, inspired my wife
and Franz with a great wish to accompany us.
 
To this I gladly consented, only stipulating that we should go provided
with food, water and a compass.
 
For,' said I, the sea has only just ceased from its raging, and being
at the best of times of uncertain and capricious nature, we may chance
to be detained on the island, or forced to land at a considerable
distance from home.'
 
Dinner was quickly dispatched, and preparations set on foot.
 
The more oil we could obtain the better, for a great deal was used in
the large lantern which burnt day and night in the recesses of the
cave; therefore all available casks and barrels were pressed into the
service; many, of course, once full of pickled herrings, potted pigeons
and other winter stores, were now empty, and we took a goodly fleet of
these in tow.
 
Knives, hatchets, and the boys' climbing buskins, were put on board,
and we set forth, the labour of the oar being greater than ever, now
that our freight was so much increased.
 
The sea being calm, and the tide suiting better, we found it easy to
land close to the whale; my first care was to place the boat, as well
as the casks, in perfect security, after which we proceeded to a close
inspection of our prize.
 
Its enormous size quite startled my wife and little boy; the length
being from sixty to sixty-five feet, and the girth between thirty and
forty, while the weight could not have been less than 50,000 lbs.
 
And now, boys,' cried I, fasten on your buskins, and let me see if you
can face the work of climbing this slippery mountain of flesh, and
cutting it up.'
 
Fritz and Jack stripped, and went to work directly.
 
Presently we had a multitude of unbidden guests.
 
The air was filled by the shrill screams and hoarse croaks and cries of
numbers of birds of prey; they flew around us in ever narrowing
circles, and becoming bolder as their voracity was excited by the near
view of the tempting prey, they alighted close to us, snatching morsels
greedily from under the very strokes of our knives and hatchets.
 
Our work was seriously interrupted by these feathered marauders, who,
after all, were no greater robbers than we ourselves. We kept them off
as well as we could by blows from our tools, and several were killed,
my wife taking possession of them immediately for the sake of the
feathers.
 
It was nearly time to leave the island, but first I stripped off a long
piece of the skin, to be used for traces, harness, and other
leather-work. It was about three-quarters of an inch thick, and very
soft and oily--but I knew it would shrink and be tough and durable.
 
With a heavy freight we put to sea, and made what haste we could to
reach home and cleanse our persons from the unpleasant traces of the
disgusting work in which we had spent the day.
 
Next morning we started at dawn.
 
My wife and Franz were left behind, for our proposed work was even more
horrible than that of the preceding day; they could not assist, and had
no inclination to witness it.
 
It was my intention to open the carcass completely, and, penetrating
the interior, to obtain various portions of the intestines, thinking
that it would be possible to convert the larger bones into vessels fit
for holding the oil. This time we laid aside our clothes and wore only
strong canvas trousers when we commenced operations, which were
vigorously carried on during the whole of the day; then, satisfied that
we could do so with a clear conscience, we abandoned the remains to the
birds of prey, and, with a full cargo, set sail for land.
 
On the way, it appeared to strike the boys (who had made not the
slightest objection to the singularly unpleasant task I had set them)
as very strange that I should wish to possess what they had been
working so hard to procure for me,
 
What can have made you wish to bring away that brute's entrails,
father? Are they of any use?'
 
There are countries,' I replied, where no wood grows of which to make
barrels, and no hemp for thread, string and cordage. Necessity, the
mother of all the more valuable inventions, has taught the inhabitants
of those countries, Greenlanders, Esquimaux and others, to think of
substitutes, and they use the intestines of the whale for one purpose,
the sinews and nerves for the other.'
 
We were right glad to land, and get rid, for the present, of our
unpleasant materials, the further preparation of which was work in
store for the following day.
 
A refreshing bath, clean clothes, and supper, cheered us all up, and we
slept in peace.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 11
 
Now for the finishing up of this dirty job,' cried I, merrily, as we
all woke up next morning at daybreak. And after the regular work was
done, we commenced operations by raising a stand or rough scaffold on
which the tubs full of blubber were placed and heavily pressed, so that
the purest and finest oil overflowed into vessels underneath.
 
The blubber was afterwards boiled in a cauldron over a fire kindled at
some distance from our abode, and by skimming and straining through a
coarse cloth, we succeeded in obtaining a large supply of excellent
train oil, which, in casks and bags made of the intestines, was safely
stowed away in the cellar', as the children called our roughest
store-room. This day's work was far from agreeable, and the dreadful
smell oppressed us all, more especially my poor wife, who,
nevertheless, endured it with her accustomed good temper. Although she
very urgently recommended that the new island should be the
headquarters for another colony, where, said she, any animals we leave
would be safe from apes and other plunderers, and where you would find
it so very convenient to boil whale-blubber, strain train oil, and the
like'.
 
This proposal met with hearty approval, especially from the boys, who
were always-charmed with any new plan; and they were eager to act upon
it at once, but when I reminded them of the putrefying carcass which
lay there, they confessed it would be better to allow wind and storms,
birds and insects to do their work in purging the atmosphere, and
reducing the whale to a skeleton before we revisited the island.
 
The idea of a rowing-machine kept recurring to my brain. I determined
to attempt to make one.
 
I took an iron bar, which when laid across the middle of the boat
projected about a foot each way. I provided this bar in the middle with
ribbed machinery, and at each end with a sort of nave, in which, as in
a cart wheel, four flat spokes, or paddles, were fixed obliquely. These
were intended to do the rowers' part.
 
Then the jack was arranged to act upon the machinery in the middle of
the iron cross-bar, in such a way that one of its strong cogwheels bit
firmly into the ribs, so that when it was wound up, it caused the bar
to revolve rapidly, of course turning with it the paddles fixed at
either end, which consequently struck the water so as to propel the
boat.
 
Although this contrivance left much to be desired in the way of
improvement, still when Fritz and I wound up the machinery, and went
off on a trial trip across the bay, we splashed along at such a famous
rate, that the shores rang with the cheers and clapping of the whole
family, delighted to behold what they considered my brilliant success.
 
Everyone wanted to go on board, and take a cruise, but as it was
getting late, I could not consent. A trip next day, however, was
promised to Cape Disappointment and the little settlement of Prospect
Hill.
 
This proposal satisfied everybody. The evening was spent in preparing
the dresses, arms and food which would be required, and we retired
early to rest.
 
Intending to be out all day, the house was left in good order, and we
departed on our expedition, provided, among other things, with spades
and mattocks, for I wished to get young coconut trees and shrubs of
different kinds, that, on our way back, we might land on Whale Island,
and begin our plantation there.
 
We directed our course towards the opposite side of the bay. The sea
was smooth, my rowing-machine performed its work easily, and leaving
Safety Bay and Shark Island behind us, we enjoyed at our ease the
panorama of all the coast scenery.
 
Landing near Prospect Hill, we moored the boat, and walked through the
woods to our little farm, obtaining some fresh coconuts, as well as
young plants, on the way.
 
Before coming in sight of the cottage at the farm, we heard the cocks
crow, and I experienced a sudden rush of emotion as the sound recalled
in a degree painfully vivid, the recollection of many a ride and walk
at home, when we would be greeted by just such familiar sounds as we
approached some kind friend's house. Here, but for the unconscious
animals, utter solitude and silence prevailed, and I with my dear
family, whose visit would have been hailed with delight in so many
homes, advanced unnoticed to this lonely cottage. So long had been our
absence that our arrival created a perfect panic. The original animals
had forgotten us, and to their progeny, lambs, kids, and chickens, who
had never seen the face of man, we seemed an army of fierce foes.
 
The boys found it impossible to milk the goats, until, by the use of
the lasso, they captured them one after the other, bound their legs,
then giving them salt to lick, they soon obtained a supply of excellent
milk which was poured from the coconut shells they used into calabash
flasks, so that we could take with us what was not required at dinner.
 
The fowls were enticed by handfuls of grain and rice, and my wife
caught as many as she wished for.
 
Before returning to Whale Island, I felt a strong wish to round Cape
Disappointment and survey the coast immediately beyond, but the
promontory maintained the character of its name, and we found that a
long sandbank, as well as hidden reefs and rocks, ran out a great way
into the sea.
 
Fritz espying breakers ahead, we put about at once, and aided by a
light breeze, directed our course towards Whale Island.
 
On landing, I began at once to plant the sugar-cane shoots we had
brought. The boys assisted me for a while, but wearied somewhat of the
occupation, and one after another went off in search of shells and
coral, leaving their mother and me to finish the work.
 
Presently Jack came back, shouting loudly, Father! Mother! Do come and
look. There is an enormous skeleton lying here; the skeleton of some
fearful great beast--a mammoth, I should think.'
 
Why Jack!' returned I laughing, have you forgot our old acquaintance,
the whale? What else could it be?'
 
Oh no, father, it is not the whale. This thing has not fish bones, but
real good, honest, huge, beast bones. I don't know what can have become
of the whale--floated out to sea most likely. This mammoth is ever so
much bigger. Come and see!'
 
As I was about to follow the boy, a voice from another direction
suddenly cried, Father! Father! A great enormous turtle! Please make
haste. It is waddling back to the sea as hard as it can go, and we
can't stop it.'
 
This appeal being more pressing, as well as more important than Jack's,
I snatched up an oar and hastened to their assistance.
 
Sure enough a large turtle was scrambling quickly towards the water,
and was within a few paces of it, although Ernest was valiantly holding
on by one of its hind legs.
 
I sprang down the bank, and making use of the oar as a lever, we
succeeded with some difficulty in turning the creature on its back.
 
It was a huge specimen, fully eight feet long, and being now quite
helpless, we left it sprawling, and went to inspect Jack's mammoth
skeleton, which, of course, proved to be neither more nor less than
that of the whale. I convinced him of the fact by pointing out the
marks of our feet on the ground, and the broken jaws where we had
hacked out the whalebone.
 
What can have made you take up that fancy about a mammoth, my boy?'
 
Ernest put it into my head, father. He said there seemed to be the
skeleton of an antediluvian monster there, so I ran to look closer, and
I never thought of the whale, when I saw no fish bones. I suppose
Ernest was joking.'
 
What a marvellous structure it is, father!' said Fritz. What a
ponderous mass of bones! Can we not make use of any of them?'
 
Nothing strikes me at this moment; we will leave them to bleach here
yet awhile, and perhaps by sawing them up afterwards, make a few
chairs, or a reading-desk for the museum. But now it is time to return
home. Bring the boat round to where the turtle awaits his fate; we must
settle how to deal with him.'
 
It was soon decided that he must swim. I fastened the empty water-cask
to a long line, one end of which was made fast to the bow of the boat,
the other carefully passed round the neck and fore-paws of the
creature, who was then lifted, so as to let him regain his feet, when
he instantly made for the water, plunged in, the cask floated after
him, and prevented his sinking. We were all on board in a moment; and
the worthy fellow, after vainly attempting to dive, set himself
diligently to swim right forwards, towing us comfortably after him. I
was ready to cut the line on the least appearance of danger, and kept
him on the course for Safety Bay by striking the water with a boat-hook
right or left, according as the turtle was disposed to turn too much
one way or the other.
 
The boys were delighted with the fun, and compared me to Neptune in his
car, drawn by dolphins, and accompanied by Amphitrite and attendant
Tritons.
 
We landed safely at the usual place, near Rockburg, and the turtle was
condemned and executed soon afterwards; the shell, which was quite
eight feet long, and three broad, was, when cleaned and prepared, to
form a trough for the water supply at the cave, and the meat was
carefully salted, and stored up for many a good and savoury meal.
 
It had been my intention to bring a piece of land under cultivation
before the next rainy season, to be sown with different sorts of grain;
but many unforeseen circumstances had intervened to hinder this, and
our animals, unaccustomed to the yoke, were not available for the
plough.
 
I therefore gave up the idea for the present, and applied myself, with
Ernest's assistance, to completing the loom, which, although the
workmanship was clumsy, I succeeded in making quite fit for use.
 
Success encouraging me to persevere, I next began harness-making; the
spoils of the chase having furnished us with plenty of leather, with
which I covered light frames of wood, using the hairy moss or lichen
for stuffing, and ere long the animals were equipped with saddles,
stirrups, bridles, yokes and collars, to the very great satisfaction of
their youthful riders and drivers.
 
This occupation was followed by a great deal of work connected with the
annual return of the herring shoals which now took place; to them
succeeding, as on former occasions, shoals of other fish, and many
seals. More than ever aware of the value of all of these, we did not
fail to make good use of our opportunities, and captured large numbers.
 
The boys were getting anxious for another shooting expedition; but
before undertaking that, I wished to do some basket-making, as sacks
were beginning to fail us, and there was constant demand for baskets in
which to carry and keep our roots and fruits. Our first attempts were
clumsy enough; but, as usual, perseverance was rewarded, and we
produced a good supply of all sorts and sizes. One very large basket I
furnished with openings through which to pass a strong stick, so that
it might, when heavily laden, be carried by two persons.
 
No sooner did the children see the force of this idea, than they got a
bamboo, and popping little Franz into the basket, carried him about in
triumph.
 
This amusement suggested a fresh notion to Fritz. Oh, father,' cried
he, don't you think we might make something like this for mother, and
carry her much more comfortably than jolting along in the cart?'
 
The boys shouted with glee at the proposal, and though their mother
thought the plan feasible enough, she confessed that she did not much
like the thought of sitting in the middle of a basket, and just looking
out now and then over the rim.
 
However, I assured her it should be a well-shaped comfortable
sedan-chair, or litter; and the next question was how it should be
carried, since the boys could not play the part of Indian
palanquin-bearers, either with safety to their mother, or with any
pleasure to themselves.
 
The bull and the buffalo!' cried Jack. Why not use them for it? Let's
go and try them now!'
 
Off ran the boys, and in a short time the basket was securely hung
between Storm and Grumble. Fritz and Jack sprang into their saddles,
and Ernest very gingerly deposited himself in the cradle', as Franz
called it; they set forth at a most sober pace, the animals, who were
perfectly docile, appearing only a little surprised at the new
arrangement.
 
Oh, it is so pleasant, mother, it is a delightful motion,' cried
Ernest, as they passed us. It swings and rocks really soothingly.
Quicker, Fritz! Go quicker!' And the trot pleasing him equally well,
the pace gradually quickened, till the animals were going along at a
rate which shook and jolted the basket about most fearfully. Ernest
called and screamed in vain for a halt. His brothers thought it capital
fun to shake up' the professor', and made the circuit of the level
ground near Rockburg, finally pulling up in front of us, like
performers stopping to receive the applause of spectators.
 
It was impossible to help laughing, the scene was so ridiculous, but
Ernest was very angry with his brothers, his reproaches provoked high
words in reply, and a quarrel was imminent, but I interfered, and
showed them how easily a joke carried too far would lead to disputes
and bad feeling, urging them to avoid on all occasions any breach of
the good fellowship and brotherly love which was the mainstay of our
strength and happiness.
 
Good humour was soon restored, Ernest himself helped to unharness the
beasts, and got some handfuls of salt and barley to reward their
exertions, saying, that they must have some more palanquin-practice
another day.
 
I was seated with my wife and Fritz beneath the shade of the verandah,
engaged in wicker-work, and chatting pleasantly, when suddenly Fritz
got up, advanced a step or two, gazing fixedly along the avenue which
led from Jackal River, then he exclaimed, I see something so strange in
the distance, father! What in the world can it be? first it seems to be
drawn in coils on the ground like a cable, then uprises as it were a
little mast, then that sinks, and the coils move along again. It is
coming towards the bridge.'
 
My wife took alarm at this description, and calling the other boys,
retreated into the cave, where I desired them to close up the
entrances, and keep watch with firearms at the upper windows. These
were openings we had made in the rock at some elevation, reached within
by steps, and a kind of gallery which passed along the front of the
rooms.
 
Fritz remained by me while I examined the object through my spy-glass.
 
It is, as I feared, an enormous serpent!' cried I. It advances directly
this way, and we shall be placed in the greatest possible danger, for
it will cross the bridge to a certainty.'
 
May we not attack it, father?' exclaimed the brave boy.
 
Only with the greatest caution,' returned I. It is far too formidable,
and too tenacious of life, for us rashly to attempt its destruction.
Thank God we are at Rockburg, where we can keep in safe retreat, while
we watch for an opportunity to destroy this frightful enemy. Go up to
your mother now, and assist in preparing the firearms; I will join you
directly, but I must further observe the monster's movements.'
 
Fritz left me unwillingly, while I continued to watch the serpent,
which was of gigantic size, and already much too near the bridge to
admit of the possibility of removing that means of access to our
dwelling. I recollected, too, how easily it would pass through the
walls. The reptile advanced with writhing and undulatory movements,
from time to time rearing its head to the height of fifteen or twenty
feet, and slowly turning it about, as though on the look-out for prey.
 
As it crossed the bridge, with a slow, suspicious motion, I withdrew,
and hastily rejoined my little party, which was preparing to garrison
our fortress in warlike array, but with considerable trepidation, which
my presence served in a measure to allay.
 
We placed ourselves at the upper openings, after strongly barricading
everything below, and, ourselves unseen, awaited with beating hearts
the further advance of the foe, which speedily became visible to us.
 
Its movements appeared to become uncertain, as though puzzled by the
trace of human habitation; it turned in different directions, coiling
and uncoiling, and frequently rearing its head, but keeping about the
middle of the space in front of the cave, when suddenly, as though
unable to resist doing so, one after another the boys fired, and even
their mother discharged her gun. The shots took not the slightest
effect beyond startling the monster, whose movements were accelerated.
Fritz and I also fired with steadier aim, but with the same want of
success, for the monster passing on with a gliding motion, entered the
reedy marsh to the left, and entirely disappeared.
 
A wonderful weight seemed lifted from our hearts, while all eagerly
discussed the vast length and awful though magnificent appearance of
the serpent. I had recognized it as the boa constrictor. It was a vast
specimen, upwards of thirty feet in length.
 
The near neighbourhood of this terrific reptile occasioned me the
utmost anxiety; and I desired that no one should leave the house on any
pretence whatever, without my express permission.
 
During three whole days we were kept in suspense and fear, not daring
to stir above a few hundred steps from the door, although during all
that time the enemy showed no sign of his presence.
 
In fact, we might have been induced to think the boa had passed across
the swamp, and found his way by some cleft or chasm through the wall of
cliffs beyond, had not the restless behaviour of our geese and ducks
given proof that he still lurked in the thicket of reeds which they
were accustomed to make their nightly resting place.
 
They swam anxiously about, and with much clapping of wings and
disturbed cackling, showed their uneasiness; finally, taking wing, they
crossed the harbour, and took up their quarters on Shark's Island.
 
My embarrassment increased, as time passed on. I could not venture to
attack with insufficient force a monstrous and formidable serpent
concealed in dense thickets amidst dangerous swamps; yet it was
dreadful to live in a state of blockade, cut off from all the important
duties in which we were engaged, and shut up with our animals in the
unnatural light of the cave, enduring constant anxiety and
perturbation.
 
Out of this painful state we were at last delivered by none other than
our good old simple-hearted donkey; not, however, by the exercise of a
praiseworthy quality, but by sheer stupidity.
 
Our situation was rendered the more critical from having no great stock
of provisions, or fodder for the animals; and the hay failing us on the
evening of the third day, I determined to set them at liberty by
sending them, under the guidance of Fritz, across the river at the
ford.
 
He was to ride Lightfoot, and they were to be fastened together until
safely over.
 
Next morning we began to prepare for this by tying them in a line, and
while so engaged my wife opened the door, when old Grizzle, who was
fresh and frolicsome after the long rest and regular feeding, suddenly
broke away from the halter, cut some awkward capers, then bolting out,
careered at full gallop straight for the marsh.
 
In vain we called him by name. Fritz would even have rushed after him,
had not I held him back. In another moment the ass was close to the
thicket, and with a cold shudder of horror, we beheld the snake rear
itself from its lair, the fiery eyes glanced around, the dark deadly
jaws opened widely, the forked tongue darted greedily forth--poor
Grizzle's fate was sealed.
 
Becoming aware on a sudden of his danger, he stopped short, spread out
all four legs, and set up the most piteous and discordant bray that
ever wrung echo from rocks.
 
Swift and straight as a fencer's thrust, the destroyer was upon him,
wound round him, entangled, enfolded, compressed him, all the while
cunningly avoiding the convulsive kicks of the agonized animal.
 
A cry of horror arose from the spectators of this miserable tragedy.
 
Shoot him, father! Oh, shoot him--do save poor Grizzle!'
 
My children, it is impossible!' cried I. Our old friend is lost to us
for ever! I have hopes, however, that when gorged with his prey, we may
be able to attack the snake with some chance of success.'
 
But the horrible wretch is never going to swallow him all at once,
father?' cried Jack. That will be too shocking!'
 
Snakes have no grinders, but only fangs, therefore they cannot chew
their food, and must swallow it whole. But although the idea is
startling, it is not really more shocking than the rending, tearing and
shedding of blood which occurs when lions and tigers seize their prey.'
 
But,' said Franz, how can the snake separate the flesh from the bones
without teeth? And is this kind of snake poisonous?'
 
No, dear child,' said I, only fearfully strong and ferocious. And it
has no need to tear the flesh from the bones. It swallows them, skin,
hair and all, and digests everything in its stomach.'
 
It seems utterly impossible that the broad ribs, the strong legs, hoofs
and all, should go down that throat,' exclaimed Fritz.
 
Only see,' I replied, how the monster deals with his victim; closer and
more tightly he curls his crushing folds, the bones give way, he is
kneading him into a shapeless mass: He will soon begin to gorge his
prey, and slowly but surely it will disappear down that distended maw!'
 
My wife, with little Franz, found the scene all too horrible, and
hastened into the cave, trembling and distressed. To the rest of us
there seemed a fearful fascination in the dreadful sight, and we could
not move from the spot.
 
This wonderful performance lasted from seven in the morning until noon.
When the awkward morsel was entirely swallowed, the serpent lay stiff,
distorted, and apparently insensible along the edge of the marsh.
 
I felt that now or never was the moment for attack!
 
Calling on my sons to maintain their courage and presence of mind, I
left our retreat with a feeling of joyous emotion quite new to me, and
approached with rapid steps and levelled gun, the outstretched form of
the serpent. Fritz followed me closely.
 
Jack, somewhat timidly, came several paces behind; while Ernest, after
a little hesitation, remained where he was.
 
The monster's body was stiff and motionless, which made its rolling and
fiery eyes, and the slow spasmodic undulations of its tail more fearful
by contrast.
 
We fired together, and both balls entered the skull: the light of the
eye was extinguished, and the only movement was in the further
extremity of the body, which rolled, writhed, coiled and lashed from
side to side.
 
Advancing closer, we fired our pistols directly into its head, a
convulsive quiver ran through the mighty frame, and the boa constrictor
lay dead.
 
As we raised a cry of victory, Jack, desirous of a share in the glory
of conquest, ran close to the creature, firing his pistol into its
side, when he was sent sprawling over and over by a movement of its
tail, excited to a last galvanic effort by the shot.
 
Being in no way hurt, he speedily recovered his feet, and declared he
had given it its quietus.
 
I hope the terrific noise you made just now was the signal of victory,'
said my wife, drawing near, with the utmost circumspection, and holding
Franz tightly by the hand. I was half-afraid to come, I assure you.'
 
See this dreadful creature dead at our feet; and let us thank God that
we have been able to destroy such an enemy.'
 
What's to be done with him now?' asked Jack.
 
Let us get him stuffed,' said Fritz, and set him up in the museum
amongst our shells and corals.'
 
Did anybody ever think of eating serpents?' inquired Franz.
 
Of course not!' said his mother. Why, child, serpents are poisonous--it
would be very dangerous.'
 
Excuse me, my dear wife,' said I. First of all, the boa is not
poisonous; and then, besides that, the flesh even of poisonous snakes
can be eaten without danger; as, for instance, the rattle-snake, from
which can be made a strong and nourishing soup, tasting very like good
chicken broth--of course, the cook must be told to throw away the head,
containing the deadly fangs.
 
But come, Ernest, can you not give us an epitaph for our unfortunate
friend the donkey?
 
We must afford him more honourable sepulture than he enjoys at present,
when we proceed, as we speedily must, to disembowel his murderer.'
 
Ernest took the matter quite seriously, and planting his elbows on his
knees, he bent his thoughtful brow in his hands, and remained wrapt in
poetic meditation for about two minutes.
 
I have it!' cried he. But perhaps you will all laugh at me?'
 
No, no, don't be shy, old fellow; spit it out!' and thus encouraged by
his brother, Ernest, with the blush of a modest author, began:
 
 
Beneath this stone poor Grizzle's bones are laid,
 
A faithful ass he was, and loved by all.
 
At length, his master's voice he disobeyed,
 
And thereby came his melancholy fall.
 
A monstrous serpent, springing from the grass,
 
Seized, crushed, and swallowed him before our eyes.
 
But we, though yet we mourn our honest ass,
 
Are grateful; for he thereby saved the lives
 
Of all the human beings on this shore----
 
A father, mother, and their children four.'
 
Hurrah for the epitaph! Well done, Ernest!' resounded on all sides, and
taking out a large red pencil I used for marking wood, the lines were
forthwith inscribed on a great flat stone, being, as I told the boy,
the very best poetry that had ever been written on our coast.
 
We then had dinner, and afterwards went to work with the serpent.
 
The first operation was to recover the mangled remains of the ass,
which being effected, he was buried in the soft marshy ground close by,
and the hole filled up with fragments of rock.
 
Then we yoked Storm and Grumble to the serpent, and dragged it to a
convenient distance from Rockburg, where the process of skinning,
stuffing, and sewing up again afforded occupation of the deepest
interest to the boys for several days.
 
We took great pains to coil it round a pole in the museum, arranging
the head with the jaws wide open, so as to look as alarming as
possible, and contriving to make eyes and tongue which were quite
sufficient to represent nature; in fact, our dogs never passed the
monster without growling, and must have wondered at our taste in
keeping such a pet.
 
Over the entrance leading to the museum and library were inscribed
these words:
 
NO ADMITTANCE FOR ASSES
 
The double meaning of this sentence pleased us all immensely.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 12
 
The greatest danger to which we had yet been exposed was now over, but
there remained much anxiety in my mind lest another serpent might,
unseen by us, have entered the swamp, or might appear, as this had
done, from the country beyond Falconhurst.
 
I projected then two excursions, the first to make a thorough
examination of the thicket and morass; the next right away to the Gap,
through which alone the archenemy could have entered our territory.
 
On summoning my sons to accompany me to the marsh, I found neither
Ernest nor Jack very eager to do so, the latter vowing he had the cold
shivers each time he thought how his ribs might have been smashed by
the last flap of the snake's tail; but I did not yield to their
reluctance, and we finally set about crossing the marsh by placing
planks and wicker hurdles on the ground, and changing their places as
we advanced.
 
Nothing was discovered beyond tracks in the reeds and the creature's
lair; where the rushes, grass, and bog-plants were beaten down.
 
Emerging beyond the thicket we found ourselves on firm ground, near the
precipitous wall of rock, and perceived a clear sparkling brook flowing
from an opening, which proved to be a cave or grotto of considerable
size.
 
The vaulted roof was covered with stalactites, while many formed
stately pillars, which seemed as though supporting the roof. The floor
was strewn with fine snow-white earth, with a smooth soapy feeling,
which I felt convinced was fuller's earth.
 
Well, this is a pleasant discovery!' said I. This is as good as soap
for washing, and will save me the trouble of turning soap-boiler.'
 
Perceiving that the streamlet flowed from an opening of some width in
the inner rock, Fritz passed through, in order to trace it to its
source, presently shouting to me that the opening widened very much,
and begging me to follow him.
 
I did so, leaving the other boys in the outer cave, and fired a
pistol-shot--the reverberating echoes of which testified to the great
extent of the place; and lighting the bit of candle I always carried
with me, we advanced, the light burning clear and steadily, though
shedding a very feeble light in so vast a space.
 
Suddenly Fritz exclaimed, I verily believe this is a second cave of
salt! See how the walls glance! And how the light is reflected from the
roof!'
 
These cannot be salt crystals,' said I, the water which flows over them
leaves no track, and tastes quite sweet. I am rather inclined to
believe that we have penetrated into a cave of rock crystal!'
 
Oh, how splendid! Then we have discovered a great treasure!'
 
Certainly if we could make any use of it; otherwise, in our situation,
it is about as valuable as the lump of gold found by good old Robinson
Crusoe.'
 
Anyhow, I will break off a piece for a specimen. See, here is a fine
bit, only rather dull, and not transparent: what a pity! I must knock
off another.'
 
You must go more carefully to work, or it will look as dull as the
first. You destroyed its true form, which is that of a pyramid, with
six sides or faces.'
 
We remained some time in this interesting grotto, but our light burnt
low after we had examined it in different directions; and Fritz having
secured a large lump, which exhibited several crystals in perfection,
we quitted the place, Fritz discharging a farewell shot for the sake of
hearing the grand echoes.
 
On reaching the open air we saw poor Jack sobbing bitterly, but as soon
as we appeared he ran joyfully towards us, and threw himself into my
arms.
 
My child, what is the matter?' I cried anxiously.
 
Oh, I thought you were lost! I heard a noise twice, as if the rocks had
shattered down; and I thought you and Fritz were crushed in the ruins!
It was horrible! How glad I am to see you!'
 
I comforted the child, and explained the noises he had heard, inquiring
why he was alone.
 
Ernest is over there among the reeds: I daresay he did not hear the
shots.'
 
I found Ernest busily engaged in weaving a basket in which to catch
fish: he had devised it ingeniously, with a funnel-shaped entrance;
through which the fish passing would not easily find their way out, but
would remain swimming about in the wide part of the apparatus.
 
I shot a young serpent while you were away, father,' said he. It lies
there covered with rushes; it is nearly four feet long, and as thick as
my arm.'
 
A serpent!' cried I, hurrying towards it in alarm, and fearing there
must be a brood of them in the swamp after all.
 
A fine large eel you mean, my boy. This will provide an excellent
supper for us tonight. I am glad you had the courage to kill it,
instead of taking to your heels and fleeing from the supposed serpent.'
 
Well, I thought it would be so horrid to be pursued and caught that I
preferred facing it; my shot took effect, but it was very difficult to
kill the creature outright, it moved about although its head was
smashed.'
 
The tenacity of life possessed by eels is very remarkable,' I said. I
have heard that the best mode of killing them is to grasp them by the
neck and slap their tails smartly against a stone or post.'
 
We made our way back more easily by keeping close to the cliffs, where
the ground was firmer, and found my wife washing clothes at the
fountain. She rejoiced greatly at our safe return, and was much pleased
with the supply of fuller's earth, as she said there was now very
little soap left. The eel was cooked for supper, and during the evening
a full account was given of our passage through the swamp, and
discovery of the rock-crystal cavern.
 
It was most important to ascertain whether any serpent lurked among the
woods of our little territory between the cliffs and the sea.
Preparations were set on foot for the second and greater undertaking of
a search throughout the country beyond the river, as far as the Gap. I
wished all the family to go on the expedition, a decision which gave
universal satisfaction.
 
Intending to be engaged in this search for several weeks, we took the
small tent and a store of all sorts of necessary provisions, as well as
firearms, tools, cooking utensils and torches.
 
All these things were packed on the cart, which was drawn by Storm and
Grumble. Jack and Franz mounted them, and acted at once the part of
riders and drivers. My wife sat comfortably in the cart, Fritz rode in
advance, while Ernest and I walked; we were protected in flank by the
dogs and Fangs, the tame jackal.
 
Directing our course towards Woodlands, we saw many traces of the
serpent's approach to Rockburg. In some places, where the soil was
loose, the trail, like a broad furrow, was very evident indeed.
 
At Falconhurst we made a halt and were, as usual, welcomed by the
poultry, as well as by the sheep and goats.
 
We then passed on to Woodlands, where we arrived at nightfall. All was
peaceful and in good order; no track of the boa in that direction; no
signs of visits from mischievous apes; the little farm and its
inhabitants looked most flourishing.
 
Next day was passed in making a survey of the immediate neighbourhood,
at the same time collecting a quantity of cotton, which was wanted for
new pillows and cushions. In the afternoon Franz was my companion,
carrying a small gun, entrusted to him for the first time.
 
We took Fangs and Bruno with us, and went slowly along the left bank of
the lake, winding our way among reedy thickets, which frequently turned
us aside a considerable distance from the water. The dogs hunted about
in all directions, and raised duck, snipe and heron. These usually flew
directly across the lake, so that Franz got no chance of a shot. He
began to get rather impatient, and proposed firing at the black swans
we saw sailing gracefully on the glassy surface of the lake.
 
Just then a harsh booming sound struck our ears. I paused in wonder as
to whence the noise proceeded, while Franz exclaimed, Oh, father! Can
that be Swift, our young onager?'
 
It cannot possibly be Swift,' said I; adding, after listening
attentively a minute or two, I am inclined to think it must be the cry
of a bittern, a fine handsome bird of the nature of a heron.'
 
Oh! may I shoot it, father? But I wonder how a bird can make that
roaring noise! One would think it was an ox, it is more like lowing
than braying.'
 
The noise creatures make depends more on the construction of the
windpipe, its relation to the lungs and the strength of the muscles
which force out the breath, than on their size. As for example, how
loud is the song of the nightingale and the little canary bird. Some
people say that the bittern booms with his long bill partly thrust into
the boggy ground, which increases the hollow muffled sound of its very
peculiar cry.'
 
Franz was very anxious that the first trophy of his gun should be so
rare a bird as the bittern; the dogs were sent into the wood, and we
waited some distance apart, in readiness to fire.
 
All at once there was a great rustling in the thicket. Franz fired, and
I heard his happy voice calling out: I've hit him! I've hit him!'
 
What have you hit?' shouted I in return.
 
A wild pig,' said he, but bigger than Fritz's.'
 
Aha! I see you remember the agouti! Perhaps it is not a hog at all, but
one of our little pigs from the farm. What will the old sow say to you,
Franz?'
 
I soon joined my boy, and found him in transports of joy over an animal
certainly very much like a pig, although its snout was broad and blunt.
It was covered with bristles, had no tail, and in colour was a
yellowish grey.
 
Examining it carefully and noticing its webbed feet, and its curious
teeth, I decided that it must be a capybara, a water-loving animal of
South America, and Franz was overjoyed to find that he had shot e new
creature', as he said. It was difficult to carry it home, but he very
sensibly proposed that we should open and clean the carcass, which
would make it lighter--and then putting it in a game-bag, he carried it
till quite tired out; he asked if I thought Bruno would let him strap
it on his back. We found the dog willing to bear the burden, and
reached Woodlands soon afterwards.
 
There we were surprised to see Ernest surrounded by a number of large
rats which lay dead on the ground.
 
Where can all these have come from?' exclaimed I. Have you and your
mother been rat-hunting instead of gathering rice as you intended?'
 
We came upon these creatures quite unexpectedly,' he replied. While in
the rice swamp, Knips, who was with us, sprang away to a kind of
long-shaped mound among the reeds, and pounced upon something, which
tried to escape into a hole. He chattered and gnashed his teeth, and
the creature hissed and squeaked, and running up, I found he had got a
big rat by the tail; he would not let go, and the rat could not turn in
the narrow entrance to bite him, but I soon pulled it out and killed it
with my stick.
 
The mound was a curious-looking erection, so I broke it open with some
difficulty, and in doing this dislodged quite a dozen of the creatures.
Some I killed, but many plunged into the water and escaped.
 
On examining their dwelling I found it a vaulted tunnel made of clay
and mud, and thickly lined with sedges, rushes, and water-lily leaves.
 
There were other mounds or lodges close by, and seeking an entrance to
one I stretched my game-bag across it, and then hammered on the roof
till a whole lot of rats sprang out, several right into the bag. I hit
away right and left, but began to repent of my audacity when I found
the whole community swarming about in the wildest excitement, some
escaping, but many stopping in bewilderment, while others actually
attacked me.
 
It was anything but pleasant, I assure you, and I began to think of
Bishop Hatto in the Mouse Tower on the Rhine. Knips liked it as little
as I did, and skipped about desperately to get out of their way, though
he now and then seized a rat by the neck in his teeth.
 
Just as I began to shout for help, Juno came dashing through the reeds
and water, and made quick work with the enemy, all flying from her
attack.
 
My mother had great difficulty in forcing her way through the marsh to
the scene of action, but reached me at last; and we collected all the
slain to show you, and for the sake of their skins.'
 
This account excited my curiosity, and I went to examine the place
Ernest described: where I found, to my surprise, an arrangement much
like a beaver dam, though on a small scale, and less complete.
 
You have discovered a colony of Beaver Rats,' said I to Ernest, so
called from their resemblance in skill and manner of life to that
wonderful creature.'
 
We went back to the house, and met Fritz and Jack just returned from
their excursion, reporting that no trace of serpents, great or small,
had been met with.
 
Jack carried in his hat about a dozen eggs; and Fritz had shot a couple
of heath fowls, a cock and hen.
 
Presently Jack ran for his game-bag, producing some fruit which he had
forgotten. Several pale green apples, quite new to us, excited general
attention.
 
Why, what are those? Are they good?' I asked.
 
I hope so,' said Jack, but Fritz and I were afraid of eating some awful
poison or other, like the manchineel, so we brought them for the
inspection of the learned Master Knips.'
 
I took one and cut it in two, remarking that it contained a circle of
seeds or pips, instead of the stone of the manchineel. At that moment
Knips slyly came behind me, and snatching up one half, began to munch
it with the liveliest satisfaction, an example which the boys were so
eager to follow that a general scramble ensued, and I had some trouble
in securing a couple of the apples for myself and their mother.
 
I imagined this to be the cinnamon apple of the Antilles.
 
Everyone seeming wearied by the fatigues of the day, our mattresses and
pillows were arranged, and the inmates of Woodlands betook themselves
to repose.
 
With early light we commenced the next day's journey, directing our
course to a point between the sugar-brake and the Gap, where we had
once made a sort of arbour of the branches of trees; as this remained
in pretty good condition, we spread a sailcloth over the top of it,
instead of pitching the tent, and made it very comfortable quarters for
the short time I proposed to stay there.
 
Our object being to search the neighbourhood for traces of the boa
constrictor, or any of his kindred, Fritz, Jack, and Franz went with me
to the sugar-cane brake, and we satisfied ourselves that our enemy had
not been there. It was long since we had enjoyed the fresh juice of
these canes, and we were refreshing ourselves therewith, when a loud
barking of dogs and loud rustling and rattling through the thicket of
canes disturbed our pleasant occupation, and, as we could see nothing a
yard off where we stood, I hurried to the open ground, and with guns in
readiness we awaited what was coming.
 
In a few minutes a herd of creatures like little pigs issued from the
thicket, and made off in single file at a brisk trot; they were of a
uniform grey colour, and showed short sharp tusks.
 
My trusty double-barrel speedily laid low two of the fugitives which I
felt certain to be peccaries; the others continued to follow the leader
in line, scarcely turning aside to pass the dead bodies of their
comrades, and maintaining the same steady pace, although Fritz and Jack
also fired and killed several.
 
Presently hearing shots in the direction of the hut where we had left
Ernest and his mother, I sent Jack to their assistance, desiring him to
fetch the cart, that the booty might be conveyed to our encampment,
employing the time of his absence in opening and cleaning the animals,
thus reducing their weight.
 
Ernest came back with Jack and the cart, and told us that the
procession of peccaries had passed near the hut, and that he, with
Juno's help, had secured three of them.
 
I was glad to hear this, as I had determined to cure a good supply of
hams, and we made haste to load the cart; the boys adorned it with
flowers and green boughs, and with songs of triumph which made the
woods ring they conveyed the valuable supply of game to the hut, where
their mother anxiously waited for us.
 
After dinner we set to work upon our pigs, singeing and scalding off
the bristles; I cut out the hams, divided the flitches, bestowed
considerable portions of the carcass on the dogs, and diligently
cleansed and salted the meat, while the boys prepared a shed, where it
was to be hung to be cured in the smoke of fires of green wood.
 
This unexpected business of course detained us in the place for some
time. On the second day, when the smoking-shed was ready, the boys were
anxious to cook the smallest porker in the Otaheitean fashion. For this
purpose they dug a hole, in which they burnt a quantity of dry grass,
sticks and weeds, heating stones, which were placed round the sides of
the pit.
 
While the younger boys made ready the oven, Fritz singed and washed his
peccary, stuffing it with potatoes, onions and herbs, and a good
sprinkling of salt and pepper.
 
He then sewed up the opening, and enveloped the pig in large leaves to
guard it from the ashes and dust of its cooking-place.
 
The fire no longer blazed, but the embers and stones were glowing hot;
the pig was carefully placed in the hole, covered over with hot ashes,
and the whole with earth, so that it looked like a big mole heap.
 
Dinner was looked forward to with curiosity, as well as appetite; my
wife, as usual, distrusting our experiments, was not sanguine of
success, and made ready some plain food as a pis aller.
 
She was well pleased with the curing-hut, which was roomy enough to
hang all our hams and bacon. On a wide hearth in the middle we kindled
a large fire, which was kept constantly smouldering by heaping it with
damp grass and green wood. The hut being closed in above, the smoke
filled it, and penetrated the meat thoroughly: this process it had to
undergo for several days.
 
In a few hours Fritz gave notice that he was going to open his oven.
 
Great excitement prevailed as he removed the earth, turf, and stones,
and a delicious appetizing odour arose from the opening.
 
The peccary was carefully raised, and when a few cinders were picked
off, it looked a remarkably well-cooked dish. Fritz was highly
complimented on his success, even by his mother.
 
During the process of curing our large supply of hams and bacon, which
occupied several days, we roamed about the neighbourhood in all
directions, finding no trace of the serpent, but making many valuable
acquisitions, among which were some gigantic bamboos from fifty to
sixty feet in length, and of proportionate thickness. These, when cut
across near the joints, formed capital casks, tubs, and pots; while the
long sharp thorns, which begirt the stem at intervals, were as strong
and useful as iron nails.
 
One day we made an excursion to the farm at Prospect Hill, and were
grievously provoked to find that the vagabond apes had been there, and
wrought terrible mischief, as before at Woodlands.
 
The animals and poultry were scattered, and everything in the cottage
so torn and dirtied, that it was vain to think of setting things right
that day. We therefore very unwillingly left the disorder as we found
it, purposing to devote time to the work afterwards.
 
When all was in readiness for the prosecution of our journey, we closed
and barricaded the hut, in which, for the present, we left the store of
bacon; and arranging our march in the usual patriarchal style, we took
our way to the Gap, the thorough defence of which defile was the main
object we had in view.
 
Our last halting-place being much enclosed by shrubs, bamboos and
brushwood, we had during our stay opened a path through the cane
thicket in the direction we were about to travel; this we now found of
the greatest assistance, and the loaded cart passed on without
impediment.
 
The ground was open and tolerably level beyond, so that in a few hours
we arrived at the extreme limit of our coast territory.
 
We halted on the outskirts of a little wood behind which, to the right,
rose the precipitous and frowning cliffs of the mountain gorge, while
to the left flowed the torrent, leaving between it and the rocks the
narrow pass we called the Gap, and passing onward to mingle its waters
with the sea.
 
The wood afforded us pleasant shelter and standing high, and within
gunshot of the mouth of the rocky pass, I resolved to make it our
camping-place. We therefore unpacked the cart, and made our usual
arrangements for safety and comfort, not forgetting to examine the wood
itself, so as to ascertain whether it harboured any dangerous animals.
 
Nothing worse than wild cats was discovered. We disturbed several of
these creatures in their pursuit of birds and small game, but they fled
at our approach.
 
By the time dinner was ready we felt much fatigued, and some hours of
unusually sultry and oppressive heat compelled us to rest until towards
evening, when returning coolness revived our strength. We pitched the
tent, and then occupied ourselves with preparations for the next day,
when it was my intention to penetrate the country beyond the defile,
and make a longer excursion across the savannah, than had yet been
undertaken.
 
All was ready for a start at an early hour; my brave wife consented to
remain in camp with Franz as her companion, while the three elder boys,
and all the dogs, except Juno, went with me.
 
We expected to find it somewhat difficult to make our way through the
narrowest part of the pass, which had been so strongly barricaded and
planted with thorny shrubs, but found on the contrary that the fences
and walls were broken down and disarranged. It was thus very evident
that the great snake, as well as the herd of peccaries, had made an
entrance here.
 
This barricade was the first check that had been placed by hand of man
upon the wild free will of nature in this lonely place.
 
With one consent storms, floods, torrents, and the wild beasts of the
forest, had set themselves to destroy it.
 
We resolved to make the defences doubly strong, being convinced that
the position was capable of being barricaded and fortified so as to
resist the invaders we dreaded.
 
The prospect which opened before us on emerging from the rocky pass was
wide, and varied. Swelling hills and verdant wooded vales were seen on
one hand, while a great plain stretched before us, extending from the
banks of the river towards a chain of lofty mountains, whose summits
were rendered indistinct in the haze of the distance.
 
We crossed the stream, which we named East River, filling our flasks
with water, and it was well we did so, for in continuing our journey,
we found the soil become more arid and parched than we had expected; in
fact we soon appeared surrounded by a desert.
 
The boys were astonished at the altered appearance of the country, part
of which had been explored when we met with the buffaloes. I reminded
them of the difference of the season; that the expedition had been made
directly after the rains, when vegetation had clothed with transient
beauty this region, which, possessing no source of moisture in itself,
had become scathed and bare during the blazing heat of summer.
 
Our march proceeded slowly, and many were the uncomplimentary remarks
made on the new country'.
 
It was Arabia Petrea,' groaned one. Desert of Sahara,' sighed another.
Fit abode for demons,' muttered a third. Subterranean volcanic fires
are raging beneath our feet.'
 
Patience, my good fellows!' cried I. You are too easily discouraged.
Look beyond the toilsome way to those grand mountains whose spurs are
already stretching forward to meet us. Who knows what pleasant
surprises await us amid their steep declivities? I, for my part, expect
to find water, fresh grass, trees and a lovely resting-place.'
 
We were all glad to repose beneath the shade of the first overhanging
rock we came to, although by pressing further upwards, we might have
attained to a pleasanter spot.
 
Looking back towards the Gap, we marked the strange contrast of the
smiling country bordering the river, and the dreary, monotonous plain
we had traversed.
 
After gazing on the distant scene, we produced our store of provisions,
and were busily engaged, when Knips (our constant companion) suddenly
began to snuff and smell about in a very ridiculous way; finally, with
a shriek which we knew was expressive of pleasure, he set off at full
speed, followed by all the dogs, up a sort of glen behind us.
 
We left them to their own devices, being far too pleasantly engaged
with our refreshments to care much what fancy the little rogue had got
in his head.
 
When hunger was somewhat appeased, Fritz once more cast his eyes over
the expanse of plain before us, and after looking fixedly for a moment,
exclaimed, Is it possible that I see a party of horsemen riding at full
gallop towards us! Can they be wild Arabs of the desert?'
 
Arabs, my boy! Certainly not; but take the spy-glass and make them out
exactly. We shall have to be on our guard, whatever they are!'
 
I cannot see distinctly enough to be sure,' said he presently, and
imagination supplies the deficiency of sight in most strange fashion. I
could fancy them wild cattle, loaded carts, wandering hay-cocks, in
fact almost anything I like.'
 
The spy-glass passed from hand to hand; Jack and Ernest agreed in
thinking the moving objects were men on horseback; but when it came to
my turn to look, I at once pronounced them to be very large ostriches.
 
This is fortunate indeed!' I exclaimed. We must try to secure one of
these magnificent birds; the feathers alone are worth having.'
 
A live ostrich, father! That would be splendid. Why, we might ride upon
him!'
 
As the ostriches approached, we began to consider in what way we should
attempt a capture. I sent Fritz and Jack to recall the dogs, and placed
myself with Ernest behind some shrubs which would conceal us from the
birds as they came onwards.
 
The boys did not rejoin us for some little time; they found Knips and
the dogs at a pool of water formed by a small mountain stream, which
the monkey's instinct had detected; his sudden departure was thus
accounted for, and they availed themselves right gladly of his
discovery, filling their flasks, and hastily bathing before their
return.
 
The ostriches continued to come in our direction, varying their pace as
though in sport, springing, trotting, galloping and chasing each other
round and round, so that their approach was by no means rapid.
 
I could now perceive that of the five birds one only was a male, the
white plumes of the wings and tail contrasting finely with the deep
glossy black of the neck and body.
 
The colour of the females being ashen brown, the effect of their white
plumes was not so handsome.
 
I do not believe we shall have a chance with these birds,' said I,
except by sending Fritz's eagle in pursuit; and for that we must bide
our time, and let them come as near as possible.'
 
In what way, then, are ostriches caught by the natives of the African
deserts?' inquired Fritz.
 
Sometimes by chase on horseback; but their speed is so very great, that
even that must be conducted by stratagem.
 
When these birds are pursued, they will run for hours in a wide circle;
the hunter gallops after them, but describes a much smaller circle, and
can therefore maintain the pace for a longer time, waiting to make the
attack until the bird is fatigued.
 
Among the bushmen, the hunter sometimes envelops himself in the skin of
an ostrich, his legs doing duty for those of the bird, and his arm
managing the head and neck so as to imitate the movements of the bird
when feeding. The enterprising hunter is thus enabled to get among a
flock of ostriches, and to shoot them with arrows one after another.
 
When aware of an enemy they defend themselves desperately, using their
powerful legs as weapons, always kicking forwards, and inflicting
dreadful injuries on dogs, and even on men if attacked without due
precaution. But let us take up our positions, and keep perfectly still,
for the ostriches are at hand!'
 
We held the dogs concealed as much as possible; the stately birds
suddenly perceiving us, paused, hesitated and appeared uneasy. Yet as
no movement was made, they drew a few steps nearer, with outstretched
necks, examining curiously the unwonted spectacle before them.
 
The dogs became impatient, struggled from our grasp and furiously
rushed towards our astonished visitors. In an instant they turned and
fled with the speed of the wind; their feet seemed not to touch the
ground, their wings aiding their marvellously rapid progress.
 
In a few moments they would have been beyond our reach, but as they
turned to fly the eagle was unhooded. Singling out the male bird the
falcon made his fatal swoop, and, piercing the skull, the magnificent
creature was laid low. Before we could reach the spot the dogs had
joined the bird of prey, and were fiercely tearing the flesh and
bedabbling the splendid plumes with gore.
 
This sight grieved us.
 
What a pity we could not capture this glorious bird alive!' exclaimed
Fritz, as we took its beautiful feathers. It must, I am sure, have
stood more than six feet high, and two of us might have mounted him at
once!'
 
In the vast sandy deserts where nothing grows, what can flocks of these
birds find to live upon?' inquired Ernest.
 
That would indeed be hard to say, if the deserts were utterly barren
and unfruitful,' returned I, but over these sandy wastes a beneficent
Providence scatters plants of wild melons, which absorb and retain
every drop of moisture, and which quench the thirst as well as satisfy
the hunger of the ostriches and other inhabitants of the wilds. These
melons, however, do not constitute his entire diet; he feeds freely on
grasses, dates and hard grain, when he can obtain them.'
 
Does the ostrich utter any cry?'
 
The voice of the ostrich is a deep hollow rumbling sound, so much
resembling the roar of the lion as to be occasionally mistaken for it.
But what does Jack mean by waving his cap, and beckoning in that
excited fashion? What has the boy found, I wonder?'
 
He ran a little way towards us, shouting:
 
Eggs, father! Ostriches' eggs! A huge nest-full--do come quick!'
 
We all hastened to the spot, and in a slight hollow of the ground,
beheld more than twenty eggs, as large as an infant's head.
 
The idea of carrying more than two away with us was preposterous,
although the boys, forgetting what the weight would be, seriously
contemplated clearing the nest.
 
They were satisfied when a kind of landmark had been set up, so that if
we returned we might easily find the nest.
 
As each egg weighed about three pounds, the boys soon found the burden
considerable, even when tied into a handkerchief and carried like a
basket. To relieve them, I cut a strong elastic heath stick, and
suspending an egg in its sling at each end, laid the bent stick over
Jack's shoulder, and like a Dutch dairy-maid with her milkpails, he
stepped merrily along without inconvenience.
 
We presently reached a marshy place surrounding a little pool evidently
fed by the stream which Knips had discovered. The soft ground was
trodden and marked by the footsteps of many different sorts of animals;
we saw tracks of buffaloes, antelopes, onagers or quaggas, but no trace
whatever of any kind of serpent: hitherto our journey in search of
monster reptiles had been signalized by very satisfactory failure.
 
By this brook we sat down to rest and take some food; Fangs presently
disappeared, and Jack calling to his pet discovered him gnawing at
something which he had dug from the marsh. Taking it for a root of some
sort, Jack brought it for my inspection. I dipped it in water to clear
off the mud, and to my surprise found a queer little living creature,
no bigger than half an apple, in my hand. It was a small tortoise.
 
A tortoise, I declare!' cried Fritz. What a long way from the sea. How
came it here, I wonder?'
 
Perhaps there has been a tortoise-shower,' remarked Ernest. One reads
of frog-showers in the time of the ancient Romans.'
 
Hollo, Professor! You're out for once,' said I. This is nothing but a
mud-tortoise, which lives in wet, marshy ground and fresh water. They
are useful in gardens; for although they like a few lettuce leaves now
and then, they will destroy numbers of snails, grubs, and worms.'
 
Resuming our journey, we arrived at a charming valley, verdant,
fruitful, and shaded by clumps of graceful trees. It afforded us the
greatest delight and refreshment to pass along this cool and lovely
vale, which we agreed to call Glen Verdant.
 
In the distance we could see herds of antelopes or buffaloes feeding;
but as our dogs continually ranged a long way ahead of us, they were
quickly startled, and vanished up one or other of the narrow gorges
which opened out of the valley.
 
Following the imperceptible windings of the vale, we were surprised, on
quitting it for the more open ground, to find ourselves in country we
were already acquainted with, and not far from the Jackal Cave, as we
called the place where Fangs had been captured in cubhood.
 
On recognizing the spot, Ernest, who was in advance with one of the
dogs, hastened towards it. We lost sight of him for a few minutes, and
then arose a cry of terror, violent barking and deep, surly growls.
 
As we rushed forward, Ernest met us, looking white as ashes, and
calling out, A bear, a bear, father! He is coming after me!'
 
The boy clung to me in mortal fear. I felt his whole frame quivering.
 
Courage, my son!' cried I, disengaging myself from his grasp. We must
prepare for instant defence!'
 
The dogs dashed forward to join the fray, whatever it was; and not long
were we in doubt. To my no small consternation, an enormous bear made
his appearance, quickly followed by another.
 
With levelled guns, my brave Fritz and I advanced slowly to meet them.
Jack was also ready to fire, but the shock had so unnerved Ernest that
he fairly took to his heels. We fired together, one at each bear; but
though hit, the monsters were unfortunately only wounded. We found it
most difficult to take aim, as the dogs beset them on all sides.
However, they were much disabled, one having the lower jaw broken, and
the other, with a bullet in its shoulder, was effectually lamed. The
dogs, perceiving their advantage, pressed more closely round their
foes, who yet defended themselves furiously with frightful yells of
pain and rage. Such was the confusion and perpetual movement of the
struggle, that I dared not fire again, seeing that even slightly
wounding one of our gallant hounds would instantly place him in the
power of the raging bears.
 
Watching our opportunity, we suddenly advanced with loaded pistols to
within a very few paces of the animals, and firing, both fell dead, one
shot through the head, the other, in the act of rearing to spring on
Fritz, received his charge in its heart.
 
Thank Heaven!' cried I, as with dull groans the brutes sank to the
ground. We have escaped the greatest peril we have yet encountered!'
 
The dogs continued to tear and worry the fallen foe, as though
unwilling to trust the appearance of death. With feelings somewhat
akin, I drew my hunting-knife, and made assurance doubly sure.
 
Seeing all safe, Jack raised a shout of victory, that poor Ernest might
gain courage to approach the scene of conflict, which at last he did,
and joined us in examining the dangerous animals, as they lay
motionless before us.
 
Every point was full of interest, their wounds, their sharp teeth,
their mighty claws, the extraordinary strength of neck and shoulder,
all were remarked and commented on, and observing that the shaded brown
hair was tipped with glossy white, I thought that these might be the
silver bears mentioned in Captain Clarke's journey to the north-west
coasts of America.
 
Well, my lads,' said I, if we have failed to catch sight of serpents,
we have at least made good riddance of some other bad rubbish! These
fellows would one day have worked us woe, or I am much mistaken. What's
to be done next?'
 
Why, skin them, to be sure,' said Fritz. We shall have a couple of
splendid bear-skin rugs.'
 
As this process would take time and evening drew on we dragged the huge
carcasses into their den, to await our return, concealing them with
boughs of trees and fencing the entrance as well as we could. The
ostrich eggs we also left behind us, hidden in a sandy hole.
 
By sunset we reached the tent, and joyfully rejoined my wife and Franz,
right glad to find a hearty meal prepared for us, as well as a large
heap of brushwood for the watch-fire.
 
When a full account of our adventures had been given, with a minute and
special description of the bear-fight, my wife related what she had
done during our absence. She and Franz had made their way through the
wood up to the rocks behind it, and discovered a bed of pure white
clay, which it seemed to her might be used for making porcelain. Then
she had contrived a drinking-trough for the cattle out of a split
bamboo.
 
She had arranged a hearth in a sheltered place by building up large
stones, cemented with the white clay; and, finally, she had cut a
quantity of canes and brought them, on the cart, to be in readiness for
the building we had in hand.
 
I praised the thoughtful diligence which had effected so much that was
of real and definite use. In order to try the clay I put some balls of
it in-the fire now kindled to burn during the night, and we then betook
ourselves to rest under shelter of our tent.
 
I awoke at dawn and aroused my little party. My first idea was to
examine the clay balls, which I found baked hard and finely glazed, but
too much melted down by the heat--a fault which, seeing the excellent
quality of the clay, I knew it would be well worthwhile to remedy.
 
After breakfast, and our accustomed devotions, we harnessed the cart,
and took the way to the bears' den. Fritz headed the party, and, coming
in sight of the entrance to the cave, called out softly:
 
Make haste and you will see a whole crowd of wild turkeys, who seem to
have come to attend the funeral obsequies of their respected friend and
neighbour, Bruin, here. But there appears to be a jealous watcher who
is unwilling to admit the visitors to the bed of state!'
 
The Watcher, as Fritz called him, was an immensely large bird, with a
sort of comb on his head, and a loose fleshy skin hanging from beneath
the beak. Part of the neck was bare, wrinkled and purplish-red, while
around it, resting on the shoulders, was a downy collar of soft white
feathers. The plumage was greyish-brown, marked here and there with
white patches; the feet appeared to be armed with strong claws. This
great bird guarded the entrance to the cave, occasionally retiring into
it himself for a few minutes; but as soon as the other birds came
pressing in after him, he hurried out again and they were forced to
retire.
 
We stopped to observe this curious scene, and were startled suddenly by
a mighty rush of wings in the air above us. We looked up; at the same
moment Fritz fired, and an enormous bird fell heavily head foremost on
the rocks, by which its neck was broken, while blood flowed from a
wound in the breast.
 
We had been holding back the dogs, but they, with Fritz, now rushed
towards the cave, the birds rising around them and departing with heavy
ungainly flight, leaving only Fritz's prize, and one of the other
birds, killed by the large one in its fall.
 
With the utmost caution I entered the cave, and rejoiced to find that
the tongue and eyes only of the bears had been devoured: a little later
and we should have had the handsome skins pecked and torn to rags, and
all chance of steaks and bears'-paws gone.
 
On measuring the wings of the large bird from tip to tip, I found the
length exceeded eleven feet, and concluded it to be a condor; it was
evidently the mate of the Watcher', as Fritz called the first we saw.
 
To work we now went on the bears, and no slight affair we found it to
skin and cut them up, but by dint of perseverance we at last succeeded
in our object.
 
Determining to smoke the meat on the spot, we cut magnificent hams, and
took off the rest of the meat in slices after the manner of the
buccaneers in the West Indies, preserving the paws entire to be cooked
as a delicacy, and obtaining from the two bears together a prodigious
supply of lard, which my wife gladly undertook to melt and prepare for
keeping.
 
The bones and offal we drew to some distance with the help of our
cattle, and made the birds of the air most welcome to feast upon it.
This, with the assistance of all sorts of insects, they did so
effectually that before we left the place the skulls were picked
perfectly clean, the sun had dried them, and they were ready for us to
carry off to our museum.
 
The skins had to be very carefully scraped, washed, salted, cleansed
with ashes and dried, which occupied fully two days.
 
I observed among the brushwood which the boys had brought from the
thickets around us, a climbing plant, whose leaves had a very strong
smell; the stem resembled a vine, and the fruit grew in clusters like
currants. Some were red, and some of a green colour, which I supposed
to denote various degrees of ripeness. They were hard, and the outer
skin was quite thin.
 
I recognized in this the pepper plant, a discovery particularly
agreeable at this moment.
 
The boys soon gathered a large supply; the red berries were soaked in
salt and water for several days, then washed and rubbed, and finally,
becoming perfectly white, were dried in the sun. The treatment of the
green berries was simple; they were merely exposed to the sun's heat
for a day or two, and then stored: in this way we obtained enough, both
of black and white pepper, to last us a very long time.
 
I took also a number of young plants, that we might have pepper growing
at Rockburg and our various settlements. Some roots of another plant
were also taken, which, from the pods, appeared to be a kind of bean.
 
We were glad of this occupation during the tedious business of smoking
the bears' meat, and availed ourselves of the leisure time by also
preparing for stuffing the condor and the turkey buzzard, urubu or
black vulture--for I could not determine to which species the smaller
bird belonged.
 
The four boys at length became so weary of inaction, that I determined
to let them make an excursion alone on the savannah. Three of them
received this permission with eager delight, but Ernest said he would
prefer to remain with us; to which, as the expedition was to be
entirely one of pleasure, I could make no objection.
 
Little Franz, on the other hand, whom I would willingly have kept with
us, was wild to go with his brothers, and I was obliged to consent, as
I had made the proposal open to all, and could not draw back.
 
In the highest spirits they ran to bring their steeds (as we were fain
to call the cattle they rode) from their pasturage at a short distance.
Speedily were they saddled, bridled and mounted--the three lads were
ready to be off.
 
It was my wish that our sons should cultivate a habit of bold
independence, for well I knew that it might be the will of God to
deprive them easily of their parents; when, without an enterprising
spirit of self-reliance, their position would be truly miserable.
 
My gallant Fritz possessed this desirable quality in no small degree,
and to him I committed the care of his young brothers, charging them to
look up to and obey him as their leader.
 
They were well armed, well mounted, had a couple of good dogs; and,
with a hearty God speed and bless you, my boys!' I let them depart.
 
We, who remained behind, passed the day in a variety of useful
occupations.
 
The bears' meat, which was being cured in a smoking-shed such as that
we set up for the peccary hams, required a good deal of attention from
my wife. Ernest had a fancy for making ornamental cups from the ostrich
eggs, while I investigated the interior of the cave.
 
I found the inner wall to consist of a kind of talc, mingled with
threads of asbestos, and also indications of mica. Examining further, I
detached a large block, and found to my joy that I could split it into
clear transparent sheets, which would serve admirably for window panes.
 
My wife saw this substitute for glass with unfeigned satisfaction,
declaring, that although she would not complain, yet the want of glass
for windows had been a downright trouble to her.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 13
 
As evening approached, the bears' paws, which were stewing for supper,
sent forth savoury odours; and we sat talking round the fire, while
listening anxiously for sounds heralding the return of our young
explorers.
 
At last the tramp and beat of hoofs struck our ears; the little troop
appeared, crossing the open ground before us at a sharp trot, and a
shrill ringing cheer greeted us as we rose and went to meet them.
 
They sprang from their saddles, the animals were set at liberty to
refresh themselves, and the riders eagerly came to exhibit their
acquisitions and give an account of themselves.
 
Funny figures they cut! Franz and Jack had each a young kid slung on
his back, so that the four legs, tied together, stuck out under their
chins.
 
Fritz's game-bag looked remarkably queer--round lumps, sharp points,
and an occasional movement seemed to indicate a living creature or
creatures within.
 
Hurrah, for the chase, father!' cried Jack. Nothing like real hunting
after all. And just to see how Storm and Grumble go along over a grassy
plain! It is perfectly splendid! We soon tired out the little
antelopes, and were able to catch them.'
 
Yes, father,' said Franz, and Fritz has two angora rabbits in his bag,
and we wanted to bring you some honey. Only think! Such a clever
bird--a cuckoo, showed us where it was!'
 
My brothers forget the chief thing,' said Fritz. We have driven a
little herd of antelopes right through the Gap into our territory; and
there they are, all ready for us to hunt when we like--or to catch and
tame!'
 
Well done!' cried I. Here is indeed a list of achievements. But to your
mother and me, the chief thing of all, is God's goodness in bringing
you safe back to us. Now, let us hear the whole story that we may have
a definite idea of your performances.'
 
We had a splendid ride,' said Fritz, down Glen Verdant, and away to the
defile through our Rocky Barrier, and the morning was so cool and fresh
that our steeds galloped along, nearly the whole way, at the top of
their speed. When we had passed through the Gap we moderated our
furious pace and kept our eyes open on the look-out for game; we then
trotted slowly to the top of a grassy hill, from whose summit we saw
two herds of animals, whether antelopes, goats or gazelles, we did not
know, grazing by the side of the stream below us. We were about to
gallop down and try to get a shot at them, when it struck me that it
would be wiser to try and drive the whole herd through the Gap into our
own domain, where they would be shut up, as it were, in a park, free
and yet within reach. Down the hill we rode as hard as we could go,
formed in a semicircle behind the larger herd magnificent
antelopes--and, aided by the dogs, with shouts and cries drove them
along the stream towards the Gap; as we came near the opening they
appeared inclined to halt and turn like sheep about to be driven into
the butcher's yard; and it was all we could do to prevent them from
bolting past us; but, at length, one made a rush at the opening and,
the rest following, they were soon all on the other side of the
frontier and inhabitants of New Switzerland.'
 
Capital,' I said, capital, my boy! But I don't see what is to make them
remain inhabitants of our domain, or to prevent them from returning
through the Gap whenever they feel inclined.'
 
Stop, father,' he replied, you interrupted me too soon; we thought of
that possibility too, and provided against it. We stretched a long line
right across the defile and strung on it feathers and rags and all
sorts of other things, which danced and fluttered in the wind, and
looked so strange that I am perfectly certain that the herd will never
attempt to pass it; in fact, Levaillant, from whom I learnt the trick,
says in his Voyage au Cap de Bonne Esperance that the Hottentots make
use of the method for penning in the antelopes they have caught in the
chase.'
 
Well done,' said I, I am glad to see that you remember what you have
read. The antelopes are welcome to New Switzerland, but, my boy,' I
added, I cannot say the same for the rabbits you have there; they
increase so rapidly that if you establish a colony of the little
wretches your next difficulty will be to get rid of them.'
 
True,' he replied, but my idea was to place them upon Whale Island,
where they would find abundant food, and at the same time in no way
trouble us. May I not establish a warren there? It would be so useful.
Do you know my eagle caught these pretty little fellows for me? I saw a
number of them running about and so unhooded him, and in a few minutes
he brought me three--one dead, with whose body I rewarded him, and
these two here, unhurt.'
 
Now, father,' said Jack, interrupting him, do listen to me and hear my
story, or else Fritz will begin upon my adventures and tire you out
with his rigmarole descriptions.'
 
Certainly, Jack,' I said, I am quite ready to listen to you. First and
foremostly, how did you bring down those beautiful little animals you
have there?'
 
Oh, we galloped them down. The dogs sniffed about in the grass while
Fritz was away after the rabbits, out popped these little fawns and
away they went bounding and skipping, at the rate of thirty miles an
hour, with Storm, Grumble and the dogs at their heels. In about a
quarter of an hour we had left the dogs behind and were close upon our
prey. Down went the little creatures in the grass, and, overcome with
terror and fatigue, were at our mercy. So we shouted to Fritz, and--'
 
My dear boy,' said 1, according to your statement, Fritz must have been
seven miles and a half off.'
 
Oh, well, father, perhaps we did not ride for quite a quarter of an
hour, and, of course, I can't say exactly how fast we were going; and
then, you see, the fawns did not run in a straight line; at any rate
Fritz heard us, and he and Franz and I leashed the legs of the pretty
creatures, and then we mounted again, and presently saw a wretch of a
cuckoo, who led us ever so far out of our course by cuckooing and
making faces at us and then hopping away. Franz declared it must be an
enchanted princess, and so I thought I would rid it of its spell; but
Fritz stopped me shooting it, and said it was a "Honey Indicator", and
that it was leading us probably to a bees' bike, so we spared its life,
and presently, sure enough, it stopped close by a bees' nest in a
hollow tree. This was capital, we thought, and, as we were in a great
hurry to taste the honey, I threw in a lot of lighted lucifer matches,
but somehow it did not kill the bees at all, but only made them awfully
angry, and they flew out in a body and stung me all over. I rushed to
Storm and sprang on his back, but, though I galloped away for bare
life, it was an age before I got rid of the little wretches, and now my
face is in a perfect fever. I think I will get mother to bathe it for
me,' and off rushed the noisy boy, leaving Fritz and me to see to the
fawns and examine the rabbits. With these latter I determined to do as
Fritz proposed, namely, to colonize Whale Island with them. I was all
the more willing to do this because I had been considering the
advisability of establishing on that island a fortress to which we
might retreat in any extreme danger, and where we should be very
thankful, in case of such a retreat, to possess means of obtaining a
constant supply of animal food.
 
Having ministered to the wants of the antelopes, I tried to interest
the boys in my discovery of the block of talc, but just then their
mother summoned us to dinner.
 
The principal dish in this meal consisted of the bears' paws--most
savoury-smelling delicacies, so tempting that their close resemblance
to human hands, and even the roguish Fee-fo-fum' from Jack, did not
prevent a single member of the family from enjoying them most heartily.
 
Supper over, we lit our watch-fire, retired to our tent and slept
soundly.
 
We had been working very diligently; the bears' meat was smoked, the
fat melted down and stored, and a large supply of bamboos collected.
But I wished to make yet another excursion, and at early dawn I aroused
the boys.
 
Fritz mounted the mule, I rode Lightfoot, Jack and Franz took their
usual steeds and, with the two dogs, we galloped off--first to visit
the euphorbia to collect the gum, and then to discover whether the
ostrich had deserted her eggs in the sand.
 
Ernest watched us depart without the slightest look or sigh of regret,
and returned to the tent to assist his mother and study his books.
 
Our steeds carried us down the Green Valley at a rapid rate, and we
followed the direction we had pursued on our former expedition. We soon
reached Turtle Marsh, and then, filling our water-flasks, we arrived at
the rising ground where Fritz discovered the mounted Arabs.
 
As Jack and Franz wanted a gallop, I allowed them to press forward,
while Fritz and I visited the euphorbia trees. A quantity of the red
gum had exuded from the incisions I had made, and as this had
coagulated in the sun, I rolled it into little balls and stored it in a
bamboo jar I had brought with me for the purpose.
 
As we rode after the boys, who were some way ahead, Fritz remarked, Did
you not tell me that the juice of that tree was poisonous, father; why
have you collected such a quantity?'
 
I did indeed say so,' I replied, it is a most deadly poison. The
inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope use it to poison the springs where
wild animals assemble to quench their thirst; and they thus slaughter
an immense number of the creatures for the sake of their hides. I
intend, however, to use it to destroy the apes should they again commit
depredations, and also in preparing the skins of animals to protect
them from the attacks of insects.'
 
The two boys were still at some distance from us, when suddenly four
magnificent ostriches rose from the sand where they had been sitting.
 
Jack and Franz perceived them, and with a great shout, drove them
towards us. In front ran a splendid male bird, his feathers of shining
black, and his great tail plume waving behind. Three females of an
ashen grey colour followed him. They approached us with incredible
swiftness, and were within gun-shot before they perceived us.
 
Fritz had had the forethought to bind up the beak of his eagle so that,
should he bring down an ostrich, he might be unable to injure it.
 
He now threw up the falcon which, towering upwards, swooped down upon
the head of the foremost bird, and so confused and alarmed him, that he
could not defend himself nor continue his flight. So greatly was his
speed checked that Jack overtook him, and hurling his lasso, enfolded
his wings and legs in its deadly coils and brought him to the ground.
The other ostriches were almost out of sight, so leaving them to their
own devices we leaped from our steeds and attempted to approach the
captured bird. He struggled fearfully, and kicked with such violence
right and left, that I almost despaired of getting him home alive.
 
It occurred to me, however, that if we could cover his eyes, his fury
might be subdued. I instantly acted upon this idea, and flung over his
head my coat and huntingbag, which effectually shut out the light.
 
No sooner had I done this than his struggles ceased, and we were able
to approach. We first secured round his body a broad strip of sealskin,
on each side of which I fastened a stout piece of cord, that I might be
able to lead him easily. Then, fastening another cord in a loop round
his legs that he might be prevented from breaking into a gallop, we
released him from the coils of the lasso.
 
Do you know,' said I to the boys, how the natives of India secure a
newly captured elephant?'
 
Oh, yes!' said Fritz. They fasten him between two tame elephants. We'll
do that to this fine fellow, and tame him double quick.'
 
The only difficulty will be,' remarked Jack, that we have no tame
ostriches. However, I daresay Storm and Grumble will have no objection
to perform their part, and it will puzzle even this great monster to
run away with them.'
 
So we at once began operations. Storm and Grumble were led up on either
side of the recumbent ostrich, and the cords secured to their girths.
Jack and Franz, each armed with a stout whip, mounted their respective
steeds, the wrappers were removed from the bird's eyes, and we stood by
to watch what would next occur.
 
For some moments after the return of his sight he lay perfectly still,
then he arose with a bound and, not aware of the cords which hampered
him, attempted to dash forwards. The thongs were stout, and he was
brought to his knees. A fruitless struggle ensued, and then at length
seeming to accommodate himself to circumstances, he set off at a sharp
trot, his guards making the air re-echo with their merry shouts. These
cries stimulated the ostrich to yet further exertions, but he was at
length brought to a stand by the determined refusal of his four-footed
companions to continue such a race across loose sand.
 
The boys having enjoyed the long run, I told them to walk with the
prisoner slowly home, while Fritz and I returned to examine the
ostrich's nest. The eggs were quite warm, and I was certain that the
mother had quite recently left the nest; leaving about half, I packed
the rest of the eggs in a large bag I had brought for the purpose, and
slung it carefully on the saddle before me. We soon caught up our
advance guard, and without other notable incident reached our tent.
 
Astonishment and dismay were depicted on the face of my wife as we
approached.
 
My dear husband,' she exclaimed, do you think our provisions so
abundant that you must scour the deserts to find some great beast to
assist us to devour them? You must discover an iron mine next, for iron
is what ostriches chiefly live on, is it not? Oh! I do wish you would
be content with the menagerie you have already collected, instead of
bringing in a specimen of every beast you come across. And this is such
a useless monster!'
 
Useless! Mother,' exclaimed Jack, you would not say so had you seen him
run; why he will be the fleetest courser in our stables. I am going to
make a saddle and bridle for him, and in future he shall be my only
steed. Then as for his appetite, father declares it is most delicate,
he only wants a little fruit and grass, and a few stones and tenpenny
nails to help his digestion.'
 
The way in which Jack assumed the proprietorship of our new prize
seemed to strike his brothers as rather cool, and there was instantly a
cry raised on the subject.
 
Very well,' said Jack, let us each take possession of the part of the
ostrich we captured. Your bird, Fritz, seized the head; keep that;
father shall have the body, I'll have the legs, and Franz a couple of
feathers from the tail.'
 
Come, come,' said I, I think that Jack has a very good right to the
ostrich, seeing that he brought it to the ground, and if he succeeds in
taming it and converting it into a saddle-horse it shall be his. From
this time, therefore, he is responsible for its training.'
 
The day was now too far advanced to allow us to think of setting out
for Rockburg, so we fastened up the ostrich between two trees, and
devoted the remainder of the evening to making preparations for our
departure.
 
At early dawn our picturesque caravan was moving homewards. The ostrich
continued so refractory that we were obliged to make him again march
between Storm and Grumble, and as these gallant steeds were thus
employed, the cow was harnessed to the cart, laden with our treasures.
Room was left in the cart for my wife, Jack and Franz mounted Storm and
Grumble, I rode Lightfoot, and Fritz brought up the rear on Swift.
 
At the mouth of the Gap we called a halt, and replaced the cord the
boys had strung with ostrich feathers by a stout palisade of bamboos. I
also took the opportunity of collecting a store of pipe-clay, as I
intended during the winter months, which were close at hand, to try my
hand at china making.
 
When we reached the sugar-cane grove, we again stopped to collect the
peccary hams we had left to be smoked; and my wife begged me to gather
some seeds of an aromatic plant which grew in the neighbourhood, and
which had the scent of vanilla. I obtained a good supply, and we moved
forward towards Woodlands, where we intended to rest for the night,
after our long and fatiguing march.
 
Our tent was pitched, and on our beds of cotton we slept soundly.
 
Next morning early we examined our farmyard, which appeared in a most
prosperous and flourishing condition. The sight of all these domestic
animals made us long even more than ever for our home at Rockburg, and
we determined to hasten thither with all possible speed.
 
The number of our pigs, goats and poultry had greatly increased since
we had last visited our colony; and some of these, two fine broods of
chickens especially, my wife wished to take back with her.
 
We found that the herd of antelopes which Fritz and Jack had driven
through the Gap, had taken up their abode in the neighbourhood, and
several times we saw the beautiful animals browsing amongst the trees.
 
While at the farm, we repaired both the animals' stalls, and our
dwelling-room, that the former might be more secure against the attacks
of wild beasts, and the latter fitted for our accommodation when we
should visit the spot.
 
Everything at length being satisfactorily arranged, we again retired to
rest, and early next morning completed our journey to Rockburg.
 
By midday we were once more settled at home. Windows and doors were
thrown open to admit fresh air; the animals established in their
stalls; and the cart's miscellaneous cargo discharged and arranged.
 
As much time as I could spare, I devoted to the ostrich, whom we
fastened, for the present, between two bamboo posts in front of our
dwelling.
 
I then turned my attention to the eggs we had brought, and which I
determined to hatch, if possible by artificial heat. For this purpose I
arranged a stove, which I maintained at a uniform temperature, and on
it I placed the eggs carefully wrapped in cotton wool.
 
Next morning Fritz and I went off in the boat first to Whale Island,
there to establish our colonists, the angora rabbits, and then to Shark
Island, where we placed the dainty little antelopes. Having made them
happy with their liberty and abundance of food, we returned as quickly
as possible to cure the bears' skins, and add the provisions we had
brought to the stores lying in our cellar.
 
As we returned, we caught up Jack, making his way in great glee towards
Rockburg. He was carrying, in a basket, an immense eel, which he and
Ernest had secured.
 
Ernest had set, on the previous night, a couple of lines; one had been
dragged away, but on the other they found this splendid fellow.
 
It proved delicious. Half was prepared for dinner, and the other half
salted and stowed away.
 
We now, for a short time, again turned our attention to our duties
about the house.
 
Thinking that the verandah would be greatly improved by some creepers,
I sowed round the foot of each bamboo pillar, vanilla, and pepper-seed,
as well as that of other creeping plants, which would not only give the
house a pleasanter aspect, but also afford us shade during the summer
months.
 
I constructed a couple of hen-coops too, for the hens and their little
chicks which we had brought from Woodlands, for I knew that if I left
them unprotected, the inquisitive dispositions of Knips and Fangs might
induce them to make anatomical experiments which would be detrimental
to the welfare of the youngsters.
 
Ernest's rat-skins were voted a nuisance within doors, and were tied
together and hung up outside; so powerful was the odour they emitted,
that even then Jack would pretend to faint every time he passed near
them.
 
The museum received its additions: the condor and vulture were placed
there, to be stuffed when we should find time during the rainy season.
The mica and asbestos, too, were brought in for the present, not to lie
there idle, but to wait until I could use them as I intended, for china
and lamp-wicks.
 
Having occupied two days in this way, we turned our attention to other
duties: the cultivation of a wheat, barley and maize field, the
management of the ostrich's eggs, and the taming of the captives.
 
As agriculture was, though the least to our taste, the most important
of these several duties, we set about it first. The animals drew the
plough, but the digging and hoeing taxed our powers of endurance to the
utmost.
 
We worked two hours in the morning and two in the evening.
 
In the interval we devoted our attention to the ostrich. But our
efforts on behalf of his education seemed all in vain. He appeared as
untameable as ever. I determined, therefore, to adopt the plan which
had subdued the refractory eagle.
 
The effect of the tobacco fumes almost alarmed me. The ostrich sank to
the ground and lay motionless. Slowly, at length, he arose, and paced
up and down between the bamboo posts.
 
He was subdued, but to my dismay resolutely refused all food. I feared
he would die; for three days he pined, growing weaker and weaker each
day.
 
Food he must have!' cried I. Food he must have!' My wife determined to
attempt an experiment. She prepared balls of maize flour, mixed with
butter. One of these she placed within the bird's beak. He swallowed
it, and stretched out his long neck, looking inquiringly for a second
mouthful. A second, third, and fourth ball followed the first. His
appetite returned, and his strength came again.
 
All the wild nature of the bird had gone, and I saw with delight that
we might begin his education as soon as we chose. Rice, guavas, maize
and corn he ate readily---`washing it down', as Jack expressed it, with
small pebbles, to the great surprise of Franz, to whom I explained that
the ostrich was merely following the instinct common to all birds; that
he required these pebbles to digest his food, just as smaller birds
require gravel.
 
After a month of careful training, our captive would trot, gallop, obey
the sound of our voice, feed from our hand; and, in fact, showed
himself perfectly docile. Now our ingenuity was taxed to the utmost.
How were we to saddle and bridle a bird? First, for a bit for his beak.
Vague ideas passed through my mind, but every one I was obliged to
reject. A plan at length occurred to me. I recollected the effect of
light and its absence upon the ostrich, how his movements were checked
by sudden darkness, and how, with the light, power returned to his
limbs.
 
I immediately constructed a leathern hood, to reach from the neck to
the beak, cutting holes in it for the eyes and ears. Over the
eyes-holes I contrived square flaps or blinkers, which were so arranged
with whalebone springs that they closed tightly of themselves. The
reins were connected with these blinkers, so that the flaps might be
raised or allowed to close at the rider's pleasure.
 
When both blinkers were open, the ostrich would gallop straight ahead;
close his right eye and he turned to the left, close his left and he
turned to the right, shut both and he stood stock still.
 
I was justly proud of my contrivance, but, before I could really test
its utility, I was obliged to make a saddle. After several failures, I
succeeded in manufacturing one to my liking and in properly securing
it; it was something like an old-fashioned trooper's saddle, peaked
before and behind--for my great fear was lest the boys should fall.
This curious-looking contrivance I placed upon the shoulders as near
the neck as possible, and secured it with strong girths round the wings
and across the breast, to avoid all possibility of the saddle slipping
down the bird's sloping back.
 
I soon saw that my plan would succeed, though skill and considerable
practice was necessary in the use of my patent bridle. It was difficult
to remember that to check the courser's speed it was necessary to
slacken rein, and that the tighter the reins were drawn, the faster he
would fly. We at length, however, all learned to manage Master
Hurricane, and the distance between Rockburg and Falconhurst was
traversed in an almost incredibly short space of time. The marvellous
speed of the bird again revived the dispute as to the ownership, and I
was obliged to interfere.
 
Jack shall retain the ostrich,' said I, for it is most suited to him;
he is a lighter weight than either of you his elder brothers, and Franz
is not yet strong enough to manage such a fleet courser. But he is so
far to be considered common property, that all may practise on him
occasionally; and, in a case of necessity, anyone may mount him.'
 
Our field-work was by this time over. The land had been ploughed and
sown with wheat, barley, and maize. On the other side of Jackal River
we had planted potatoes and cassava roots, and all sorts of other seeds
had been carefully sown.
 
We had not neglected the ostrich's eggs, and one day Fritz introduced
me with great glee to three little ostriches. But alas, the little
creatures were not destined to enjoy life for long. One died almost as
soon as it was hatched, and the others, after tottering about on their
stilt-like legs for a few days, followed its example.
 
I now found time to turn my attention to the bears' skins, which
required preparation before they would be fit for use as leather. They
had been salted and dried, and now required tanning. I had no tan,
however. This was unfortunate; but not to be deterred from my purpose,
I determined to use a mixture of honey and water in its place.
 
The experiment proved successful. When the skins were dried they
remained flexible and free from smell, while the fur was soft and
glossy.
 
This was not the only result of the experiment, for the honey-water
which I boiled appeared so clear and tempting, that it struck me that I
might prepare from it an excellent drink. I put by some of the liquid
before making use of it as tan, and reboiled it with nutmeg and
cinnamon. The preparation, which much resembled English mead, was
pronounced delicious, and my wife begged me to brew a large supply. As
our cellar was now well stocked with provisions for the winter, and our
other preparations were completed, I was able to turn my attention to
details of lesser importance. The boys had been clamouring for hats,
and as my success in so many trades had surprised me, I agreed to turn
hatter for the nonce. With the rat-skins and a solution of
india-rubber, I produced a kind of felt, which I dyed a brilliant red
with cochineal, and stretching this on a wooden block I had prepared, I
passed over it a hot iron, to smooth the nap, and by next morning had
the satisfaction of presenting to my wife a neat little red Swiss cap,
to be lined and finished by her for one of the boys. My wife admired
the production immensely, and lining it with silk, added yet more to
its gay appearance, by adorning it with ribbons and ostrich feathers,
and finally placed it upon the head of little Franz.
 
So delighted was everyone with the hat, that all were eager to be
similarly provided, and begged me to manufacture more. I readily agreed
to do so, as soon as they should furnish me with the necessary
materials, and advised them to make half a dozen rat-traps, that they
might secure the water rats with which the stream abounded, and whose
rich glossy fur would serve admirably for felt.
 
Every fifth animal that they brought me I told them should be mine,
that I might obtain material for a hat for myself and their mother.
 
The boys at once agreed to this arrangement, and began the manufacture
of the traps, which were all so made that they should kill the rats at
once, for I could not bear the idea of animals being tortured or
imprisoned.
 
While they were thus engaged I applied myself to the manufacture of
porcelain. I first cleaned the pipe-clay and talc from all foreign
substances, and made them ready to be beaten down with water into a
soft mass, and then prepared my moulds of gypsum plaster. These
preparations were at length made, and the moulds received a thin layer
of the porcelain material. When this was partly baked, I sprinkled over
it a powder of coloured glass beads which I had crushed, and which
looked very pretty in patterns upon the transparent porcelain.
 
Some of my china vessels cracked with the heat of the stove, some were
very ill-shaped; but, after many failures, I succeeded in producing a
set of white cups and saucers, a cream-jug, a sugar-basin, and half a
dozen small plates.
 
I must allow that my china was far from perfect; the shape of some of
the vessels was faulty, and none were really transparent; nevertheless,
the general appearance gave great satisfaction, and when the plates
were filled with rosy and golden fruit resting on green leaves, and
fragrant tea filled the cups, it greatly added to the appearance of the
table.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 14
 
Scarcely had I completed my pottery, when great black clouds and
terrific storms heralded the approach of another winter. The rainy
season having set in, we were compelled to give up our daily
excursions.
 
Even in the spacious house which we now occupied, and with our varied
and interesting employments, we yet found the time dragging heavily.
The spirits of all were depressed, and even occasional rapid rides,
during a partial cessation of the rain, failed permanently to arouse
them. Fritz, as well as I, had perceived this, and he said to me, Why,
father, should we not make a canoe, something swifter and more
manageable than those vessels we as yet possess? I often long for a
light skiff, in which I might skim over the surface of the water.'
 
The idea delighted all hands, but my wife, who was never happy when we
were on the sea, declared that our chances of drowning were, with the
pinnace and canoe, already sufficiently great, and that there was not
the slightest necessity for our adding to these chances by constructing
another craft which would tempt us out upon the perfidious element. Her
fears were, however, speedily allayed, for I assured her that the boat
I intended to construct should be no flimsy cockleshell, but as safe
and stout a craft as ever floated upon the sea. The Greenlander's kayak
I intended to be my model, and I resolved not only to occupy the
children, but also to produce a strong and serviceable canoe--a
masterpiece of art.
 
The boys were interested, and the boat-building was soon in operation.
We constructed the skeleton of whalebone, using split bamboo canes to
strengthen the sides and also to form the deck, which extended the
whole length of the boat, leaving merely a square hole in which the
occupant of the canoe might sit.
 
The work engrossed our attention most entirely, and by the time it was
complete the rain had passed away and the glorious sun again shone
brightly forth.
 
Our front door was just wide enough to admit of the egress of our boat,
and we completed her construction in the open air. We quickly cased the
sides and deck with seal-skin, making all the seams thoroughly
watertight with caoutchouc.
 
The kayak was indeed a curious-looking craft, yet so light that she
might be lifted easily with one hand, and when at length we launched
her she bounded upon the water like an indiarubber ball. Fritz was
unanimously voted her rightful owner, but before his mother would hear
of his entering the frail-looking skiff she declared that she must
contrive a swimming-dress, so that should his boat receive a puncture
from a sharp rock or the dorsal fin of a fish and collapse, he might
yet have a chance of saving his life'.
 
Though I did not consider the kayak quite the soap bubble my wife
imagined it, I yet willingly agreed to assist her in the construction
of the dress.
 
The garment we produced was most curious in appearance, and I must own
that I doubted its efficiency. It was like a double waistcoat, made of
linen prepared with a solution of indiarubber, the seams being likewise
coated with caoutchouc, and the whole rendered perfectly airtight. We
so arranged it that one little hole was left, by means of which air
could be forced into the space between the outer covering and the
lining, and the dress inflated.
 
Meanwhile I perceived with pleasure the rapid vegetation the climate
was producing. The seeds we had scattered had germinated, and were now
promising magnificent crops. The verandah, too, was looking pleasant
with its gay and sweet-scented creepers, which were already aspiring to
the summit of the pillars. The air was full of birds, the earth seemed
teeming with life.
 
The dress was at length completed and Fritz, one fine afternoon,
offered publicly to prove it. We all assembled on the beach, the boy
gravely donned and inflated the garment, and amidst roars of laughter
from his brothers, entered the water. Quickly and easily he paddled
himself across the bay towards Shark Island, whither we followed in one
of our boats.
 
The experiment was most successful, and Ernest, Jack and Franz, in
spite of their laughter at their brother's garment, begged their mother
to make for each of them a similar dress.
 
While on the island we paid a visit to the colonists whom we had
established there the previous autumn. All were well; we could perceive
by the footprints that the antelopes had discovered and made use of the
shelter we had erected for them, and feeling that we could do nothing
more we scattered handfuls of maize and salt, and strolled across to
the other side of the island. The shore was covered with lovely shells,
many of which, with beautiful pieces of delicate coral, the boys
collected for their museum; strewn by the edge of the water too lay a
great quantity of seaweed of various colours, and as my wife declared
that much of it was of use, the boys assisted her to collect it and
store it in the boat. As we pulled back to the land I was surprised to
see that my wife chose from among the seaweed a number of curious
leaves with edges notched like a saw. When we reached home she
carefully washed these and dried them in the oven. There was evidently
something mysterious about this preparation and my curiosity at length
prompted me to make an attempt to discover the secret.
 
Are these leaves to form a substitute for tobacco?' said I. Do you so
long for its refreshing smell?'
 
My wife smiled, for her dislike of tobacco was well known, and she
answered in the same jocular tone, Do you not think that a mattress
stuffed with these leaves would be very cool in summer?'
 
The twinkle in her eyes showed me that my curiosity must still remain
unsatisfied, but it nevertheless became greater than ever.
 
The boys and I had one day made a long and fatiguing expedition, and,
tired out, we flung ourselves down in the verandah. As we lay there
resting, we heard my wife's voice.
 
Could any of you enjoy a little jelly?'
 
She presently appeared, bearing a porcelain dish laden with most lovely
transparent jelly. Cut with a spoon and laid before us it quivered and
glittered in the light.
 
Ambrosia!' exclaimed Fritz, tasting it. It was indeed delicious, and,
still marvelling from whence my wife could have obtained a dish so
rare, we disposed of all that she had set before us.
 
Aha,' laughed my wife, is not this an excellent substitute for tobacco,
far more refreshing than the nasty weed itself. Behold the produce of
my mysterious seaweed.'
 
My dear wife,' exclaimed I, this dish is indeed a masterpiece of
culinary art, but where had you met with it? What put it into your
head?'
 
While staying with my Dutch friends at the Cape,' replied she, I often
saw it, and at once recognized the leaves on Shark Island. Once knowing
the secret, the preparation of the dish is extremely simple: the leaves
are soaked in water, fresh every day, for a week, and then boiled for a
few hours with orange juice, citron and sugar.'
 
We were all delighted with the delicacy, and thanked my wife for it
most heartily, the boys declaring that they must at once go off again
to the island to collect as many of the leaves as they could find. I
agreed to accompany them, for I wished to examine the plantations we
had made there.
 
All were flourishing, the palms and mangroves had shot up in a most
marvellous manner, and many of the seeds which I had cast at random
amongst the clefts in the rocks had germinated, and promised to clothe
the nakedness of the frowning boulders.
 
Away up among the rocks too we discovered a bright sparkling spring of
delicious water, at which, from the footprints around, we saw that the
antelopes must have refreshed themselves.
 
Finding everything so satisfactory, we were naturally anxious to
discover how our colony and plantations on Whale Island had fared. It
was evident at a glance that the rabbits had increased, the young and
tender shoots of the trees bore the marks of many greedy mischievous
little teeth. The coconut palms alone had they spared.
 
Such depredations as these could not be allowed, and with the help of
the boys I erected round each stem a hedge of prickly thorn, and then
prepared again to embark; before we did so, however, I noticed that
some of the seaweed had also been gnawed by the rabbits, and wondering
what it could have been to tempt them, I collected some of it to
examine more fully at home.
 
The skeleton of the whale, too, attracted our attention, for picked
clean by the birds and bleached by sun and rain the bones had been
purified to a most perfect whiteness. Thinking that the joints of the
vertebrae might be made of use, I separated some ten or twelve, and
rolled them down to the boat, and then returned to the shore, towing
them after us.
 
A scheme now occupied my mind for the construction of a crushing
machine which would prove of the greatest service to us. I knew that to
make such a machine of stone was far beyond my power, but it had struck
me that the vertebrae of the whale might serve my purpose.
 
I determined next morning to look out a tree from which I might cut the
blocks of wood that I should require to raise my crushers.
 
My expedition was destined to be a solitary one, for when I went to the
stables for a horse, I discovered that the boys had gone off by
themselves with their guns and traps, and had left to me a choice
between the bull and buffalo.
 
With Storm, therefore, I was fain to be content. I crossed the bridge,
but as I reached the cassava field I noticed to my great annoyance that
it had been overrun and laid waste by some mischievous animals. I
examined the footprints, and seeing that they greatly resembled those
of pigs, determined to follow the trail, and see who these invaders of
our territory would prove to be. The track led me on for some way until
I almost lost sight of it near our old potato field. For some time I
hunted backwards and forwards without seeing a sign of the animals; at
length a loud barking from Floss and Bruno, who were with me, announced
that they had been discovered.
 
The whole family of our old sow, and she herself, were standing at bay,
showing their teeth and grunting so savagely, that the dogs feared to
approach them.
 
I raised my gun and fired twice amongst the herd: two of the pigs fell,
and the rest fled, followed by the dogs. I picked up the pigs, and
calling back the pursuers, continued my way through the forest.
 
A tree suited to my purpose was soon found; I marked it, and returned
home.
 
Ernest, who had remained at home, assisted me to flay the young
porkers, and I handed them over to my wife to prepare for supper; by
which time I hoped the other lads would have returned.
 
Late in the evening we heard the sounds of trampling hoofs, and
presently Jack appeared, thundering along upon his two-legged steed,
followed in the distance by Fritz and Franz. These latter carried upon
their cruppers game-bags, the contents of which were speedily
displayed: four birds, a kangaroo, twenty musk-rats, a monkey, two
hares and half a dozen beaver rats, were laid before me. Besides these,
Fritz threw down, without a word of explanation, a bundle of thistles.
 
The boys seemed almost wild with excitement at the success of their
expedition, and presently Jack exclaimed, Oh, father, you can't think
what grand fun hunting on an ostrich is; we flew along like the wind;
sometimes I could scarcely breathe, we were going at such a rate, and
was obliged to shut my eyes because of the terrific rush of air;
really, father, you must make me a mask with glass eyes to ride with,
or I shall be blinded one of these fine days.'
 
Indeed!' replied I, I must do no such thing.'
 
Why not?' asked he, with a look of amazement upon his face.
 
For two reasons: firstly, because I do not consider that I must do
anything that you demand; and, secondly, because I think that you are
very capable of doing it yourself. However, I must congratulate you
upon your abundant supply of game; you must have indeed worked hard.
Yet I wish that you would let me know when you intend starting on such
a long expedition as this; you forget that though you yourselves know
that you are quite safe, and that all is going on well, yet that we at
home are kept in a constant state of anxiety. Now, off with you, and
look to your animals, and then you may find supper ready.'
 
Presently the boys returned, and we prepared for a most appetizing meal
which my wife set before us.
 
While we were discussing the roast pig, and washing it down with
fragrant mead, Fritz described the day's expedition.
 
They had set their traps near Woodlands, and had there captured the
musk-rats, attracting them with small carrots, while with other traps,
baited with fish and earthworms, they had caught several beaver rats,
and a duck-billed platypus. Hunting and fishing had occupied the rest
of the day, and it was with immense pride that Jack displayed the
kangaroo which he had run down with his swift courser. Contributions to
the garden had not been forgotten, and Fritz handed over to his mother
several cuttings from cinnamon and sweet-apple trees. Finally, when all
the other treasures had been displayed, Fritz begged me to examine his
thistles which he had gathered, thinking, he said, that it was a plant
used in the manufacture of wool. He was perfectly right, for I
recognized it at once as the fuller's teazle', a plant whose sharp
little thorns, which cover the stem and leaves, are used to raise the
nap of cloth.
 
We resolved to be up betimes the following morning, that we might
attend to the preparation of the booty, and as I now noticed that the
boys were all becoming extremely drowsy, I closed the day with evening
devotions.
 
The number of the creatures we killed rendered the removal of their
skins a matter of no little time and trouble. It was not an agreeable
task at any time, and when I saw the array of animals the boys had
brought me to flay, I determined to construct a machine which would
considerably lessen the labour. Amongst the ship's stores, in the
surgeon's chest, I discovered a large syringe. This, with a few
alterations, would serve my purpose admirably. Within the tube I first
fitted a couple of valves, and then, perforating the stopper, I had in
my possession a powerful air pump.
 
The boys stared at me in blank amazement when, armed with this
instrument, I took up the kangaroo, and declared myself ready to
commence operations.
 
Skin a kangaroo with a squirt?' said they, and a roar of laughter
followed the remark.
 
I made no reply to the jests which followed, but silently hung the
kangaroo by its hind legs to the branch of a tree. I then made a small
incision in the skin, and inserting the mouth of the syringe forced air
with all my might between the skin and the body of the animal. By
degrees the hide of the kangaroo distended, altering the shape of the
creature entirely.
 
Still I worked on, forcing in yet more air until it had become a mere
shapeless mass, and I soon found that the skin was almost entirely
separated from the carcass. A bold cut down the belly, and a few
touches here and there where the ligatures still bound the hide to the
body, and the animal was flayed.
 
What a splendid plan!' cried the boys. But why should it do it?'
 
For a most simple and natural reason,' I replied. Do you not know that
the skin of an animal is attached to its flesh merely by slender and
delicate fibres, and that between these exist thousands of little
bladders or air chambers; by forcing air into these bladders the fibres
are stretched, and at length, elastic as they are, cracked. The skin
has now nothing to unite it to the body, and, consequently, may be
drawn off with perfect ease. This scientific fact has been known for
many years; the Greenlanders make constant use of it; when they have
killed a seal or walrus they distend the skin that they may tow the
animal more easily ashore, and then remove its hide at a moment's
notice.'
 
The remaining animals were subjected to the same treatment, and, to my
great joy, in a couple of days the skins were all off, and being
prepared for use.
 
I now summoned the boys to assist me in procuring blocks of wood for my
crushing machine, and the following day we set forth with saws, ropes,
axes and other tools. We soon reached the tree I had selected for my
purpose, and I began by sending Fritz and Jack up into the tree with
axes to cut off the larger of the high branches so that, when the tree
fell, it might not injure its neighbours. They then descended, and
Fritz and I attacked the stem. As the easiest and most speedy method we
used a saw, such as is employed by sawyers in a saw-pit and, Fritz
taking one end and I the other, the tree was soon cut half through. We
then adjusted ropes that we might guide its fall, and again began to
cut. It was laborious work, but when I considered that the cut was
sufficiently deep we took the ropes and pulled with our united
strength. The trunk cracked, swayed, tottered, and fell with a crash.
 
The boughs were speedily lopped off, and the trunk sawed into blocks
four feet long.
 
To cut down and divide this tree had taken us a couple of days, and on
the third we carted home four large and two small blocks and, with the
vertebrae joints of the whale, I in a very short time, completed my
machine.
 
While engaged on this undertaking I had paid little attention to our
fields of grain, and, accordingly, great was my surprise when one
evening the fowls returned, showing most evident indifference to their
evening meal, and with their crops perfectly full. It suddenly struck
me that these birds had come from the direction of our cornfield. I
hurried off to see what damage they had done, and then found to my
great joy that the grain was perfectly ripe.
 
The amount of work before us startled my wife. This unexpected harvest,
which added reaping and threshing to the fishing, salting and pickling
already on hand, quite troubled her.
 
Only think,' said she, of my beloved potatoes and manioc roots! What is
to become of them, I should like to know? It is time to take them up,
and how to manage it with all this press of work, I can't see.'
 
Don't be downhearted, wife,' said I, there is no immediate hurry about
the manioc, and digging potatoes in this fine light soil is easy work
compared to what it is in Switzerland, while as to planting more, that
will not be necessary if we leave the younger plants in the ground. The
harvest we must conduct after the Italian fashion which, although
anything but economical, will save time and trouble, and as we are to
have two crops in the year, we need not be too particular.'
 
Without further delay, I commenced levelling a large space of firm
clayey ground to act as a threshing floor; it was well sprinkled with
water, rolled, beaten, and stamped; as the sun dried the moisture it
was watered anew, and the treatment continued until it became as flat,
hard and smooth, as threshing-floor need be.
 
Our largest wicker basket was then slung between Storm and Grumble; we
armed ourselves with reaping-hooks, and went forth to gather in the
corn in the simplest and most expeditious manner imaginable.
 
I told my reapers not to concern themselves about the length of the
straw, but to grasp the corn where it was convenient to them, without
stooping; each was to wind a stalk around his own handful, and throw it
into the basket; in this way great labour was saved. The plan pleased
the boys immensely, and in a short time the basket had been filled many
times, and the field displayed a quantity of tall headless stubble,
which perfectly horrified my wife, so extravagant and untidy did she
consider our work.
 
This is dreadful!' cried she. You have left numbers of ears growing on
short stalks, and look at that splendid straw completely wasted! I
don't approve of your Italian fashion at all.'
 
It is not a bad plan, I can assure you, wife, and the Italians do not
waste the straw by not cutting it with the grain; having more arable
than pasture land, they use this high stubble for their cattle, letting
them feed in it and eat what grain is left; afterwards, allowing the
grass to grow up amongst it, they mow all together for winter fodder.
And now for threshing, also in Italian fashion. We shall find it spares
our arms and backs as much in that as in reaping.'
 
The little sheaves were laid in a large circle on the floor, the boys
mounted Storm, Grumble, Lightfoot and Hurry, starting off at a brisk
trot, with many a merry jest, and round they went, trampling and
stamping out the grain, while dust and chaff flew in clouds about them.
 
My wife and I were incessantly occupied with hayforks, by means of
which we shook up and moved the sheaves over which the threshers rode,
so as to throw them in the track.
 
From time to time the animals took mouthfuls of the tempting food they
were beating out; we thought they well deserved it, and called to mind
the command given to the Jews, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that
treadeth out the corn.'
 
After threshing, we proceeded to winnowing: by simply throwing the
threshed corn with shovels high in the air when the land or sea-breeze
blew strong, the chaff and refuse was carried away by the wind and the
grain fell to the ground.
 
During these operations our poultry paid the threshing-floor many
visits, testifying a lively interest in the success of our labours, and
gobbling up the grain at such a rate that my wife was obliged to keep
them at a reasonable distance; but I would not have them altogether
stinted in the midst of our plenty. I said, Let them enjoy themselves;
what we lose in grain, we gain in flesh. I anticipate delicious
chicken-pie, roast goose, and boiled turkey!'
 
When our harvest stores were housed, we found that we had reaped sixty,
eighty, even a hundred-fold what had been sown. Our garner was truly
filled with all manner of store.
 
Expecting a second harvest, we were constrained to prepare the field
for sowing again, and immediately therefore commenced mowing down the
stubble. While engaged in this, flocks of quails and partridges came to
glean among the scattered ears. We did not secure any great number, but
resolved to be prepared for them next season, and by spreading nets, to
catch them in large quantities.
 
My wife was satisfied when she saw the straw carried home and stacked;
our crop of maize, which of course had not been threshed like the other
corn, afforded soft leaves which were used for stuffing mattresses,
while the stalks, when burnt, left ashes so rich in alkali as to be
especially useful.
 
I changed the crops sown on the ground to rye, barley and oats, and
hoped they would ripen before the rainy season.
 
The shoals of herring made their appearance just as we finished our
agricultural operations. This year we pickled only two barrels of them;
but we were not so merciful towards the seals, which arrived on the
coast directly afterwards. We hunted them vigorously, requiring their
skins for many purposes, more especially for the completion of the
kayak. On the little deck of that tiny vessel I had made a kind of
magazine, in which to store pistols, ammunition, water and provisions,
and this I meant to cover with seal-skin, so as to be quite watertight.
A couple of harpoons furnished with seal bladders were to be suspended
alongside.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 15
 
At last came the day when Fritz was to make his trial trip with the
kayak. Completely equipped in swimming costume--trousers, and jacket
and cap--it was most ludicrous to see him cower down in the canoe and
puff and blow till he began to swell like the frog in the fable.
 
All trace of his original figure was speedily lost, and shouts of
laughter greeted his comical appearance. Even his mother could not
resist a smile, although the dress was her own invention.
 
I got the other boat out, that my wife might see we were ready to go to
his assistance the moment it became necessary.
 
The kayak was launched from a convenient shelving point, and floated
lightly on the sea-green ocean mirror. Fritz with his paddles then
began to practise all manner of evolutions: darting along with arrowy
swiftness, wheeling to the right, then to the left; and at last,
flinging himself quite on his side, while his mother uttered a shriek
of terror, he showed that the tiny craft would neither capsize nor
sink. Then, recovering his balance, he sped securely on his further
way.
 
Encouraged by our shouts of approbation, he now boldly ventured into
the strong current of Jackal River, and was rapidly carried out to sea.
 
This being more than I had bargained for, I lost no time in giving
chase in the boat, with Ernest and Jack; my wife, urging us to greater
speed, and declaring that some accident could not fail to happen to
that horrid soap-bubble'.
 
We soon arrived outside the bay, at the rocks where formerly lay the
wreck, and gazed in all directions for signs of the runaway.
 
After a time we saw, at a considerable distance, a faint puff of smoke,
followed by the crack of a pistol. Upon this we fired a signal shot,
which was presently answered by another, and, steering in the direction
of the sound, we soon heard the boy's cheery halloo; the kayak darted
from behind a point of land, and we quickly joined company.
 
Come to this rocky beach,' cried Fritz, I have something to show you.'
 
With blank amazement we beheld a fine well-grown young walrus,
harpooned and quite dead.
 
Did you kill this creature, my dear Fritz?' I exclaimed, looking round
in some anxiety, and half expecting to see a naked savage come to claim
the prize.
 
To be sure, father! Don't you see my harpoon? Why do you doubt it?'
 
Well, I scarcely know,' replied I, laughing, but success so speedy, so
unexpected, and so appropriate, to an amateur Greenlander, took me by
surprise. I congratulate you, my boy! But I must tell you that you have
alarmed us by making this long trip. You should not have gone out of
the bay. I left your mother in grievous trouble.'
 
Indeed, father, I had no idea of passing out of sight, but once in the
current, I was carried along, and could not help myself. Then I came on
a herd of walruses, and I did so long to make a prize of one that I
forgot everything else, and made chase after them when beyond the
influence of the current, until I got near enough to harpoon this fine
fellow. He swam more slowly, and I struck him a second time; then he
sought refuge among these rocks, and expired. I landed, and scrambled
to where he lay; but I took care to give him the contents of my pistol
before going close up, having a salutary recollection of the big
serpent's parting fling at you, Jack.'
 
You ran a very great risk,' said I. The walrus is an inoffensive
creature; but when attacked and wounded, it often becomes furious and,
turning upon its pursuer, can destroy, with its long tusks, a strongly
built whale boat. However, thank God for your safety! I value that
above a thousand such creatures. Now what's to be done with him? He
must be quite fourteen feet long, although not full grown.'
 
I am very glad you followed me, father,' said Fritz, but our united
strength will not move this prodigious weight from among these rocks;
only do let me carry away the head, with these grand snow-white tusks!
I should so like to fasten it on the prow of the kayak, and name it the
Sea-horse.
 
We must certainly carry away the beautiful ivory tusks,' said I, but
make haste! The air feels so excessively close and sultry, I think a
storm is brewing.'
 
But the head! The head! we must have the whole head,' cried Jack, just
think how splendid it will look on the kayak!'
 
And how splendid it will smell too, when it begins to putrefy,' added
Ernest. What a treat for the steersman!'
 
Oh, we will prepare for that,' said Fritz. It shall be soaked and
cleaned, and dried till it is as hard as a wooden model; it shall not
offend your delicate nose in the least, Ernest!'
 
I supposed the walrus to be an animal peculiar to the Arctic regions,'
remarked Ernest.
 
And so it is,' I replied, though they may occasionally be seen
elsewhere; these may have wandered from the Antarctic seas. I know that
on the eastern coast of Africa is found a smaller species of walrus
called the dugong: it has long incisor teeth, but not tusks; and
certainly resembles a seal rather than a walrus.'
 
While thus speaking, we were actively engaged in the decapitation of
the walrus, and in cutting off long strips of its skin. This took some
time, as we had not the proper implements, and Fritz remarked, that in
future the kayak must be provided with a hunting-knife and a hatchet;
adding that he should like to have a small compass, in a box with a
glass top, fixed in front of the hole where the steersman sits. I saw
the necessity of this and I promised it should be done.
 
Our work being accomplished, we were ready to go, and I proposed to
take Fritz and the canoe on board our boat, so that we might all arrive
together; but I yielded to his earnest wish to return alone as he came;
he longed to act as our avant-courier, and announce our approach to his
mother; so he was soon skimming away over the surface of the water,
while we followed at slower rate.
 
Black clouds meanwhile gathered thick and fast around us, and a
tremendous storm came on. Fritz was out of sight and beyond our reach.
 
We buckled on the swimming belts, and firmly lashed ourselves to the
boat, so that we might not be washed overboard by the towering seas
which broke over it.
 
The horizon was shrouded in darkness, fearful gusts of wind lashed the
ocean into foam, rain descended in torrents, while livid lightning
glared athwart the gloom. Both my boys faced the danger nobly; and my
feelings of alarm were mingled with hope on finding how well the boat
behaved.
 
The tempest swept on its way, and the sky began to clear as suddenly as
it had been overcast; yet the stormy waves continued for a long time to
threaten our frail bark with destruction, in spite of its buoyancy and
steadiness.
 
Yet I never lost hope for ourselves--all my fears were for Fritz; in
fact I gave him up for lost, and my whole agonized heart arose in
prayer for strength to say, Thy will be done!'
 
At last we rounded the point, and once more entering Safety Bay,
quickly drew near the little harbour.
 
What was our surprise--our overwhelming delight when there we saw my
wife with Fritz, as well as her little boy, on their knees in prayer so
earnest for our deliverance, that our approach was unperceived, until
with cries of joy we attracted their notice. Then indeed ensued a happy
meeting, and we gave thanks together for the mercy which had spared our
lives.
 
Returning joyfully to Rockburg, we changed our drenched garments for
warm dry clothes; and, seated at a comfortable meal, considered and
described at our ease the perils of the storm.
 
Afterwards, the head of the walrus was conveyed to our workshop; where
it underwent such a skilful and thorough process of cleaning, embalming
and drying, that ere long it was actually fixed on the prow of the
kayak, and a most imposing appearance it presented!
 
The strips of hide, when well tanned and prepared, made valuable
leather.
 
Much damage had been done by the late storm. The heavy rain had flooded
all the streams, and injured crops which should have been housed and
safe before the regular rainy season.
 
The bridge over Jackal River was partly broken down, and the water
tanks and pipes all needed repair. So that our time was much occupied
in restoring things to order.
 
On going to work one day near the cascade, we found a great number of
dark-red berries, scattered on the ground; they were about the size of
ordinary hazel-nuts, with small leafy coronets at the tip.
 
The boys thought them so inviting, that they tasted them at once, but
angry exclamations and much spitting and spluttering followed the
experiment; even Knips rejected them, and they would have been cast
aside with contempt, had not the smell induced me to examine them. I
decided that this was the fruit of the clove.
 
Some plants were immediately set in the nursery garden, and my wife was
pleased to have this excellent spice wherewith to flavour her boiled
rice and other dishes, in lieu of pepper--a very welcome variety to
everyone.
 
Having a good supply of clay, brought from the bed near Falconhurst, I
proposed to use it for making aqueducts; and, observing how much the
recent rain had promoted the growth of our young corn, I determined to
irrigate the fields with the drainage from our crushing-mill.
 
The fishing season was again successful. Large takes of salmon,
sturgeon and herring rewarded our annual exertions, and our store-room
again assumed a well-stocked appearance. Much as I wished that we could
obtain a constant supply of these fish fresh, I was obliged to reject
the naive proposal from Jack, that we should tether a shoal of salmon
by the gills to the bottom of the bay as we had secured the turtles.
 
Many quiet uneventful days passed by and I perceived that the boys,
wearied by the routine of farm work at Rockburg, were longing for a
cruise in the yacht or an expedition into the woods, which would
refresh both mind and body.
 
Father,' said Fritz at length, we want a quantity of hurdles, and have
scarcely any more bamboos of which to make them. Had we not better get
a supply from Woodlands? And you said, too, the other day, that you
wished you had some more of the fine clay: we might visit the Gap at
the same time.'
 
I had really no objection to propose; and it was shortly afterwards
settled that Fritz, Jack, and Franz should start together; and that
Ernest, who had no great desire to accompany his brothers, should
remain with his mother and me, and assist in the construction of a
sugar-mill, the erection of which I had long contemplated.
 
Before they started, Fritz begged some bear's meat from his mother, to
make pemmican.
 
And what may pemmican be?' she asked.
 
It is food carried by the fur-traders of North America on their long
journeys through the wild country they traverse; and consists of bear
or deer's flesh, first cooked and then pounded or ground to powder. It
is very portable, and nourishing.'
 
His mother consented to humour him', as she said, although without much
faith in the value of the preparation; and in the course of two days a
stock of pemmican, sufficient for a Polar expedition, was fabricated by
our enthusiastic son.
 
They were ready to start, when I observed Jack quietly slip a basket,
containing several pigeons, under the packages in the cart.
 
Oh, oh!' thought I, the little fellow has his doubts about that
pemmican, and thinks a tough old pigeon would be preferable.'
 
The weather was exquisite; and, with exhortations to prudence and
caution from both me and their mother, the three lads started in the
very highest spirits. Storm and Grumble, as usual, drew the cart, and
were ridden by Fritz and Franz; while Hurry carried Jack swiftly across
the bridge in advance of them; followed by Floss and Bruno, barking at
his heels.
 
The sugar-mill occupied us for several days, and was made so much like
our other mills that I need not now describe it.
 
On the evening of the first day, as we sat resting in the porch at
Rockburg, we naturally talked of the absentees, wondering and guessing
what they might be about.
 
Ernest looked rather mysterious, and hinted that he might have news of
them next morning.
 
Just then a bird alighted on the dovecot, and entered. I could not see,
in the failing light, whether it was one of our own pigeons or an
intruder. Ernest started up, and said he would see that all was right.
 
In a few minutes he returned with a scrap of paper in his hand.
 
News, father! The very latest news by pigeon-post, mother!'
 
Well done, boys! What a capital idea!' said I, and taking the note I
read:
 
Dearest parents and Ernest,
 
A brute of a hyaena has killed a ram and two lambs. The dogs seized it.
Franz shot it. It is dead and skinned. The pemmican isn't worth much,
but we are all right. Love to all.
 
Fritz
 
Woodlands, 15th instant
 
A true hunter's letter!' laughed I. But what exciting news. When does
the next post come in, Ernest?'
 
Tonight, I hope,' said he, while his mother sighed, and doubted the
value of such glimpses into the scenes of danger through which her sons
were passing, declaring she would much rather wait and hear all about
it when she had them safe home again.
 
Thus the winged letter-carriers kept us informed from day to day of the
outline of adventures which were afterwards more fully described.
 
On approaching the farm at Woodlands, the boys were startled by
hearing, as they thought, human laughter, repeated again and again;
while, to their astonishment, the oxen testified the greatest
uneasiness, the dogs growled and drew close to their masters, and the
ostrich fairly bolted with Jack into the rice swamp.
 
The laughter continued, and the beasts became unmanageable.
 
Something is very far wrong!' cried Fritz. I cannot leave the animals;
but while I unharness them, do you, Franz, take the dogs, and advance
cautiously to see what is the matter.'
 
Without a moment's hesitation, Franz made his way among the bushes with
his gun, and closely followed by the dogs; until, through an opening in
the thicket, he could see, at the distance of about forty paces, an
enormous hyaena, in the most wonderful state of excitement; dancing
round a lamb just killed, and uttering, from time to time, the ghastly
hysterical laughter which had pealed through the forest.
 
The beast kept running backwards and forwards, rising on its hind legs,
and then rapidly whirling round and round, nodding its head, and going
through most frantic and ludicrous antics.
 
Franz kept his presence of mind very well; for he watched till, calming
down, the hyaena began with horrid growls to tear its prey; and then,
firing steadily both barrels, he broke its foreleg, and wounded it in
the breast.
 
Meanwhile Fritz, having unyoked the oxen and secured them to trees,
hurried to his brother's assistance. The dogs and the dying hyaena were
by this time engaged in mortal strife; but the latter, although it
severely wounded both Floss and Bruno, speedily succumbed, and was dead
when the boys reached the spot. They raised a shout of triumph, which
guided Jack to the scene of action; and their first care was for the
dogs, whose wounds they dressed before minutely examining the hyaena.
It was as large as a wild boar; long stiff bristles formed a mane on
its neck, its colour was grey marked with black, the teeth and jaws
were of extraordinary strength, the thighs muscular and sinewy, the
claws remarkably strong and sharp altogether. But for his wounds, he
would certainly have been more than a match for the dogs.
 
After unloading the cart at the farm, the boys returned for the carcass
of the tiger-wolf, as it is sometimes called, and occupied themselves
in skinning it during the remainder of the day, when after dispatching
the carrier-pigeon to Rockburg, they retired to rest on their bearskin
rugs, to dream of adventures past and future.
 
The following day they devised no less a scheme than to survey the
shores of Wood Lake, and place marks wherever the surrounding marsh was
practicable and might be crossed either to reach the water or leave it.
 
Fritz in the kayak, and the boys on shore, carefully examined the
ground together; and when they found firm footing to the water's edge,
the spot was indicated by planting a tall bamboo, bearing on high a
bundle of reeds and branches.
 
They succeeded in capturing three young black swans, after considerable
resistance from the old ones. They were afterwards brought to Rockburg,
and detained as ornaments to Safety Bay.
 
Presently a beautiful heron thrust his long neck from among the reeds,
to ascertain what all the noise on the lake was about. Before he could
satisfy his curiosity, Fritz unhooded his eagle, and though vainly he
flapped and struggled, his legs and wings were gently but firmly bound,
and he had to own himself vanquished, and submit to the inspection of
his delighted captors.
 
It was their turn to be alarmed next, for a large powerful animal came
puffing with a curious whistling sound through the dense thicket of
reeds, passing close by and sorely discomposing them by its sudden
appearance. It was out of sight immediately, before they could summon
the dogs, and from their description it must have been a tapir, the
colour dark brown, and in form resembling a young rhinoceros, but with
no horn on the nose, and the upper lip prolonged into a trunk something
like that of an elephant on a smaller scale. It is a gentle creature,
but when attacked becomes a fierce opponent, and can wound dogs
dangerously with its powerful teeth.
 
The tapir can swim and dive with perfect ease, and abounds in the
densely wooded swamps and rivers of tropical America.
 
Fritz in his kayak followed for a time the direction in which the tapir
proceeded, but saw no more of it.
 
Meanwhile the other two boys returned to the farm by the rice-fields,
and there fell in with a flock of cranes, five or six of which they
caught alive, among them two demoiselle or Numidian cranes. These birds
they shot at with arrows arranged in a skilful and original way, with
loops of cord dipped in birdlime attached to them, so that it often
happened that the bird aimed at, was entangled and brought down
uninjured.
 
The young hunters seemed to have lived very comfortably on peccary ham,
cassava bread and fruit, and plenty of baked potatoes and milk.
 
One trial of the pemmican was sufficient, and it was handed over to the
dogs. Fritz, however, determined again to attempt the manufacture,
knowing its value when properly prepared.
 
After collecting a supply of rice and cotton, they took their way to
Prospect Hill, and,' said Fritz, as he afterwards vividly described the
dreadful scene there enacted, when we entered the pine wood, we found
it in possession of troops of monkeys, who resolved to make our passage
through it as disagreeable as possible, for they howled and chattered
at us like demons, pelting us as hard as they could with pine cones.
 
They became so unbearable, that at last we fired a few shots right and
left among them; several bit the dust, the rest fled, and we continued
our way in peace to Prospect Hill, but only to discover the havoc the
wretches had made there.
 
Would you believe it, father? The pleasant cottage had been overrun and
ruined by apes just as Woodlands last summer! The most dreadful dirt
and disorder met our eyes wherever we turned, and we had hard work to
make the place fit for human habitation; and even then we preferred the
tent. I felt quite at a loss how to guard the farm for the future; but
seeing a bottle of the poisonous gum of the euphorbia in the tool
chest, I devised a plan for the destruction of the apes which succeeded
beyond my expectations.
 
I mixed poison with milk, bruised millet and anything I thought the
monkeys would eat, and put it in coconut shells, which I hung about in
the trees, high enough to be out of reach of our own animals. The
evening was calm and lovely; the sea murmured in the distance, and the
rising moon shed a beauty over the landscape which we seemed never
before to have so admired and enjoyed. The summer night closed around
us in all its solemn stillness, and our deepest feelings were touched;
when suddenly the spell was broken by an outburst of the most hideous
and discordant noises. As by one consent, every beast of the forest
seemed to arise from its den, and utter its wild nocturnal cry.
Snorting, snarling and shrieking filled the woods beneath us.
 
From the hills echoed the mournful howl of jackals, answered by Fangs
in the yard, who was backed up by the barking and yelping of his
friends Floss and Bruno. Far away beyond the rocky fastnesses of the
Gap, sounded unearthly hollow snortings and neighings, reminding one of
the strange cry of the hippopotamus; above these, occasional deep
majestic roarings made our hearts quail with the conviction that we
heard the voices of lions and elephants.
 
Overawed and silent, we retired to rest, hoping to forget in sleep the
terrors of the midnight forest; but ere long the most fearful cries in
the adjoining woods gave notice that the apes were beginning to suffer
from the poisoned repast prepared for them.
 
As our dogs could not remain silent amid the uproar and din, we had not
a wink of sleep until the morning. It was late, therefore, when we
rose, and looked on the awful spectacle presented by the multitude of
dead monkeys and baboons thickly strewn under the trees round the farm.
I shall not tell you how many there were. I can only say I wished I had
not found the poison, and we made all haste to clear away the dead
bodies and the dangerous food, burying some deep in the earth, and,
carrying the rest to the shore, we pitched them over the rocks into the
sea. That day we travelled on to the Gap.'
 
The same evening that the boys reached the rocky pass, a
messenger-pigeon arrived at Rockburg, bearing a note which concluded in
the following words: The barricade at the Gap is broken down.
Everything laid waste as far as the sugar-brake, where the hut is
knocked to pieces, and the fields trampled over by huge footmarks. Come
to us, father--we are safe, but feel we are no match for this unknown
danger.'
 
I lost not an instant, but saddled Swift, late as it was, in order to
ride to the assistance of our boys, desiring Ernest to prepare the
small cart, and follow me with his mother at daybreak, bringing
everything we should require for camping out for some days.
 
The bright moonlight favoured my journey, and my arrival at the Gap
surprised and delighted the boys who did not expect me till next day.
Early on the following morning I inspected the footprints and ravages
of the great unknown. The cane-brake had, without doubt, been visited
by an elephant. That great animal alone could have left such traces and
committed such fearful ravages. Thick posts in the barricade were
snapped across like reeds; the trees in the vicinity, where we planned
to build a cool summer-house, were stripped of leaves and branches to a
great height, but the worst mischief was done among the young
sugar-cane plants, which were all either devoured or trampled down and
destroyed.
 
It seemed to me that not one elephant, but a troop must have invaded
our grounds. The tracks were very numerous, and the footprints of
various sizes; but, to my satisfaction, I saw that they could be traced
not only from the Gap, but back to it in evidently equal numbers.
 
We did not, therefore, suppose that the mighty animals remained hidden
in the woods of our territory; but concluded that, after this
freebooting incursion, they had withdrawn to their native wilds, where,
by greatly increasing the strength of our ramparts, we hoped henceforth
to oblige them to remain.
 
In what manner to effect this we laid many plans, during the night of
my arrival, when, sitting by an enormous watch-fire, I chatted with my
boys, and heard details of their numerous adventures, so interesting
for them to relate, and for me to hear, that everyone was more disposed
to act sentinel than retire to sleep.
 
My wife and Ernest arrived next day, and she rejoiced to find all well,
making light of trodden fields and trampled sugar-canes, since her sons
were sound in life and limb.
 
A systematic scheme of defence was now elaborated, and the erection of
the barricade occupied us for at least a month, as it was to be a firm
and durable building, proof against all invasion. As our little tent
was unsuited to a long residence of this sort, I adopted Fritz's idea
of a Kamchatkan dwelling and, to his great delight, forthwith carried
it out.
 
Instead of planting four posts, on which to place a platform, we chose
four trees of equal size, which, in a very suitable place, grew exactly
in a square, twelve or fourteen feet apart. Between these, at about
twenty feet from the ground, we laid a flooring of beams and bamboo,
smoothly and strongly planked. From this rose, on all four sides, walls
of cane; the frame of the roof was covered so effectually by large
pieces of bark that no rain could penetrate.
 
The staircase to this tree-cottage was simply a broad plank with bars
nailed across it for steps. The flooring projected like a balcony in
front of the entrance door, and underneath, on the ground, we fitted up
sheds for cattle and fowls.
 
Various ornaments in Chinese or Japanese style were added to the roof
and eaves, and a most convenient, cool and picturesque cottage,
overhung and adorned by the graceful foliage of the trees, was the
result of our ingenuity.
 
I was pleased to find that the various birds taken by the boys during
this excursion seemed likely to thrive; they were the first inmates of
the new sheds, and even the black swans and cranes soon became tame and
sociable.
 
Constantly roaming through the woods, the children often made new
discoveries.
 
Fritz brought one day, after an excursion to the opposite side of the
stream beyond the Gap, a cluster of bananas, and also of cacao-beans,
from which chocolate is made.
 
The banana, although valuable and nourishing food for the natives of
the tropical countries where it grows, is not generally liked by
Europeans, and probably this variety was even inferior to many others,
for we found the fruit much like rotten pears, and almost uneatable.
 
The cacao seeds tasted exceedingly bitter, and it seemed wonderful that
by preparation they should produce anything so delicious as chocolate.
 
My wife, who now fancied no manufacture beyond my skill, begged for
plants, seeds, or cuttings to propagate in her nursery garden, already
fancying herself in the enjoyment of chocolate for breakfast, and I
promised to make a cacao plantation near home.
 
Let me have bananas also,' said she, for we may acquire a taste for
that celebrated fruit, and, at all events, I am sure I can make it into
an excellent preserve.'
 
The day before our return to Rockburg, Fritz went again to the inland
region beyond the river to obtain a large supply of young
banana-plants, and the cacao-fruit. He took the kayak, and a bundle of
reeds to float behind him as a raft to carry the fruit, plants, and
anything else he might wish to bring back.
 
In the evening he made his appearance, coming swiftly down stream. His
brothers rushed to meet him, each eager to see and help to land his
cargo.
 
Ernest and Fritz were quickly running up the bank, with arms full of
plants, branches and fruit, when Fritz handed to Jack a dripping wet
bag which he had brought along partly under water. A curious pattering
noise proceeded from this bag, but they kept the contents a secret for
the present, Jack running with it behind a bush before peeping in, and
I could just hear him exclaim, Hollo! I say, what monsters they are!
It's enough to make a fellow's flesh creep to look at them!'
 
With that he hastily shut up the bag, and put it away safely out of
sight in water.
 
Securing the kayak, Fritz sprang towards us, his handsome face radiant
with pleasure, as he exhibited a beautiful water-fowl.
 
Its plumage was rich purple, changing on the back to dark green; the
legs, feet and a mark above the bill, bright red. This lovely bird I
concluded to be the Sultan cock described by Buffon, and as it was
gentle, we gladly received it among our domestic pets.
 
Fritz gave a stirring account of his exploring trip, having made his
way far up the river, between fertile plains and majestic forests of
lofty trees, where the cries of vast numbers of birds, parrots,
peacocks, guinea-fowls and hundreds unknown to him, quite bewildered
him and made him feel giddy.
 
It was in the Buffalo Swamp,' continued he, that I saw the splendid
birds you call Sultan cocks, and I set my heart on catching one alive,
which, as they seemed to have little fear of my approach, I managed by
means of a wire snare. Farther on I saw a grove of mimosa trees, among
which huge dark masses were moving in a deliberate way. Guess what they
were!'
 
Savages?' asked Franz timidly.
 
Black bears, I bet!' cried Jack.
 
Your words suggest to my mind the manner and appearance of elephants,'
said Ernest.
 
Right you are, Professor!' exclaimed Fritz gaily, the words producing
quite a sensation on the whole attentive family. From fifteen to twenty
elephants were feeding peacefully on the leafy boughs, tearing down
branches with their trunks and shoving them into their mouths with one
jerk, or bathing in the deep waters of the marsh for refreshment in the
great heat. You cannot imagine the wild grandeur of the scene! The
river being very broad, I felt safe from wild animals, and more than
once saw splendid jaguars crouched on the banks, their glossy skin
glancing in the sunlight.
 
While considering if it would be simply foolhardy to try a shot at one
of these creatures, I was suddenly convinced that discretion is the
better part of valour, and urging my canoe into the centre current,
made a rapid retreat down the river. For just before me, in the calm
deep water of a sheltered bay where I was quietly floating, there arose
a violent boiling, bubbling commotion, and for an instant I thought a
hot spring was going-to burst forth--instead of that, up rose the
hideous head and gaping jaws of a hippopotamus, who, with a hoarse
terrific snort, seemed about to attack me. I can tell you I did not
wait to see the rest of him! A glimpse of his enormous mouth and its
array of white gleaming tusks was quite enough. "Right about face!"
said I to myself, and shot down the stream like an arrow, never pausing
till a bend in the river brought me within sight of the Gap, where I
once more felt safe, and joyfully made my way back to you all.'
 
This narrative was of thrilling interest to us, proving the existence
of tribes of the most formidable animals beyond the rocky barrier which
defended, in so providential a manner, the small and fertile territory
on which our lot was cast.
 
During the absence of the adventurer we had been busily engaged in
making preparations for our departure--and everything was packed up and
ready by the morning after his return.
 
After some hesitation I yielded to his great wish, which was to return
by sea in his kayak round Cape Disappointment and so meet us at
Rockburg.
 
He was much interested in examining the outlines of the coast, and the
rugged precipices of the Cape. These were tenanted by vast flocks of
sea-fowl and birds of prey; while many varieties of shrubs and plants,
hitherto unknown to us, grew in the clefts and crevices of the rocks,
some of them diffusing a strong aromatic odour. Among the specimens he
brought I recognized the caper plant and, with still greater pleasure,
a shrub which was, I felt sure, the tea-plant of China--it bore very
pretty white flowers and the leaves resembled myrtle.
 
Our land journey was effected without accident or adventure of any
kind.
 
Jack, mounted as usual on Hurry, the ostrich, carried the mysterious
wet bag very carefully slung at his side, and when near home started
off at a prodigious rate in advance of us.
 
He let fall the drawbridge, and we saw no more of him until, on
reaching Rockburg, he appeared leisurely returning from the swamp,
where apparently he had gone to deposit his moist secret', as Franz
called it.
 
We were all glad to take up our quarters once more in our large and
convenient dwelling, and my first business was to provide for the great
number of birds we now had on our hands, by establishing them in
suitable localities, it being impossible to maintain them all in the
poultry-yard. Some were, therefore, taken to the islands; and the black
swans, the heron, the graceful demoiselle cranes, and our latest
acquisition, the splendid Sultan cock, soon became perfectly at home in
the swamp, greatly adding to the interest of the neighbourhood of
Safety Bay.
 
The old bustards were the tamest of all our feathered pets, and never
more so than at meal-times. They were unfailing in their attendance
when we dined or supped in the open air.
 
Towards evening, as we sat in the verandah listening to Fritz's account
of his trip round the Cape, an extraordinary hollow roaring noise
sounded from the swamp, not unlike the angry bellowing of a bull.
 
The dogs barked and the family rose in excitement; but remarked a look
of quiet humour in Fritz's eye, as he stood leaning against one of the
verandah pillars, watching Jack, who, in some confusion, started off
towards the marsh.
 
Come back, you silly boy!' cried his mother. The child has not so much
as a pistol, and is rushing off alone to face he knows not what!'
 
Perhaps,' said I, looking at Fritz, this is not a case requiring the
use of firearms. It may be only the booming of a bittern which we
hear.'
 
You need not be uneasy, mother,' said Fritz. Jack knows what he is
about, only this charming serenade took him by surprise, and I fancy he
will have to exhibit his treasures before they reach perfection. Yes,
here he comes!'
 
Lugging his moist secret' along with him, Jack, flushed and breathless,
came up to us, exclaiming, They were to grow as big as rabbits before
you saw them! Such a shame! I never thought they would kick up a row
like that. Now for it!--and he turned out the bag. This is "Grace", and
this is "Beauty".'
 
Two immense frogs rolled clumsily on the ground, and recovering their
feet, sat squat before us, swelling and buffing with a ludicrous air of
insulted dignity, while peals of laughter greeted them on all sides.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, these are two very handsome young specimens of
the famous African buill-frog,' said Jack, pretending to be offended at
the mingled disgust and amusement occasioned by their appearance, they
are but half-grown, and I hoped to maintain them in seclusion, until
they reached full size, when I would have introduced them with proper
eclat. But since their talent for music has brought them precociously
into public notice, I must beg for your kind and indulgent patronage
and--leave to take them back to the swamp.
 
Great clapping of hands followed Jack's speech.
 
Grace' and Beauty' were examined, and commented on with much interest,
and voted decidedly handsome in their way'.
 
Their general colour was greenish-brown, mottled and spotted with
reddish-brown, and yellow; the sides green and black; the underpart
yellow, mottled with orange. The eyes were positively beautiful, of a
rich chestnut hue, covered with golden white dots, which shone with a
metallic lustre. The skin of the body was puckered into longitudinal
folds.
 
By general consent the were remanded to the swamp.
 
Shortly after our return to Rockburg, my wife drew my attention to the
somewhat neglected state of our dear old summer residence at
Falconhurst, begging me to devote some time to its restoration and
embellishment.
 
This I most willingly undertook, and we removed thither, as soon as the
boys had completed the arrangement of the artificial salt-lick to their
satisfaction.
 
At Falconhurst things were quickly in good order, and we made a great
improvement by completing the broad terrace supported on the arching
roots of the trees--it was better floored--and rustic pillars and
trellis-work sustained a bark roof which afforded pleasant shade.
 
After this was done, I was compelled to consent to a plan ong cherished
by Fritz, who wished to construct a watch-tower and mount a gun on
Shark Island. After great exertion, both mental and bodily, this piece
of military engineering was completed; and a flagstaff erected, on
which the guard at this outpost could run up a white flag to signal the
approach of anything harmless from the sea, while a red flag would be
shown on the least appearance of danger.
 
To celebrate the completion of this great work, which occupied us
during two months, we hoisted the white flag and fired a salute of six
guns.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 16
 
We spend our years as a tale that is told,' said King David.
 
These words recurred to me again and again as I reviewed ten years, of
which the story lay chronicled in the pages of my journal.
 
Year followed year; chapter succeeded chapter; steadily, imperceptibly,
time was passing away.
 
The shade of sadness cast on my mind by retrospect of this kind, was
dispelled by thoughts full of gratitude to God, for the welfare and
happiness of my beloved family during so long a period. I had cause
especially to rejoice in seeing our sons advance to manhood
strengthened by early training for lives of usefulness and activity
wherever their lot might fall.
 
And my great wish is that young people who read this record of our
lives and adventures, should learn from it how admirably suited is the
peaceful, industrious and pious life of a cheerful and united family,
to the formation of strong, pure and manly character.
 
None take a better place in the great national family, none are happier
or more beloved than those who go forth from such homes to fulfil new
duties, and to gather fresh interests around them.
 
Having given a detailed account of several years' residence in New
Switzerland, as we liked to call our dominion, it is needless for me to
continue what would exhaust the patience of the most long-suffering, by
repeating monotonous narratives of exploring parties and hunting
expeditions, wearisome descriptions of awkward inventions and clumsy
machines, with an endless record of discoveries, more fit for the pages
of an encyclopaedia, than a book of family history.
 
Yet before winding up with the concluding events, I may mention some
interesting facts illustrative of our exact position at the time these
took place.
 
Rockburg and Falconhurst continued to be our winter and summer
headquarters, and improvements were added which made them more and more
convenient as well as attractive in appearance.
 
The fountains, trellised verandahs and plantations round Rockburg,
completely changed the character of the residence which on account of
the heat and want of vegetation had in former days been so distasteful
to my wife. Flowering creepers overhung the balconies and pillars;
while shrubs and trees, both native and European, grew luxuriantly in
groves of our planting.
 
In the distance, Shark Island, now clothed with graceful palms, guarded
the entrance to Safety Bay, the battery and flagstaff prominently
visible on its crested rock.
 
The swamp, cleared and drained, was now a considerable lake, with just
marsh and reeds enough beyond it to form good cover for the waterfowl
whose favourite retreat it was.
 
On its blue waters sailed stately black swans, snow-white geese and
richly coloured ducks; while out and in among the water-plants and
rushes would appear at intervals glimpses of the brilliant Sultan,
marsh-fowl, crimson flamingos, soft blue-grey demoiselle cranes, and
crested heron, all associating in harmony, and with no fear of us,
their masters.
 
The giant frogs, Grace and Beauty, delighted Jack by actually attaining
in time to the size of small rabbits; and, perfectly knowing their very
appropriate names, would waddle out of the marsh at his call, to eat a
grasshopper or dainty fly.
 
Beneath the spreading trees, and through the aromatic shrubberies, old
Hurry, the ostrich, was usually to be seen marching about, with grave
and dignified pace, as though monarch of all he surveyed. Every variety
of beautiful pigeon nested in the rocks and dovecots, their soft cooing
and glossy plumage making them favourite household pets.
 
By the bridge alone could Rockburg be approached; for higher up the
river where, near the cascade, it was fordable, a dense and
impenetrable thicket of orange and lemon trees, Indian figs, prickly
pears and all manner of thorn-bearing shrubs, planted by us, now formed
a complete barrier.
 
The rabbit-warren on Shark Island kept us well supplied with food, as
well as soft and useful fur; and, as the antelopes did not thrive on
Whale Isle, they also were placed among the shady groves with the
rabbits, and their own island devoted to such work as candle-making,
tanning, wool-cleaning and any other needful but offensive operations.
 
The farm at Woodlands flourished, and our flocks and herds supplied us
with mutton, beef and veal, while my wife's dairy was almost more than
she could manage.
 
My boys retained their old love for giving names to the animals. They
had a beautiful creamy-white cow, called Blanche, and a bull with such
a tremendous voice, that he received the name of Stentor. Two fleet
young onagers were named Arrow and Dart; and Jack had a descendant of
his old favourite Fangs, the jackal, which he chose to call Coco,
asserting that no word could be distinguished at a distance without o'
in it, giving illustrations of his theory till our ears were almost
deafened.
 
Excellent health had been enjoyed by us all during these ten years,
though my wife occasionally suffered from slight attacks of fever, and
the boys sometimes met with little accidents.
 
They were all fine handsome fellows: Fritz, now twenty-four, was of
moderate height, uncommonly strong, active, muscular and high-spirited.
 
Ernest, two years younger, was tall and slight; in disposition, mild,
calm and studious; his early faults of indolence and selfishness were
almost entirely overcome. He possessed refined tastes and great
intellectual power.
 
Jack, at twenty, strongly resembled Fritz, being about his height,
though more lightly built, and remarkable rather for active grace and
agility than for muscular strength.
 
Franz, a lively youth of seventeen, had some of the qualities of each
of his brothers; he possessed wit and shrewdness, but not the arch
drollery of Jack.
 
All were honourable, God-fearing young men, dutiful and affectionate to
their mother and myself, and warmly attached to each other.
 
Although so many years had elapsed in total seclusion, it continued to
be my strong impression that we should one day be restored to the
society of our fellow men.
 
But time, which was bringing our sons to manhood, was also carrying
their parents onwards to old age; and anxious, gloomy thoughts relating
to their future, should they be left indeed alone, sometimes oppressed
my heart.
 
On such occasions I would not communicate the sense of depression to my
family, but turning in prayer to the Almighty Father, laid my trouble
before Him, with never-failing renewal of strength and hope.
 
My elder sons often made expeditions of which we knew nothing until
their return after many hours; when any uneasiness I might have felt
was dissipated by their joyous appearance, and reproof always died away
on my lips.
 
Fritz had been absent one whole day from Rockburg, and not until
evening did we remark that his kayak was gone, and that he must be out
at sea.
 
Anxious to see him return before nightfall, I went off to Shark Island
with Ernest and Jack, in order to look out for him from the watch-tower
there, at the same time hoisting our signal flag, and loading the gun.
 
Long we gazed across the expanse of ocean glittering in the level beams
of the setting sun, and finally discerned a small black speck in the
distance which, by the telescope, was proved to be the returning
wanderer.
 
I remarked that his skiff sailed at a slower rate than usual towards
the shore. The cannon was fired to let him know that his approach was
observed, and then we joyfully hurried back to receive him at the
harbour.
 
It was easy to see, as he drew near, what had delayed his progress. The
kayak towed a large sack, besides being heavily laden.
 
Welcome, Fritz!' I cried. Welcome back, wherever you come from and
whatever you bring. You seem to have quite a cargo there!'
 
Yes, and my trip has led to discoveries as well as booty,' answered he.
Interesting discoveries which will tempt us again in the same
direction. Come, boys, let's carry up the things, and while I rest I
will relate my adventures.'
 
As soon as possible all assembled round him.
 
I think my absence without leave deserves reproach instead of this warm
reception, father, and I must apologize for it,' he began, but ever
since I possessed the kayak it has been my ambition to make a voyage of
discovery along the coast, which we have never explored beyond the
point at which I killed the walrus.
 
In order to be ready to start without delay when a convenient
opportunity offered, I made preparations beforehand, such as
provisioning my skiff, fixing the compass in front of my seat,
arranging conveniently rifle, harpoon, axe, boat-hook and fishing-net.
I also resolved to take with me Pounce, my eagle, and this I always
will do in future.
 
This morning dawned magnificently; the calm sea, the gentle breeze, all
drew me irresistibly to the fulfilment of my purpose.
 
I left the harbour unperceived, the current quickly bore me out to sea,
and I rounded the point to the left, passing just over the spot where,
beneath the waves, lie the guns, cannon balls, ironwork, and all that
was indestructible about our good old wreck. And would you believe it?
Through the glassy clear water, undisturbed by a ripple, I actually saw
many such things strewn on the flat rocky bottom.
 
Pursuing my way, I passed among rugged cliffs and rocks which jutted
out from the shore, or rose in rugged masses from the water. Myriads of
sea-fowl inhabited the most inaccessible of these, while on the lower
ridges, seals, sea-bears and walruses, were to be seen, some basking
lazily in the sun, some plunging into the water, or emerging awkwardly
from it, hoisting their unwieldy bodies up the rocks by means of their
tusks.
 
I must confess to feeling anything but comfortable while going through
the places held in possession by these monsters of the deep, and used
every effort to pass quickly and unnoticed. Yet it was more than an
hour and a half before I got clear of the rocks, cliffs, and shoals to
which they resorted, and neared a high and precipitous cape, running
far out to sea. Right opposite to me, in the side of this rocky wall,
was a magnificent archway, forming as it first appeared to me, a lofty
entrance to an immense vaulted cavern. I passed beneath this noble
portal and examined the interior. It was tenanted by numbers of a small
species of swallow, scarcely larger than a wren, and the walls were
covered by thousands of their nests. They were rudely built, and their
peculiarity was that each rested on a kind of platform, something like
a spoon without the handle. I detached a number, and found that they
had a curious appearance, seemingly made of something fibrous and
gelatinous, and more like a set of sponges, corals, or fungi, than
nests of birds. I have brought them home in my fishing net.'
 
If we had commercial dealings with the Chinese,' said I, your discovery
would be of value; these are doubtless edible birds' nests. The bird is
called the esculent swallow, and the trade in this strange article of
diet is a very large one. The nests are of different value, but those
which are quite new, and nearly white, are held in such esteem that
they are worth their weight in silver.
 
There are tremendous caverns in Java and other places where, at great
risk, these nests are procured; the annual weight obtained being
upwards of fifty thousand pounds, and the value more than -L-200,000.
 
When placed in water and well soaked, they soften and swell, and are
made into soup of very strengthening and restorative quality.
 
I think you might try your hand on these, mother, just for curiosity's
sake.'
 
I can't say I fancy the look of the queer things,' said she, but I
don't mind trying if they will turn to jelly; though boiling birds'
nests is cookery quite out of my line.'
 
Oh do, mother, let us taste birds' nests as soon as you can, though the
idea makes me fancy my mouth full of feathers!' laughed Jack.
 
It is really a most curious formation,' said Fritz. From whence are the
swallows supposed to get this kind of gelatine?'
 
It has never been exactly ascertained,' I replied, whether the birds
discover or produce this curious substance. But whatever may be its
basis, it is clear that a very large portion of it is furnished by
certain glands, which pour out a viscid secretion.'
 
After laying in my store of nests,' continued Fritz, I pursued my way
through this vaulted cave or corridor; which, presently turning, opened
into a very lonely bay, so calm and lake-like, that, although of
considerable size, I concluded at once it must be nearly land-locked.
Its shores, beyond the rocky boundary through which I penetrated,
extended in a fertile plain towards what seemed the mouth of a river,
beyond which lay rough and probably marshy ground, and a dense forest
of cedars, which closed the view.
 
The water beneath me was clear as crystal; and, gazing into its depths
and shallows, I perceived beds of shellfish, like large oysters,
attached to the rocks and to each other by tufts of hairy filaments.
 
"If these are oysters," thought I, "they must be better worth eating,
as far as size goes, than our little friends in Safety Bay," and
thereupon I hooked up several clusters with my boat-hook, and landing
soon after on the beach, I flung them on the sand, resolving to fetch
another load, and then tow them after me in the fishing-net.
 
The hot sun disagreed with their constitution, I suppose; for when I
came back the shells were all gaping wide open; so I began to examine
them, thinking that after all they were probably much less delicate
than the small oysters we have learnt to like so much.
 
Somehow, when a thing is to be "examined", one generally needs a knife.
The blade met with resistance here and there in the creature's body;
and still closer "examination" produced from it several pearly balls,
like peas, of different sizes. Do you think they can be pearls? I have
a number here in a box.'
 
Oh, show them to us, Fritz!' cried the boys. What pretty shining
things! And how delicately rounded! And how softly they gleam!'
 
You have discovered treasure, indeed!' I exclaimed. Why these are most
beautiful pearls! Valueless, certainly, under present circumstances;
but they may prove a source of wealth, should we ever again come into
contact with the civilized world. We must visit your pearl-oyster beds
at the earliest opportunity.'
 
After resting for some time and refreshing myself with food,' pursued
Fritz, I resumed my survey of the coast, my progress somewhat impeded
by the bag of shellfish, which I drew after me; but I proceeded without
accident past the mouth of the stream to the further side of the bay,
which was there enclosed by a point corresponding to that through which
I had entered; and between these headlands I found a line of reefs and
sand-banks, with but a single channel leading out to the open sea; from
which, therefore, Pearl Bay, as I named it, lies completely sheltered.
 
The tide was setting strongly in shore, so that I could not then
attempt a passage through it, but examined the crags of the headland,
thinking I might perchance discover a second vaulted archway. I saw
nothing remarkable, however, but thousands of sea-fowl of every sort
and kind, from the gull and sea-swallow to the mighty albatross.
 
My approach was evidently regarded as an invasion and trespass; for
they regularly beset me, screaming and wheeling over my head, till, out
of all patience, I stood up, and hit furiously about me with the
boat-hook; when, rather to my surprise, one blow struck an albatross
with such force, that he fell stunned into the water.
 
I now once more attempted to cross the reef by the narrow channel, and
happily succeeding, found myself in the open sea, and speeding
homewards, joyfully saw our flag flying, and heard the welcome salute
you fired.' Here ended the narrative; but next morning Fritz drew me
aside, and confided to me a most remarkable sequel, in these words,
There was something very extraordinary about that albatross, father. I
allowed you to suppose that I left it as it fell, but in reality I
raised it to the deck of the canoe, and then perceived a piece of rag
wound round one of its legs. This I removed, and, to my utter
astonishment, saw English words written on it, which I plainly made out
to be "Save an unfortunate Englishwoman from the smoking rock!"
 
This little sentence sent a thrill through every nerve: my brain seemed
to whirl. I doubted the evidence of my senses.
 
"Is this reality, or delusion?" thought I, "Can it be true, that a
fellow creature breathes with us the air of this lonely region?"
 
I felt stupefied for some minutes: the bird began to show signs of
life, which recalled me to myself; and, quickly deciding what must be
done, I tore a strip from my handkerchief, on which I traced the words,
"Do not despair! Help is near!"
 
This I carefully bound round one leg, replacing the rag on the other,
and then applied myself to the complete restoration of the bird. It
gradually revived; and after drinking a little, surprised me by
suddenly rising on the wing, faltering a moment in its flight, and then
rapidly disappearing from my view in a westerly direction.
 
Now, father, one thought occupies me continually: will my note ever
reach this Englishwoman? Shall I be able to find, and to save her?'
 
I listened to this account with feelings of the liveliest interest and
astonishment.
 
My dear son,' said I, you have done wisely in confiding to me alone
your most exciting discovery. Unless we know more, we must not unsettle
the others by speaking of it; for it appears to me quite possible that
these words were penned long ago on some distant shore, where, by this
time, the unhappy stranger may have perished miserably. By the "smoking
rock" must be meant a volcano. There are none here.'
 
Fritz was not disposed to look at the case from this gloomy point of
view; did not think the rag so very old; believed smoke might rise from
a rock which was not volcanic; and evidently cherished the hope that he
might be able to respond effectually to this touching appeal.
 
I was in reality as anxious as himself on the subject, but judged it
prudent to abate rather than excite hopes of success which might be
doomed to bitter disappointment.
 
After earnest consultation on the subject, we decided that Fritz should
go in search of the writer of the message, but not until he had so
altered the canoe as to fit it for carrying two persons, as well as
provisions sufficient to admit of his absence for a considerable time.
Impatient as he was, he could not but see the wisdom of this delay.
 
We returned to the house, and saw the boys busily opening the oysters,
which they had had no time to do the previous night, and greatly
excited as ever and anon a pearl was found.
 
May we not establish a pearl-fishery at once, father?' shouted they. We
might build a hut on the shore of the bay and set about it regularly.'
 
An excursion to Pearl Bay was now the event to which all thoughts
turned, and for which preparations on a grand scale were made. It was
to form, as it were, the basis of the more important voyage Fritz had
in view, and to which, unsuspected by the rest, he could devote all his
attention.
 
I took an opportunity, one day, when all were present, to remark in a
serious tone:
 
I have been considering, dear wife, that our eldest son is now of an
age to be dependent on himself. I shall, therefore, henceforth leave
him at liberty to act in all respects according to his own judgement;
and, especially in the matter of voyages or excursions, he must not be
hampered by the fear of alarming us should he choose to remain absent
longer than we expect. I have such entire confidence in his prudence,
and at the same time in his affection for us, that I am certain he will
never needlessly cause us anxiety.'
 
Fritz looked gratefully towards me as I spoke; and his mother ratified
my words, embracing him affectionately, and saying, with emotion, God
bless and preserve thee, my boy!'
 
It took some time to make several raking or scraping machines, which I
invented for the purpose of detaching and lifting the oysters from
their native rocks; but that gave Fritz leisure to change the fittings
of his canoe, so as to have a spare seat in it.
 
His brothers naturally concluded he meant to take one of them as
shipmate on board, and he allowed the mistake to continue. They
occupied themselves in making various articles they expected to be of
use, and bore the delay with tolerable patience.
 
At last came the day, when, taking leave of my wife and Franz, we went
on board the yacht, accompanied by some of the dogs; while Jack,
proudly occupying the new seat beside Fritz in the canoe, shared with
him the honour of leading the way in the character of pilots.
 
We passed safely through the rocks and shoals near Walrus Island into
an expanse of calm water, sheltered by jutting cliffs, where the sea
glanced like a mirror, and for the first time we observed the
fairy-like shells of the paper-nautilus sailing lightly over the
dazzling surface.
 
It was impossible to see these lovely seafarers without wishing to
obtain specimens; and the canoe accordingly gave chase, presently
securing half a dozen, which were handed to us in the yacht to be
carefully preserved for the museum, and the place was ever after called
Nautilus Creek.
 
Further on we rounded a short promontory, flat, with an abrupt rock at
the extremity, to which we gave the name of Cape Pug-Nose; and then, at
some distance, appeared the grand cliffs of a headland running far out
to sea.
 
This I supposed we should have to weather, but my pilots made no change
in our course, and, following the canoe, we soon came in sight of the
majestic archway which offered us a short passage to Pearl Bay.
 
The wonderfully architectural appearance of the pillars, arches and
pinnacles, surrounding and surmounting this noble entrance, struck me
with admiration, resembling parts of a fine gothic cathedral, and
inducing me to propose for it the name Cape Minster.
 
A perfect cloud of little swallows darted from the cavernous entrance
on our approach, divided into flocks, soared, wheeled, flew right and
left, and finally returned in a body as swiftly as they came, to the
sides of the long dark tunnel, which were festooned with their nests.
 
We detached a number of these as we passed, taking care to leave those
containing eggs or young. The best were at a considerable height, but
the broken and shelving rocks afforded, in some places, footing for
such daring and active climbers as Fritz and Jack, and they quickly
obtained as many as we could possibly require.
 
Our progress was much assisted by the tide, which, like a current, bore
us onward along the nave of this natural cathedral; aisles, transepts,
screens and side-chapels appearing between the columns and arches which
in the dim religious light' were revealed to our wondering eyes.
 
On emerging into the dazzling sunshine, we found ourselves floating in
the calm expanse of Pearl Bay; but it was some minutes before we could
look around on the bright and lovely scene.
 
Fritz had not overrated its beauty, and the romantic islets which
studded its waters seemed to give the effect of a pleasant smile to
features already perfect.
 
We cruised about for some time, surveying the coast with its fertile
meadows, shady groves, gently swelling hills and murmuring brooks,
seeking a convenient landing-place in the vicinity of the shallows
where lay the oyster-beds.
 
This we found, close to a sparkling streamlet; and, as the day was fast
declining, we made speedy arrangements for burning a watch-fire; after
which we partook of a hasty supper, and leaving the dogs, with Coco,
the jackal, to sleep on shore, we returned on board the yacht for the
night, anchoring within gunshot of the land.
 
The coast being quite strange to us, I knew not what wild beasts might
frequent it; but, though I did not fear that any would approach us by
swimming, yet I was glad to have with us our lively little ape, Mercury
(the successor of our old favourite, Knips, long since gathered to his
fathers), for he occupied at night a cosy berth on deck, and was
certain to give vociferous notice should anything alarming occur.
 
Fritz moored the kayak alongside, and came on board. The night passed
in peace, although for a time we were disturbed by the yelping of
jackals, with whom Coco persisted in keeping up a noisy conversation.
 
We awoke at daybreak, and after breakfasting `a la fourchette, we
repaired in haste with nets, scrapers and all other requisites, to the
oyster-beds, where we worked with such diligence and success that in
the course of two days we had an immense pile of shells built up like a
stack on the beach, and left to decay.
 
I collected a quantity of seaweed to spread over them, which was
afterwards burnt to make alkali, when we returned to secure our harvest
of pearls.
 
Every evening we went out shooting in the neighbourhood, and kept
ourselves supplied with game of one sort or another. The last day of
our fishery we started earlier, intending to make a longer excursion
into the woods.
 
Ernest set off first with Floss; Jack and Coco strolling after them.
Fritz and I were still employed in taking on board the last load of our
tools, when we suddenly heard a shot, a loud cry of pain or fear, and
then another shot.
 
At the first alarm, the other two dogs rushed away from us towards the
spot, and Fritz, who had just called Pounce from his perch, to
accompany us in the ramble, let him fly, and seizing his rifle darted
off in the same direction.
 
Before I could reach the scene of action, more shots were heard, and
then a shout of victory; after which appeared through the stems of the
trees the disconsolate figure of Jack, hobbling along like a cripple,
supported on each side by his brothers.
 
When they came near me they stopped; and poor Jack, moaning and
groaning, began to feel himself all over, as if to search for broken
bones, crying out, I'm pounded like a half-crushed pepper-corn!'
 
On examination I found some severe bruises.
 
Who or what has been pummelling the boy?' I exclaimed. One would think
he had been beaten.'
 
It was a huge wild boar,' said Ernest, with fierce eyes, monstrous
tusks and a snout as broad as my hand.'
 
We took Jack down to the yacht, bathed his bruises, gave him a cooling
drink, and he soon fell fast asleep in his berth, where I left him and
returned to the shore.
 
Now, Ernest,' said I, enlighten me on the subject of this adventure!
What you and the boar did, is quite a mystery to me.'
 
Floss and I were going quietly along,' replied he, when suddenly there
was a rustling and snorting close by, and a great boar broke through
the bushes, making for the outskirts of the wood. Floss gave chase
directly, and the boar turned to bay. Then up came Jack with Coco, and
the gallant little jackal attacked the monster in the rear. In another
moment, however, he was sent sprawling upon his back, and this so
provoked his master that he fired a hasty ill-directed shot. The
brute's notice and fury at once turned upon Jack, who prudently took to
his heels, while I attempted to check the career of the boar by a shot,
which, however, only slightly wounded it. Jack stumbled and fell over
the root of a tree, just as the animal came up with him. "Help!
Murder," shouted he; and if the other dogs had not then arrived, and
all together tackled the boar, I fear it would have been a case of
murder indeed! As it was, the poor fellow got mauled and trampled upon
dreadfully.
 
As I was waiting for an opportunity to fire without any risk of hitting
Jack, Pounce rushed through the air and darted upon the beast, and
Fritz came quickly up and shot it dead with a pistol.
 
While we were helping Jack along, and passing a place where the boar
had been grubbing, I noticed some such curious knotty roots or
tubercles, that I brought away specimens. Are they worth anything, do
you think? They have a strong smell.'
 
If I may trust my nose,' said I, you have brought something by no means
to be despised. Yes,' I continued, putting them to my lips, these are
very fine truffles! Taste them, Fritz.'
 
Indeed they are excellent,' said he, very different from the tough,
leathery things I remember in Europe: these are tender and
well-flavoured.'
 
Because they are fresh,' said I. You have before tasted those only
which have been brought from a distance. They are found in different
parts of Europe, buried at a depth of ten or twelve inches in the soil
of oak or beech woods. A small dog is employed to hunt for them, who
perceives their musky odour in a singularly acute way, and at once
scratches at the spot where they lie.'
 
Have the truffles no leaves or stalks,' inquired Fritz, by which they
might be found without the help of the dog?'
 
They have nothing of the sort,' I replied. They are discovered simply
by scent, and are considered to belong to the tribe of Fungi.'
 
By this time it was late: we took supper, made up the watch-fire, and
withdrew to our yacht, where we slept peacefully.
 
Early next morning we proceeded to visit the field of battle. The wild
boar, which I had not before seen, proved to be much larger and more
formidable in appearance than I had imagined, and Jack's escape seemed
to me perfectly marvellous.
 
The boys took it as a matter of course that we were to cut out hams and
flitches; and we therefore did so, though I warned them that they--need
not expect much pleasure in eating bacon from a tough old African boar
like this. We conveyed the mighty hams to the beach, each on a sledge
of plaited boughs and twigs, and drawn by one of the dogs. The
monstrous head travelled in the same way, and we collected a large
number of truffles before quitting the forest.
 
As soon as the dogs were released, they rushed back to the scene of
operations in the wood, comprehending that they were now free to feast
on what remained there.
 
There was so much to be done in consequence of this affair, that Fritz,
who had hoped to set out on his solitary expedition that day, deferred
it until the next; and was, therefore, fortunately with us, when late
in the evening we desisted from our labours, and having supped, were
preparing to retire to rest.
 
All at once a deep fearful sound echoed through the neighbouring woods.
It made our blood curdle in our veins. We listened with straining ears,
hoping it would not be repeated. With a shudder we heard the dread
voice roar again, yet nearer to us, and an answer peal from the
distance.
 
We must find out who are the performers in this concert!' exclaimed
Fritz, springing to his feet, and snatching up his rifle. Make the fire
blaze, get on board the yacht, and have all the guns in readiness. I am
off to reconnoitre in the canoe.'
 
We mechanically obeyed his rapid orders, while the bold youth
disappeared in the darkness; and, after heaping fuel on the fire, we
went on board and armed ourselves with cutlasses, besides loading all
the guns, waiting in readiness either to land again, or to quit the
coast.
 
We presently saw the whole pack of our dogs, as well as Coco, the
jackal, and the little ape, Mercury (who had been tempted by the
truffles to stay with them in the woods), come galloping at full speed
up to the fire.
 
Mercury was evidently excessively discomposed at finding us gone; he
gnashed his teeth, and chattered, as though in fear, looking hopelessly
at the water, through which he could not venture.
 
The dogs planted themselves by the fire, gazing fixedly landward, with
ears erect, and occasionally uttering a barking challenge, or a
suppressed howl.
 
Meantime, the horrid roarings approached nearer, and I concluded that a
couple of leopards or panthers had been attracted by the scent of the
boar's carcass.
 
But not long after I had expressed this opinion, we beheld a large
powerful animal spring from the underwood and, with a bound and
muttered roar, approach the fire. In a moment I recognized the
unmistakable outlines of the form of a lion, though in size he far
surpassed any I had ever seen exhibited in Europe.
 
The dogs slunk behind the fire, and the lion seated himself almost like
a cat on his hind legs, glaring alternately at them, and at the great
boar hams which hung near, with doubtless a mixed feeling of irritation
and appetite, which was testified by the restless movement of his tail.
 
He then arose, and commenced walking up and down with slow and measured
pace, occasionally uttering short, angry roars, quite unlike the
prolonged full tones we had heard at first.
 
At times he went to drink at the brook, always returning with such
haste, that I fully expected to see him spring.
 
Gradually his manner became more and more threatening; he turned
towards us, crouched, and with his body at full stretch, waved his
tail, and glared so furiously, that I was in doubt whether to fire or
retreat, when through the darkness rang the sharp crack of a rifle.
 
That is Fritz!' exclaimed everyone; while, with a fearful roar, the
lion sprang to his feet, stood stock still, tottered, sank on his
knees, rolled over, and lay motionless on the sand.
 
We are saved!' I cried. That was a masterly shot. The lion is struck to
the heart: he will never stir again. Stay on board, boys. I must join
my brave Fritz.'
 
In a few moments I landed: the dogs met me with evident tokens of
pleasure, but kept whining uneasily, and looking towards the deep
darkness of the woods whence the lion had come.
 
This behaviour made me cautious; and, seeing nothing of Fritz, I
lingered by the boat, when suddenly a lioness bounded from the shadow
of the trees, into the light diffused by the fire.
 
At sight of the blazing faggots she paused, as though startled; passed
with uncertain step round the outskirts of the illuminated circle; and
uttered roarings, which were evidently calls to her mate, whose dead
body she presently discovered.
 
Finding him motionless, her manner betokened the greatest concern; she
touched him with her forepaws, smelt round him, and licked his bleeding
wounds. Then raising her head, she gnashed her teeth, and gave forth
the most lamentable and dreadful sound I ever heard; a mingled roar and
howl, which was like the expression of grief, rage, and a vow to be
revenged, all in one.
 
Crack! Another shot: the creature's right forepaw was lamed; and the
dogs, seeing me raise my gun, suddenly gathered courage, and ran
forward just as I fired. My shot also wounded the lioness, but not
mortally, and the most terrific combat ensued.
 
It was impossible to fire again, for fear of wounding the dogs. The
scene was fearful beyond description. Black night surrounded us; the
fitful blaze of the fire shed a strange, unnatural light on the
prostrate body of the huge dead lion, and on the wounded lioness, who
fought desperately against the attack of the four gallant dogs; while
the cries, roars and groans of anguish and fury uttered by all the
animals were enough to try the stoutest nerves.
 
Old Juno, staunch to the last, was foremost in the fray. After a time,
I saw her change her plan of attack, and spring at the throat of the
lioness; who, in an instant, raised her left paw, and at one blow the
cruel claws had laid open the body of the dog, and destroyed the life
of the true and faithful companion of so many years.
 
Just then, Fritz appeared. The lioness was much weakened, and we
ventured to go near enough to fire with safety to ourselves; and
finally I dispatched her by plunging a hunting-knife deep in her
breast.
 
Ernest and Jack were summoned from the yacht to witness the completed
victory; and I regretted having left them on board, when I saw how
greatly the noise and tumult had alarmed them, unable as they were to
ascertain what was going on.
 
They hastened towards us in great agitation, and their joy on seeing us
safe was only equalled by the grief they felt on learning of the death
of Juno.
 
The night was now far advanced; the fire burnt low; but we piled on
more wood, and, by the renewed light, drew poor Juno from between the
paws of the lioness; and, by the brookside, washed and bound up the
torn body, wrapping it carefully in canvas, and carrying it with us on
board the yacht, that it might be buried at Rockburg, whither, on the
following day, it was our purpose to return.
 
Wearied and sorrowful, but full of thankfulness for our personal
safety, we at length lay down to sleep, having brought all the dogs on
board.
 
Next morning, before quitting Pearl Bay, we once more landed, that we
might possess ourselves of the magnificent skins of the lion and
lioness, whose visit, fatal to themselves, had caused such a commotion
during the night.
 
In about a couple of hours we returned to the yacht, leaving the flayed
carcasses to the tender mercies of the birds of prey sure to be
attracted to them.
 
Homeward bound,' sang out the boys, as they cheerily weighed anchor,
and prepared to stand out to sea. I could see, though he did not
complain, that poor Jack had not yet recovered from the boar's rough
treatment, and moved very stiffly.
 
You must pilot us through the channel in the reef, this time, Fritz,'
said I; adding, in a lower tone, and then is it to be "farewell", my
son?'
 
Yes, dear father--Au revoir!' returned he, brightly with a glance full
of meaning, while he threw into his canoe a cushion and fur cloak.
 
Thanks Fritz! But I'm going to honour them with the care of my battered
bones in the yacht here. You are awfully considerate though, old
fellow,' remarked Jack, not for a moment doubting that his brother
expected him to return, as he came, beside him in the kayak.
 
Fritz laughed, and commended his decision. Then, springing into his
skiff, he led the way towards the open sea.
 
We followed carefully and soon passed the reef; after which the boys
were very busy with the sails, putting the vessel on the homeward
course, when, waving his hand to me, Fritz turned in the opposite
direction, and quickly vanished behind the point, which I afterwards
named Cape Farewell.
 
When missed by his brothers, I said he had a fancy to explore more of
the coast, and if he found it interesting, he might, instead of only a
few hours, remain absent for two or three days.
 
Towards evening, we sailed into Safety Bay.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 17
 
My wife and Franz, though somewhat startled by the unexpected absence
of Fritz, were delighted to see us return safely, and listened with
eager interest to our adventures. My wife shuddered, and scarcely
suppressed an involuntary scream as she heard of our desperate
encounter with the lion and his mate. Jack's danger and providential
escape, too, made her tremble; and so pale did he still look, that she
could scarcely believe he was uninjured.
 
Tears came into Franz's eyes when he heard of the sad death of poor old
Juno; and he inquired most tenderly whether her remains had been
brought back, that they might be interred near the house which had been
her home for so many years.
 
Next day he saw her buried carefully; and Ernest, at his request,
produced an epitaph, which was inscribed upon a slab of stone above her
grave.
 
JUNO
 
A servant true lies here:
 
A faithful friend,
 
A Dog,
 
To all most dear;
 
Who met her end
 
Fighting right bravely in her master's cause.
 
The flesh of the wild boar and the truffles were handed over to my
wife, who received them with delight, promising us therefrom many a
savoury dish. She would fain have had the boar's head too; but my word
was pledged to Ernest that it should adorn his museum, and, though my
lips watered to taste it baked in Hottentot fashion, I would not break
my promise.
 
This splendid head, therefore, together with the lions' skins, we
carried to the tannery on Whale Island, where they were cleaned and
dressed.
 
Five days passed, but Fritz still remained absent. I could not conceal
my anxiety, and at length determined to follow him. All were delighted
at the proposal, and even my wife, when she heard that we were to sail
in the pinnace, agreed to accompany us.
 
The boat was stored, and on a bright morning, with a favourable breeze,
we five, with the dogs, stepped aboard, and ran for Cape Minster.
 
Our beautiful little yacht bounded over the water gaily, and the bright
sunshine and delicious sea-breeze put us all in the highest spirits.
The entrance of the archway was in sight, and thither I was directing
the boat's course. Suddenly, right ahead, I saw a dark and shadowy mass
just below the surface of the water. A sunken rock,' I thought to
myself, and yet it is strange that I never before noticed it.' I put
down the helm in a moment, but a catastrophe seemed inevitable.
 
We surged ahead! A slight shock, and all was over! The danger was
passed!
 
I glanced astern, to look again at the dangerous spot; but the rock was
gone, and, where but a moment before I had distinctly seen its great
green shadow, I could now see nothing. Before we had recovered from our
amazement, a shout from Jack surprised me.
 
There is another,' he exclaimed, to starboard, father!'
 
Sure enough, there lay, apparently, another sunken rock.
 
The rock is moving!' shouted Franz; and a great black body emerged from
the sea, while from the upper extremity rushed a column of water,
which, with a mighty noise, rose upwards, and then fell like rain all
around. The mystery was explained; for, as the great beast emerged yet
further from the water, I recognized, from its enormous size and great
length of head, the cachalot whale.
 
The monster was apparently enraged at the way we had scratched his
back; for, retreating to a short distance, he evidently meditated a
rush upon us.
 
Fearful stories occurred to me of the savage temper of this whale, how
he has been known to destroy boat after boat, and even to sink great
ships, and with a feeling of desperation I sprang to one of the guns.
Jack leaped to the other, and almost simultaneously we fired. Both
shots apparently took effect; for the whale, after lashing the water
violently for a few seconds, plunged beneath its surface, and
disappeared. We kept a sharp look-out for him, for I was unwilling to
lose such a valuable prize and, reloading, stood towards the shore, in
which direction he was apparently making. Presently we again sighted
him in shallow water, lashing fearfully with his tail, and dyeing the
waves around him with blood. Approaching the infuriated animal as
nearly as I dared, we again fired.
 
The struggles of the whale seemed for a few moments to become even yet
more frantic, and then, with a quiver from head to tail, he lay
motionless--dead!
 
The boys were about to raise a cry of victory, but checked the shout
upon their very lips; for darting behind a rock they espied a canoe
paddled by a tall and muscular savage, who now stood up in his skiff
and appeared to be examining us attentively. Seeing that we were
standing towards him, the swarthy native seized his paddle and again
darted behind a rock. An awful thought now took possession of me. There
must be a tribe of blacks lurking on these shores, and Fritz must have
fallen into their hands. We, however, I determined, should not be
easily taken; and our guns were loaded and run out.
 
Presently a dusky face appeared, peeping at us from a lofty rock: it
vanished, and we saw another peeping at us from lower down. Then again
the skiff put out as though to make a further reconnoitre. All, even
Jack, looked anxious, and glanced at me for orders.
 
Hoist a white flag,' said I, and hand me the speaking-trumpet.'
 
I seized the instrument and uttered such peaceable words in the Malay
language as I could recall: neither the flag nor my words seemed to
produce any effect, and the savage was about to return to the shore.
 
Jack hereupon lost patience, and in his turn took up the trumpet.
 
Come here, you black son of a gun,' he exclaimed. Come on board and
make friends, or we'll blow you and your--'
 
Stop! Stop! You foolish boy,' I said. You will but alarm the man, with
your wild words and gestures.'
 
No! But see,' he cried, he is paddling towards us!'
 
And sure enough the canoe was rapidly approaching.
 
Presently a cry from Franz alarmed me. Look! Look!' he shrieked. The
villain is in Fritz's kayak. I can see the walrus' head.'
 
Ernest alone remained unmoved. He took the speaking-trumpet:
 
Fritz, ahoy!' he shouted. Welcome, old fellow!'
 
The words were scarcely out of his mouth when I, too, recognized the
well-known face, beneath its dusky disguise.
 
In another minute the brave boy was on board, and in spite of his
blackened face was kissed and welcomed heartily. He was now assailed
with a storm of questions from all sides: Where had he been?' What had
kept him so long, and why had he turned blackamoor?'
 
The last question,' replied he, with a smile, is the only one I will
now answer; the others shall be explained when I give a full account of
my adventures. Hearing guns fired, my mind was instantly filled with
ideas of Malay pirates, for I never dreamed that you could be here in
the yacht, so I disguised myself as you now see me, and came forth to
reconnoitre. When you addressed me in Malay you only added to my
terror, for it left not a doubt in my mind that you were pirates.'
 
Having in our turn described to him our adventure with the cachalot
whale, I asked him if he knew of a suitable spot for the anchorage of
the yacht.
 
Certainly,' he replied, casting towards me a glance full of meaning. I
can lead you to an island where there is splendid anchorage, and which
is itself well worth seeing, for it contains all sorts of strange
things.' And after removing the stains from his skin, he again sprang
into his canoe and piloted us to a picturesque little island in the
bay.
 
Now that there could be no doubt as to the success of Fritz's
expedition, I no longer hesitated to give to my wife an account of his
project, and to prepare her mind for the surprise which awaited her.
She was greatly startled, as I expected, and seemed almost overcome
with emotion at the idea of seeing a human being, and that being one of
her own sex.
 
But why,' she asked, did you not tell me of this at first? Why wait
until the last moment with such joyful news?'
 
I was unwilling,' I replied, to raise hopes which might never be
realized; but now, thank Heaven, he has succeeded, and there is no need
for concealment.'
 
The boys could not at all understand the evident air of mystery and
suppressed excitement which neither their mother, Fritz, nor I could
entirely conceal. They cast glances of the greatest curiosity towards
the island, and as soon as the sails were furled and the anchor
dropped, they sprang eagerly ashore. In a body we followed Fritz,
maintaining perfect silence. Presently we emerged from the thicket
through which we were passing, and saw before us a hut of sheltering
boughs, at the entrance of which burned a cheerful fire.
 
Into this leafy bower Fritz dived, leaving his brothers without, mute
with astonishment. In another moment he emerged, leading by the hand a
slight, handsome youth, by his dress apparently a young English naval
officer. The pair advanced to meet us; and Fritz, with a countenance
radiant with joy, briefly introduced his companion as Edward Montrose.
 
And,' he continued, looking at his mother and me, will you not welcome
him as a friend and a brother to our family circle?'
 
That will we, indeed!' I exclaimed, advancing and holding out my hands
to the fair young stranger. Our wild life may have roughened our looks
and manners, but it has not hardened our hearts, I trust.'
 
The mother, too, embraced the seeming youth most heartily. The lads,
and even the dogs, were not behind-hand in testifying their
gratification at the appearance of their new friend--the former
delighted at the idea of a fresh companion, and the latter won by her
sweet voice and appearance.
 
From the expressions made use of by Fritz I perceived that the girl
wished her sex to remain unrevealed to the rest of the party until my
wife could obtain for her a costume more suited to her real character.
 
The young men then ran down to the yacht to bring up what was necessary
for supper, as well as to make preparations for a camp in which we
might spend the night. This done, my wife hastened to set before us a
substantial meal, while the boys, anxious to make their new
acquaintance feel at home amongst them, were doing their best to amuse
her. She herself, after the first feeling of strangeness had worn off,
entered fully into all their fun; and by the time they sat down to
supper was laughing and chatting as gaily as any one of the rest. She
admired the various dishes, tasted our mead and, without alluding once
to her previous life, kept up a lively conversation.
 
The mere fact of meeting with any human being after so many years of
isolation was in itself sufficient to raise the boys to the greatest
state of excitement; but that this being should be one so handsome; so
gay, so perfectly charming, seemed completely to have fumed their
heads; and when I gave the sign for the breaking-up of the feast, and
their new friend was about to be led to the night-quarters which had
been prepared for her on board the yacht, the health of Edward Montrose
was proposed, and drunk in fragrant mead, amidst the cheers and
acclamations of all hands.
 
When she was gone, and silence had been restored, Jack exclaimed:
 
Now, then, Fritz, if you please, just tell me where you came across
this jolly fellow. Did you take your mysterious voyage in search of
him, or did you meet him by chance? Out with your adventures, while we
sit comfortably round the fire.'
 
So saying, Jack cast more wood upon the blazing pile, and throwing
himself down in his usual careless fashion, prepared to listen
attentively.
 
Fritz, after a few moments' hesitation, began: Perhaps you remember,'
said he, how, when I returned from my expedition in the kayak the other
day, I struck down an albatross. None but my father at the time knew,
however, what became of the wounded bird, or even thought more about
it. Yet it was that albatross who brought me notice of the shipwrecked
stranger; and he, too, I determined should carry back a message, to
cheer and encourage the sender.
 
I first, as you know, prepared my kayak to carry two persons; and then,
with a heart full of hope and trust, left you and the yacht, and, with
Pounce seated before me, made for the open sea. For several hours I
paddled steadily on, till, the wind freshening, I thought it advisable
to keep in nearer shore; that, should a regular storm arise, I might
find some sheltered bay in which to weather it.
 
It was well I did so; for, scarcely had I reached a quiet cove which
promised to afford me the protection I desired, than the sea appeared
one mass of foam: great surging waves arose; and even in the
comparative calm of the bay I felt that I was in some danger.
 
I passed the night in my kayak; and next morning, after a frugal meal
of pemmican, and a draught of water from my flask, once more ventured
forth. The wind had subsided, the sea was tolerably smooth; and,
keeping my eyes busily employed in seeking in every direction to
detect, if possible, the slightest trace of smoke, or other sign of
human life, I paddled on till noon.
 
The aspect of the coast now began to change: the shores were sandy,
while further inland lay dense forests, from whose gloomy depths I
could ever and anon hear the fierce roar of beasts of prey, the yell of
apes, the fiendish laugh of the hyaena, or the despairing death cry of
a hapless deer. Seldom have I experienced a greater feeling of solitude
than whilst listening to these strange sounds, and knowing that I in
this frail canoe was the only human being near. Giving myself up to
contemplation, I rested my paddle, and allowed my kayak to drift slowly
on.
 
As I neared the shore, I noticed a large number of strange-looking
birds, who would sometimes flutter round me, and then dart back again
to the border of the forest, where they were feeding on what appeared
to be the pepper-plant; they seized the berries in their great
ponderous beaks, threw them up into the air and then dexterously caught
them in their fall. Their beaks were really something extraordinary:
they looked as though they must give their owners a perpetual headache,
from their immense weight. The only thing that relieved the extreme
ugliness of these great appendages was their gorgeous colour, which was
only rivalled by the gay hue of the plumage. I wish now that I had
brought home a specimen; but, at the time, I was so much amused by
watching the grotesque antics of the birds, that I did not think of
obtaining one. When I left the spot, I settled in my own mind that they
were toucans: was I right, Ernest?'
 
The Professor', unwilling to interrupt the narrative, merely gave an
oracular nod, and Fritz continued, For some hours after this I paddled
quickly on, sometimes passing the mouth of a stream, sometimes that of
a broad river. Had I been merely on an exploring expedition, I should
have been tempted, doubtless, to cruise a little way up one of these
pathways into the forest; but now such an idea did not enter my head.
On, on, on, I felt I must go, until I should reach the goal of my
voyage.
 
The shades of night at length drew on and, finding a sheltered cove, I
moored my kayak, and stepped on shore. You may imagine how pleasant it
was to stretch my legs, after sitting for so long in the cramped
position which my kayak enforces. It would not do, however, to sleep on
shore; so after preparing and enjoying my supper, I returned on board,
and there spent the night.
 
Next morning Pounce and I again landed for breakfast. I lit my fire,
and hung before it a plump young parrot to roast. As I was so doing, I
heard a slight rustle amongst the long grass behind me. I glanced
round, and there, with glaring eyes, and his great tail swaying to and
fro, I saw an immense tiger.
 
In another moment his spring would have been made. I should have been
no more, and our young guest would have been doomed to God only knows
how many more years of frightful solitude!
 
My gun was lying by my side. Before I could have stooped to pick it up,
the monster would have seized me.
 
Pounce saw and comprehended my danger: the heroic bird darted upon my
enemy, and so blinded him with his flapping wings, and the fierce blows
of his beak, that his spring was checked, and I had time to recover my
self-possession. I seized my gun and fired; and the brute, pierced to
the heart, gave one spring, and then rolled over at my feet.
 
My enemy was dead; but beside him--alas!--lay poor Pounce, crushed and
lifeless. One blow of the great beast's paw had struck him down, never
to rise again!'
 
Fritz's voice shook as he came to this point; and, after remaining
silent for a moment or two, he continued, hurriedly, With a sad and
desolate feeling at my heart, I buried the faithful bird where he had
met his death; and then, unable longer to continue near the spot, I
returned to my kayak, and leaving the great tiger lying where he fell,
paddled hastily away.
 
My thoughts were gloomy. I felt as though, now that my companion was
gone, I could no longer continue the voyage. The albatross, I thought,
may have flown for hundreds of miles before it reached me. This
stranger may be on different shores from these entirely; every stroke
of my paddle may be carrying me further from the blazing signal: who
knows?
 
This feeling of discouragement was not, however, to be of long
duration; for in a moment more a sight presented itself, which banished
all my doubts and fears, and raised me to the highest pitch of
excitement.
 
A high point of land lay before me. I rounded it, and beyond found a
calm and pleasant bay, from whose curved and thickly wooded shores ran
out a reef of rocks. From the point of this reef rose a column of
smoke, steadily and clearly curling upwards in the calm air. I could
scarcely believe my senses, but stopped gazing at it, as though I were
in a dream; then, with throbbing pulse and giddy brain, I seized my
paddle, and strained every nerve to reach it.
 
A few strokes seemed to carry me across the bay, and, securing my
canoe, I leaped upon the rock, on which the beacon was blazing, but not
a sign of a human being could I see. I was about to shout, for as the
fire had evidently been recently piled up, I knew the stranger could
not be far off; but, before I could do so, I saw a slight figure
passing along the chain of rocks towards the spot on which I stood. You
may all imagine my sensations.
 
I advanced a few paces; and then mastering my emotion as best I could,
I said, in English, "Welcome, fair stranger! God, in His mercy, has
heard your call, and has sent me to your aid!"
 
Miss Montrose came quickly forward--'
 
Who? What?' shouted the boys, interrupting the narrative. Who came
forward?' and amid a general hubbub, Ernest, rising and advancing to
his brother, said in his quiet way:
 
I did not like to make any remark till you actually let out the secret,
Fritz, but we need no longer pretend not to see through the disguise of
Edward Montrose.'
 
Fritz, though much disconcerted by the discovery of the secret,
recovered his self-possession; and, after bearing with perfect
equanimity the jokes with which his brothers assailed him, joined in
three cheers for their new sister, and when the confusion and laughter
which ensued had subsided, continued his story. Miss Montrose grasped
my hands warmly, and guessing from my pronunciation, I am afraid, that
I was not in the habit of speaking English every day of my life, said
in French, "Long, long, have I waited since the bird returned with your
message. Thank God, you have come at last!"
 
Then, with tears of joy and gratitude, she led me to the shore, where
she had built a hut and a safe sleeping-place, like Falconhurst on a
small scale, among the branches of a tree. I was delighted with all she
showed me, for indeed her hut and its fittings evinced no ordinary
skill and ingenuity. Round the walls hung bows, arrows, lances and
bird-snares; while on her work-table, in boxes and cases, carved
skilfully with a knife, were fish-hooks of mother-of-pearl, needles
made from fishbones, and bodkins from the beaks of birds, fishing-lines
of all sorts, and knives and other tools. These latter she told me
were, with a chest of wearing apparel, almost the only things washed
ashore after the wreck, when three years ago she was cast alone upon
this desolate coast. I marvelled more and more at the wonderful way in
which this girl had surmounted obstacles, the quarter of which would
completely have appalled the generality of her sex. The hut itself was
a marvel of skill; stout posts had been driven into the ground, with
cross pieces of bamboo, to form a framework; the walls had then been
woven with reeds, the roof thatched with palm-leaves, and the whole
plastered smoothly with clay, an open space being left in the centre of
the roof for a chimney to carry off the smoke of the fire.
 
As we entered, a cormorant, with a cry of anger, flew from under the
table towards me, and was about to attack me fiercely. Miss Montrose
called it off, and she then told me she had captured and tamed the bird
soon after first landing, and since that time had contrived to train it
to assist her in every conceivable way: it now not only was a pleasant
companion, but brought her food of every description, fish, flesh and
fowl, for whether it dived into the waters, according to its natural
habit, struck down birds upon the wing, or seized rabbits and other
small animals upon the land, it laid all its booty at her feet.
 
Before darkness closed in, all the curiosities and ingenious
contrivances of the place had been displayed the kitchen-stove, cooking
utensils, skin bottles, shell plates and spoons, the fishing raft, and
numberless other things--and then, sitting down with my fair hostess to
a most appetizing meal, she gave me a short account of her life.
 
Jenny Montrose was the daughter of a British officer who had served for
many years in India, where she herself was born. At the early age of
three years she lost her mother.
 
After the death of his wife, all the Colonel's love and care was
centred upon his only child; under his eye she was instructed in all
the accomplishments suited to her sex; and from him she imbibed an
ardent love of field sports. By the time she was seventeen she was as
much at home upon her horse in the field as in her father's
drawing-room. Colonel Montrose now received orders to return home with
his regiment and as, for certain reasons, he did not wish her to
accompany him in the ship with the troops, he obtained a passage for
her on board a vessel which was about to sail at the same time.
 
The separation was extremely painful to both the old soldier and his
daughter, but there was no alternative. They parted, and Miss Montrose
sailed in the Dorcas for England. A week after she had left Calcutta, a
storm arose and drove the vessel far out of her course; more bad
weather ensued; and at length, leaks having been sprung in all
directions, the crew were obliged to take to the boats. Jenny obtained
a place in one of the largest of these. After enduring the perils of
the sea for many days, land was sighted; and, the other boats having
disappeared, an attempt was made to land. The boat was capsized, and
Miss Montrose alone reached the shore. For a long time she lay upon the
sand almost inanimate; but, reviving sufficiently to move, she at
length obtained some shellfish, and by degrees recovered her strength.
From that time forth until I appeared she never set eyes upon a human
being. To attract any passing vessel, and obtain assistance, however,
she kept a beacon continually blazing at the end of the reef; and, with
the same purpose in view, attached missives to the feet of any birds
she could take alive in her snares. The albatross, she told me, she had
kept for some time and partially tamed; but, as it was in the habit of
making long excursions on its own account, she conceived the idea of
sending it also with a message, that, should it by chance be seen and
taken alive, it might return with an answer.
 
Our supper was over; and, at length, both wearied out with the
anxieties and excitement of the day, we retired to rest, she to her
leafy bower, and I to sleep in the hut below.
 
Next morning, having packed her belongings in the kayak, we both went
on board; and bidding adieu to her well-known bay she took her seat
before me, and I made for home.
 
We should have reached Rockburg this evening had not an accident
occurred to our skiff and compelled us to put in at this island. The
boat was scarcely repaired when I heard your first shots. I instantly
disguised myself; and, never doubting that Malay pirates were near,
came forth to reconnoitre. Glad, indeed, I was to find my fears
ungrounded.'
 
All had listened attentively to Fritz's story, but now a dreadful yawn
from Franz, followed by others from Jack, Ernest and Fritz, and a great
desire on my own part to follow their example, warned me that it was
time to dismiss the party for the night. Fritz retired to his kayak,
the boys and I to the deck of the yacht, and the remainder of the night
passed quietly away.
 
Next morning as we assembled for breakfast I took the opportunity of
begging Miss Montrose no longer to attempt to continue her disguise,
but to allow us to address her in her real character.
 
Jenny smiled; for she had noticed, as the young men met her when she
came from the cabin, a great alteration in their manner, and had at
once seen that her secret was guessed.
 
After all,' she said, I need not be ashamed of this attire; it has been
my only costume for the last three years, and in any other I should
have been unable to manage all the work which during that time has been
necessary.'
 
Our pleasant meal over I prepared to start for home, but Fritz reminded
me of the cachalot, and although he confessed he should not care to
repeat the operation of cutting up a whale, he thought it would be a
pity to lose such a chance of obtaining a supply of spermaceti.
 
I fully agreed with him; and embarking, we quickly reached the sandbank
on which the monster lay. No sooner did we come near than the dogs
leaped ashore, and before we could follow, rushed round to the other
side of the great beast; snarling, growling and howling ensued, and
when we reached the spot we found a terrific combat going on. A troop
of wolves were disputing fiercely with the dogs their right to the
prey. Our appearance, however, quickly settled the matter; two of the
brutes already lay dead, and those that now escaped our guns, galloped
off. Amongst the pack were a few jackals, and no sooner did Coco catch
sight of these, his relations, than, suddenly attracted by his
instinct, he left his master's side, and in spite of our shouts and
cries, joined them and disappeared into the forest.
 
As it would have been useless and dangerous to attempt to follow the
deserter into the woods, we left him alone, trusting that he would
return before we again embarked. Fritz then climbed up the mountain of
flesh, and with his hatchet quickly laid open the huge skull; Jack and
Franz joined him--Ernest having remained on the island, where we had
left my wife and Jenny--and with buckets assisted him to bail out the
spermaceti. The few vessels we possessed were soon full, and having
stored them in the yacht, we once more embarked and arrived at the
little island shortly before the dinner-hour.
 
A capital meal had been prepared for us and, when we had made ourselves
presentable, we sat down to it, and related our adventures. The account
of Coco's desertion was received with exclamations of surprise and
sorrow. Yet,' said Jenny, after a time, I do not think you should
despair of his recovery, for animals in their native state seldom care
to allow those that have been once domesticated to consort with them.
My poor albatross even, though he was never thoroughly tamed, and
certainly did finally desert me, yet used to return at intervals; and I
am pretty sure that were you, Jack, to search the wood early tomorrow
morning, you would find your pet only too willing to come back to
civilized life; or, if you like, I will go myself and find him, for I
should immensely like to have a paddle in the kayak all by myself.'
 
Jack was delighted at the former suggestion, and though he would not
listen for a moment to Jenny's request to be allowed to go alone, he
agreed, if she cared for the fun of an early cruise, to accompany her
in the canoe next morning, and to return to the yacht in time to start
for Rockburg.
 
At sunrise they were off, armed with bait' in the shape of meat and
biscuit, and a muzzle and chain which Jack had manufactured in the
evening to punish the runagate for his offences, should they catch him.
Arrived at the sandbank, they landed; and, after entering the forest
and shouting Coco, Coco!' till the woods rang again, they presently
espied the truant, slouching disconsolately towards them, looking very
miserable and heartily ashamed of himself.
 
With torn ears, and coat ruffled and dirty, he sneaked up. There was no
need to use the bait to entice him; and when the poor beast thus came,
unhappy and begging forgiveness, Jack had not the heart to degrade him
further with the muzzle and chain. He had evidently attempted to join
his wild brethren, and by them had been scouted, worried, and hustled,
as no true jackal; and, as Jenny had foretold, was now only too glad to
return to bondage and to comfort.
 
Poor Coco had recovered his spirits slightly by the time the yacht was
reached; and, after a hearty meal, again took his place amongst the
dogs, whom I had little doubt he would never again desert.
 
All was now bustle and activity; and breakfast over, we went aboard the
yacht. Fritz and Jack stepped into the canoe; and we soon left Fair
Isle and Pearl Bay far behind.
 
The morning was delightful. The sea, excepting for the slight ripple
raised by the gentle breeze wafting us homewards, was perfectly calm.
Slowly and contentedly we glided on through the wonders of the splendid
archway, threaded our passage amongst the rocks and shoals, and passed
out to the open sea. So slowly did we make our way, that the occupants
of the kayak announced that they could not wait for us when they had
once piloted us out from amongst the shoals and reefs, and plied their
paddles to such good purpose that they were soon out of sight. Nautilus
Bay and Cape Pug-Nose were in due time passed, however, and Shark
Island hove in sight. With great astonishment Jenny gazed at our
watch-tower, with its guard-house, the fierce-looking guns, and the
waving flag upon the heights. We landed, that she might visit the
fortification; then we displayed all our arrangements with great pride.
When they and the herd of lovely gazelles had been sufficiently
admired, we again embarked, and steered towards Safety Bay. On reaching
the entrance, a grand salute of twelve shots welcomed us and our fair
guest to Rockburg. Not pleased with the even number, however, Ernest
insisted upon replying with thirteen guns, an odd number being, he
declared, absolutely necessary for form's sake.
 
As we neared the quay, Fritz and Jack stood ready to receive us, and
with true politeness handed their mother and Jenny ashore. They turned
and led the way to the house through the gardens, orchards and
shrubberies which lay on the rising ground that sloped gently upwards
to our dwelling.
 
Jenny's surprise was changed to wonder as she neared the villa
itself--its broad, shady balcony, its fountains sparkling in the sun,
the dovecots, the pigeons wheeling above, and the bright, fresh
creepers twined round the columns, delighted her. She could scarcely
believe that she was still far from any civilized nation, and that she
was amongst a family wrecked like herself upon a lonely coast.
 
My amazement, however, fully equalled that of my little daughter when
beneath the shade of the verandah I saw a table laid out with a
delicious luncheon. All our china, silver and glass had been called
into requisition, and was arranged upon the spotless damask cloth.
 
Wine sparkled in the decanters, splendid pineapples, oranges, guavas,
apples and pears, resting on cool green leaves, lay heaped in pyramids
upon the porcelain dishes. A haunch of venison, cold fowl, ham, and
tongues occupied the ends and sides of the table, while in the centre
rose a vase of gay flowers, surrounded by bowls of milk and great jugs
of mead. It was, indeed, a perfect feast, and the heartiness of the
welcome brought tears of joy into the lovely eyes of the fair girl in
whose honour it had been devised.
 
All were soon ready to sit down; and Jenny, looking prettier than ever
in the dress for which she had exchanged her sailor's suit, took the
place of honour between my wife and me. Ernest and Franz also seated
themselves; but nothing would induce Fritz and Jack to follow their
example. They considered themselves our entertainers, and waited upon
us most attentively, carving the joints, filling our glasses, and
changing the plates; for, as Jack declared to Miss Montrose, the
servants had all run away in our absence, and for the next day or two,
perhaps, we should be obliged to wait upon ourselves.
 
When the banquet was over, and the waiters had satisfied their
appetites, they joined their brothers, and with them displayed all the
wonders of Rockburg to their new sister. To the house, cave, stables,
gardens, fields and boat-houses, to one after the other did they lead
her.
 
Not a corner would they have left unnoticed, had not my wife, fearing
they would tire the poor girl out, come to the rescue, and led her back
to the house.
 
On the following day, after an early breakfast, we started, while it
was yet cool, for Falconhurst; and as I knew that repairs and
arrangements for the coming winter would be necessary and would detain
us for several days, we took with us a supply of tools, as well as
baskets of provisions and other things essential to our comfort.
 
The whole of our stud, excepting the ostrich, were in their paddocks,
near the tree; but Jack, saying that his I mother and Jenny really must
not walk the whole way, to the great amusement of the latter, leaped on
Hurry, and fled away in front of us. Before we had accomplished one
quarter of the distance, we heard the thundering tread of many feet
galloping down the avenue, and presently espied our motley troop of
steeds being driven furiously towards us. Storm, Lightfoot, Swift,
Grumble, Stentor, Arrow and Dart were there, with Jack, on his fleet
two-legged courser, at their heels. At his saddle-bow hung a cluster of
saddles and bridles, the bits all jangling and clanking, adding to the
din and confusion, and urging on the excited animals, who thoroughly
entered into the fun, and with tails in the air, ears back, and heels
ever and anon thrown playfully out, seemed about to overwhelm us.
 
We stepped aside to shelter ourselves behind the trees from the furious
onset; but a shout from Fritz brought the whole herd to a sudden halt,
and Jack spurred towards us.
 
Which of the cattle shall we saddle for you, Jenny?' he shouted.
They're all as gentle as lambs, and as active as cats. Every one has
been ridden by mother; and knows what a side-saddle means, so you can't
go wrong.'
 
To his great delight, Jenny quickly showed her appreciation of the
merits of the steeds by picking out Dart, the fleetest and most
spirited in the whole stud.
 
The ostrich was then relieved of his unusual burden, the animals were
speedily equipped, and Lightfoot bearing the baskets and hampers, the
whole party mounted and trotted forwards. Jenny was delighted with her
palfrey, and henceforward he was reserved for her special use.
 
The work at Falconhurst, as I had expected, occupied us for some time
and it was a week before we could again return to Rockburg. Yet the
time passed pleasantly; for though the young men were busy from morning
to night, the presence of their new companion, her lively spirits and
gay conversation, kept them in constant good humour.
 
When the repairs were all finished we remained yet a day or two longer,
that we might make excursions in various directions to bring in poultry
from Woodlands, stores of acorns for the pigs, and grass, willows and
canes, to be manufactured during the winter into mats, baskets, hurdles
and hen-coops.
 
Many a shower wetted us through during these days, and we had scarcely
time to hurry back to Rockburg and house our cattle and possessions
before the annual deluge began.
 
Never before had this dreary season seemed so short and pleasant; with
Jenny amongst us the usual feeling of weariness and discontent never
appeared; the English language was quickly acquired by all hands,
Fritz, in particular, speaking it so well that Jenny declared she could
scarcely believe he was not an Englishman. She herself already spoke
French, and therefore easily learned our native language and spoke it
fluently before we were released from our captivity.
__________________________________________________________________
 
Chapter 18
 
Many wondrous tales were told or read in turn by the boys and Jenny
during the long evenings as we sat drawing, weaving and plaiting in our
rosy study. In fact this winter was a truly happy time, and when at
length the rain ceased and the bright sun again smiled upon the face of
nature, we could scarcely believe, as we stepped forth and once more
felt the balmy breath of spring, that, for so many weeks, we had been
prisoners within our rocky walls.
 
All was once more activity and life; the duties in field, garden and
orchard called forth the energy of the lads, whilst their mother and
sister found abundant occupation in the poultry-yard and house.
 
Our various settlements and stations required attention. Falconhurst,
Woodlands, Prospect Hill, Shark and Whale Islands were in turn visited
and set in order. The duty of attending to the island battery fell to
Jack and Franz.
 
They had been busy all day repairing the flagstaff, rehoisting the
flag, and cleaning and putting into working order the two guns.
 
Evening was drawing on and our day's work over; the rest of us were
strolling up and down upon the beach enjoying the cool sea breeze. We
watched the lads as they completed their work. They loaded and ran out
their guns and, paddling off with an empty tub in the kayak, placed it
out to sea as a mark for practice. They returned and fired, and the
barrel flew in pieces, and then, with a shout of triumph, they cleaned
the guns and ran them in.
 
Scarcely had they done so when, as though in answer to their shots,
came the sound of three guns booming across the water from the
westward.
 
We stopped, speechless. Was it fancy? Had we really heard guns from a
strange ship? Or had the boys again fired? No! There were the lads
leaping into their canoe and paddling in hot haste towards us. They,
too, had heard the sound.
 
A tumult of feelings rushed over us--anxiety, joy, hope, doubt, each in
turn took possession of our minds. Was it a European vessel close upon
our shores, and were we about to be linked once more to civilized life?
Or did those sounds proceed from a Malay pirate, who would rob and
murder us? What was to be the result of meeting with our fellow beings;
were they to be friends who would help us, enemies who would attack us,
or would they prove unfortunate creatures in need of our assistance?
Who could tell?
 
Before we could express these thoughts in words the kayak had touched
the shore, and Jack and Franz were among us.
 
Did you hear them? Did you hear them?' they gasped. What shall we do?
Where shall we go?'
 
Oh, Fritz,' continued my youngest son, it must be a European ship. We
shall find her. We shall see our Fatherland once more,' and, in an
emotion of joy, he grasped his brother's hands.
 
Till then I knew not what a craving for civilized life had been aroused
in the two young men by the appearance of their European sister.
 
All eyes were turned towards me. What would I advise?
 
At present,' I said, we can do nothing, for night is drawing on. We
must make what preparation we can, and pray for guidance.'
 
In the greatest excitement we returned to the house, all talking
eagerly, and till late no one could be persuaded to retire to rest.
 
Few slept that night. The boys and I took it in turn to keep watch from
the verandah, lest more signals might be fired, or a hostile visit
might be paid us. But about midnight the wind began to rise, and before
we reassembled to discuss our plans a fearful storm was raging; so
terrific was the sea that I knew no boat could live, and had a
broadside been fired at the entrance of the Bay we should not have
heard it through the howling of the blast. For two days and two nights
the hurricane continued, but on the third day the sun again appeared,
and, the wind lulling, the sea went rapidly down. Full of anxiety I
readily complied with the boys' desire to put off to Shark Island and
discharge the guns; for who could tell what had been the result of the
gale; perhaps the vessel had been driven upon the rocky shore or,
fearing such a fate, she had left the coast and weathered the storm out
at sea; if so she might never return.
 
With these thoughts I accompanied Jack and Franz to the fort.
One--two--we fired the guns and waited.
 
For some minutes there was no reply, and then an answering report
rolled in the distance. There was no longer room for doubt; the
strangers were still in the vicinity, and were aware of our presence.
We waved the flag as a signal to those on shore that all was well, and
quickly returned. We found the whole family in a state of the greatest
excitement, and I felt it necessary to calm them down as much as
possible, for neither could I answer the questions with which I was
besieged, nor could I conceal the fact that the visit of the vessel
might not prove so advantageous as they expected.
 
Fritz and I at once prepared to make a reconnoitre; we armed ourselves
with our guns, pistols and cutlasses, took a spy-glass, seated
ourselves in the kayak and, with a parting entreaty from my wife to be
cautious, paddled out of the bay and round the high cliffs on our left.
For nearly an hour we advanced in the direction from which the reports
of the guns seemed to proceed. Nothing could we see, however, but the
frowning rocks and cliffs, and the waves beating restlessly at their
base. Cape Pug-Nose was reached, and we began to round the bluff old
point. In a moment all our doubts were dispelled, and joy and gratitude
to the Great Giver of all good filled our hearts. There, in the little
sheltered cove beyond the cape, her sails furled, and anchor dropped,
lay a brig-of-war with the English colours at her masthead.
 
With the glass I could discern figures upon the deck and, upon the
shore beyond, several tents pitched under the shelter of the trees, and
the smoke of fires rising amongst them. As I handed the glass to Fritz,
I felt a sudden misgiving. What,' said I to myself, can this English
vessel be doing thus far from the usual track of ships?' and I called
to mind tales of mutinous crews who have risen against their officers,
have chosen some such sheltered retreat as this; have disguised the
vessel, and then sailed forth to rob and plunder upon the high seas.
 
Fritz then exclaimed, I can see the captain, father, he is speaking to
one of the officers, and I can see his face quite well; he is English,
I am certain he is English, and the flag speaks the truth!' and he put
the glass again in my hand that I might see for myself.
 
Still keeping under the shelter of the cliff, I carefully surveyed the
vessel. There was no doubt that Fritz was right, and my fears were once
more dispelled; all was neatness and regularity on board; the spotless
decks, the burnished steel and brass, and the air of perfect order
which pervaded both ship and camp, betokened that authority and
discipline there reigned. For some minutes longer we continued our
examination of the scene, and then satisfied by the appearance of the
camp on shore, that there was no chance of the brig quitting the coast
for several days, we resolved to return without betraying our presence,
for I was unwilling to appear before these strangers until we could do
so in better form, and in a manner more in accordance with our actual
resources.
 
We again landed at Rockburg, where our family awaited our arrival in
eager expectation, and as fully as possible we told them of all we had
seen. They thoroughly approved of our caution, and even Jenny, whose
hopes had been excited to the highest pitch by our description of the
English vessel, and who longed to meet her countrymen once more, agreed
to postpone the visit until the following day, when, having put our
yacht into good order, we might pay our respects to the captain, not as
poor shipwrecked creatures begging assistance, but as lords and masters
of the land, seeking to know for what purpose strangers were visiting
the coast.
 
The rest of the day was occupied in making our preparations. Our dainty
little craft was made to look her very best; her decks were scrubbed,
her brass guns burnished, all lumber removed and put ashore, and the
flag of England hoisted to her peak. My wife overhauled our wardrobes,
and the neatest uniforms were put ready for the boys and me, for though
neither my wife nor Jenny had ever dreamed of appearing otherwise than
they would have done, had they been at home amongst civilized people in
Europe, yet we, accustomed daily to rough and often even dirty work,
had adopted just that costume which best suited our comfort and
inclination. We should indeed have surprised the smart man-o'-war's
men, had we appeared in our great shapeless wide-brimmed hats, our
linen coats and trousers, our broad leathern belts and hairy buskins;
so we next day readily donned the more becoming costumes.
 
At the break of that eventful morn, when we were destined once more to
set our eyes upon our fellow men, and to hear news of the outer world,
from which for so many years we had been exiled, we assembled in our
little breakfast-room. The meal was eaten hurriedly and almost in
silence, for our hearts were too full, and our minds too busily
occupied, to allow of any outward display of excitement. Fritz and Jack
then slipped quietly out, and presently returned from the garden with
baskets of the choicest fruits in fresh and fragrant profusion, and
with these, as presents for the strangers, we went on board our yacht.
 
The anchor was weighed, the sails set, and with the canoe in tow the
little vessel, as though partaking of our hopes and joyous expectation,
bounded merrily over the waters of Safety Bay, gave a wide berth to the
reef, against whose frowning rocks the sea still lashed itself to foam,
and kept away for the cove, where the English ship unconsciously
awaited us.
 
The pug-nosed cape was reached, and to the surprise and utter amazement
of the strangers, we rounded the point and brought up within hail.
Every eye on board and on shore was turned towards us, every glass was
produced and fixed upon our motions; for of all the strange sights
which the gallant crew may have looked for, such an anomaly as a
pleasure yacht, manned by such a party as ours, and cruising upon this
strange and inhospitable shore, was the furthest from their thoughts.
 
Fritz and I stepped into our boat, and pulled for the brig. In another
minute we were upon her deck. The captain, with the simple frankness of
a British seaman, welcomed us cordially, and having led us into his
cabin, begged us to explain to what good fortune he owed a visit from
residents upon a coast generally deemed uninhabited, or the abode of
the fiercest savages.
 
I gave him an outline of the history of the wreck, and of our sojourn
upon these shores, and spoke to him, too, of Miss Montrose, and of the
providential way in which we had been the means of rescuing her from
her lonely position.
 
Then,' said the gallant officer, rising and grasping Fritz by the hand,
let me heartily thank you in my own name, and in that of Colonel
Montrose; for it was the hope of finding some trace of that brave girl
that led me to these shores. The disappearance of the Dorcas has been a
terrible blow to the Colonel, and yet, though for three years no word
of her or of any of those who sailed in her has reached England, he has
never entirely abandoned all hope of again hearing of his daughter. I
knew this, and a few weeks ago, when I was about to leave Sydney for
the Cape, I found three men who declared themselves survivors of the
Dorcas, and said that their boat, of four which left the wreck, was the
only one which, to their knowledge, reached land in safety. From them I
learned all particulars, and applying for permission to cruise in these
latitudes, I sailed in the hopes of finding further traces of the
unfortunate crew. My efforts have been rewarded by unlooked-for
success.'
 
Fritz replied most modestly to the praises which he received, and then
the captain begged to be introduced to my wife and Miss Montrose.
 
And,' he continued, if it be not contrary to your rules of discipline,
for the whole ship's company to be absent at once, I will now send a
boat for the remainder of your party.'
 
One of the officers was accordingly dispatched to the yacht with a
polite message, and my wife, Jenny, and the three boys were presently
on board.
 
Our kind host greeted them most warmly, and he and his officers vied
with one another in doing us honour. They proved, indeed, most pleasant
entertainers, and the time passed rapidly away. At luncheon the captain
told us that there had sailed with him from Sydney an invalid
gentleman, Mr Wolston, his wife, and two daughters; but that though the
sea voyage had been recommended on account of his health, yet it had
not done Mr Wolston so much good as had been anticipated, and he had
suffered so greatly from the effects of the storm which had driven the
Unicorn into the bay for repairs, that he had been eager to rest for a
short time on land.
 
We were anxious to meet the family, and in the afternoon it was decided
that we should pay them a visit. Tents had been pitched for their
accommodation under the shady trees, and when we landed we found Mr
Wolston seated by one of them, enjoying the cool sea-breeze. He and his
family were delighted to see us, and so much did we enjoy their
society, that evening found us still upon the shore. It was too late
then to return to Rockburg, and the captain kindly offered tents for
the accommodation of those who could not find room in the yacht. The
boys spent the night on land.
 
That night I had a long and serious consultation with my wife, as to
whether or not we really had any well-grounded reason for wishing to
return to Europe. It would be childish to undertake a voyage thither
simply because an opportunity offered for doing so.
 
Neither knew to what decision the feelings of the other inclined; each
was afraid of expressing what might run counter to those feelings; but
gradually it began to appear that neither entertained any strong wish
to leave the peaceful island; and finally we discovered that the real
wish which lay at the bottom of both our hearts was to adopt New
Switzerland as thenceforward our home.
 
What can be more delightful than to find harmony of opinion in those we
love, when a great and momentous decision has to be taken?
 
My dear wife assured me that she desired nothing more earnestly than to
spend the rest of her days in a place to which she had become so much
attached, provided I, and at least two of her sons, also wished to
remain.
 
From the other two she would willingly part, if they chose to return to
Europe, with the understanding that they must endeavour to send out
emigrants of a good class to join us, and form a prosperous colony,
adding that she thought the island ought to continue to bear the name
of our native country, even if inhabited in future time by colonists
from England, as well as from Switzerland.
 
I heartily approved of this excellent idea, and we agreed to mention
it, while consulting with Captain Littlestone on the subject of placing
the island under the protection of Great Britain.
 
Then came the question as to which of our sons were best suited to
remain with us, and which to go away.
 
This point we left undecided, thinking that in the course of a few
days, they would probably make a choice of their own accord, which they
did, even sooner than we anticipated.
 
After breakfast, it was proposed that Captain Littlestone should bring
his ship round to Safety Bay, that we might receive a visit from him
and his party, at Rockburg--where we invited the invalid, Mr Wolston,
and his family, in hopes that his health might benefit by a comfortable
residence on shore.
 
No sooner was this plan adopted, than Fritz and Jack hurried off in the
canoe to prepare for their reception, being followed in more leisurely
style by the brig and our yacht.
 
But what words can express the amazement of our guests, when, rounding
the Rocky Cape at the entrance, Safety Bay, and the beautiful domain of
Rockburg, lay before them.
 
Still greater was their astonishment, as a salute of eleven guns boomed
from the battery on Shark Island, where the royal standard of England
was displayed and floated majestically on the morning breeze.
 
A glow of surprise and pleasure beamed on every countenance, and poor
Wolston's spirits appeared to revive with the very idea of the peace
and happiness to be enjoyed in such a home.
 
He was carried on shore with the utmost care and tenderness, and
comfortably established in my room, a camp-bed for Mrs Wolston being
added to the furniture there, that she might be able conveniently to
attend on her husband.
 
Meantime the scene at the harbour and all round Rockburg was of the
liveliest description; merriment and excitement prevailed in all
directions, as the beauties and wonders of our residence were explored,
so that a summons to dinner scarcely attracted notice.
 
However, as a visit to Falconhurst was projected, the company was at
length induced to be seated, and to partake of our good cheer, but the
spirit of restlessness soon returned, and the young people kept roaming
about through our hitherto quiet lawns, avenues and shrubberies, until
I was ready to believe their number three times what it actually was.
 
Towards evening the universal excitement began to abate, and the party
assembled for supper with tolerable composure.
 
Mr Wolston was able to join us, as the rest he had enjoyed, and the
pleasure inspired by the hope of a residence among us, seemed to have
given him new life. This wish he now distinctly expressed in his own
name, and in that of his wife; inquiring what our intentions were, and
proposing, if agreeable to us, that they, with their eldest daughter,
whose health, like his own, was delicate, should make a long stay on
the island, while the younger daughter went for the present to her
brother at the Cape of Good Hope.
 
In the event of his ultimately deciding to settle altogether among us,
Mr Wolston would propose that his son should leave the Cape, and join
our colony.
 
With sincere satisfaction, I welcomed this proposal, saying that it was
my wish and that of my wife to remain for the rest of our days in New
Switzerland.
 
Hurrah for New Switzerland!'
 
New Switzerland for ever!' shouted the whole company enthusiastically,
as they raised their glasses, and made them touch with a musical ring,
which so expressively denotes a joyful unanimity of sentiment.
 
Prosperity to New Switzerland; long may she flourish,' echoed on all
sides.
 
Long life and happiness to those who make New Switzerland their home!'
added Ernest to my great surprise, leaning forward as he spoke, to ring
his glass with mine, his mother's and Mr Wolston's.
 
Won't somebody wish long life and prosperity to those who go away?'
inquired Jenny with a pretty arch look. Much as I long to return to
England and my father, my inclination will waver if all the cheers are
for New Switzerland!'
 
Three cheers for England and Colonel Montrose,' cried Fritz, success
and happiness to us who return to Europe!' and while the vaulted roofs
rang with the cheering elicited by this toast, a glance from Jenny
showed him how much she thanked him for appreciating her wish to return
to her father, notwithstanding her attachment to our family.
 
Well,' said I, when silence was restored, since Fritz resolves to go to
England, he must undertake for me the duty of bringing happiness to a
mourning father by restoring to him this dear daughter, whom I have
been ready to regard as my own, by right of finding her cast on the
shores of my island.
 
Ernest chooses to remain with me. His mother and I rejoice heartily in
this decision, and promise him all the highest scientific appointments
in our power to bestow.
 
And now what is Jack's choice? The only talent I can say he possesses
is that of a comic actor, and to shine on the stage he must needs go to
Europe.'
 
Jack is not going to Europe, however,' was his reply. He means to stay
here, and when Fritz is gone, he will be the best rider, and the best
shot in New Switzerland, which is the summit of his ambition.
 
The fact is,' he continued, laughing, I rather stand in awe of their
European schools, and should expect to find myself caught and clapped
into one, if I ventured too near them.'
 
A good school is exactly what I want,' said Franz. Among a number of
students there is some emulation and enthusiasm, and I shall have a
chance of rising in the world.
 
Fritz will probably return here some day; but it might be well for one
member of the family to go home with the intention of remaining there
altogether, and as I am the youngest, I could more easily than the
rest, adapt myself to a different life. My father, however, will decide
for me.'
 
You may go, my dear son,' I replied, and God bless all our plans and
resolutions. The whole earth is the Lord's, and where, as in his sight,
you lead good and useful lives, there is your home.
 
And now that I know your wishes, the only question is, whether Captain
Littlestone will kindly enable you to carry them out?'
 
All eyes were fixed eagerly upon him, and after a moment's pause the
gallant officer spoke as follows, I think my way in this matter is
perfectly clear, and I consider that I have been providentially guided
to be the means of once more placing this family in communication with
their friends and with the civilized world.
 
My orders were to search for a shipwrecked crew. Survivors from two
wrecks have been discovered.
 
Three passengers express a wish to leave my ship here, instead of at
the Cape, while, at the same time, I am requested to give to three
persons a passage to England.
 
Could anything suit better? I am most willing to undertake the charge
of those who may be committed to my care.
 
Every circumstance has been wonderfully ordered and linked together by
Divine Providence, and if England gains a prosperous and happy colony,
it will prove a fitting clasp to this fortunate chain of events. Three
cheers for New Switzerland.'
 
Deep emotion stirred every heart as the party separated for the night.
Many felt that they were suddenly standing on the threshold of a new
life, while, for myself a weight was rolled from my heart, and I
thanked God that a difficulty was solved which, for years, had
oppressed me with anxiety.
 
After this nothing was thought of but making preparations for the
departure of the dear ones bound for England. Captain Littlestone
allowed as much time as he could spare; but it was necessarily short,
so that incessant movement and industry pervaded the settlement for
several days.
 
Everything was provided and packed up that could in any way add to our
children's comfort on the voyage, or benefit them after their arrival
in England, and a large share of my possessions in pearls, corals,
furs, spices and other valuables would enable them to take a good
position in the world of commerce.
 
I committed to their care private papers, money, and jewels which I
knew to have been the personal property of the captain of our ill-fated
ship, desiring them to hand them over, if possible, to his heirs. A
short account of the wreck, with the names of the crew, a list of which
I had found, was given to Captain Littlestone. His ship, the Unicorn,
was amply stored by us with fresh provisions, fish, vegetables and
fruit, for in our gratitude to him for his kindness and sympathy, we
felt ready to offer every possible assistance.
 
In a long conversation with my sons I solemnly charged them with the
future responsibilities of their life, in all its varied aspects, of
duty towards God, their fellow men, and themselves, pointing out the
temptations to which their different characters were likely to expose
them, and exhorting them affectionately to hold fast to the faith in
which they had been brought up.
 
Fritz, having previously made known to me, what indeed was very
evident, the attachment between himself and Jenny, I advised him to
mention it to Colonel Montrose as soon as possible after being
introduced to him, and ask for his sanction to their engagement. I on
my part, gladly bestowing mine, as did his mother, who loved the sweet
girl dearly, and heartily grieved to part with her.
 
On the evening before our separation, I gave to Fritz the journal in
which, ever since the shipwreck, I had chronicled the events of our
life, desiring that the story might be printed and published. It was
written, as you well know,' said I, for the instruction and amusement
of my children, but it is very possible that it may be useful to other
young people.
 
Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four
lads fairly represent multitudes, who are growing up in all directions.
It will make me happy to think that my simple narrative may lead some
of these to observe how blessed are the results of patient continuance
in well-doing, what benefits arise from the thoughtful application of
knowledge and science, and how good and pleasant a thing it is when
brethren dwell together in unity, under the eyes of parental love.'
 
Night has closed around me.
 
For the last time my united family slumbers beneath my care.
 
Tomorrow this closing chapter of my journal will pass into the hands of
my eldest son. From afar I greet thee, Europe!
 
I greet thee, dear old Switzerland!
 
Like thee, may New Switzerland flourish and prosper--good, happy and
free
 
[[Category:Source]]
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/1263112"