 CHAPTER I For many days we had been tempest-tossed. Six times had the darkness closed over a wild and terrific scene, and returning light as often brought but renewed distress, for the raging storm increased in fury, until on the seventh day all hope was lost. We were driven completely out of our course. No conjecture could be formed as to our whereabouts. The crew had lost heart, and were utterly exhausted by incessant labour. The riven masts had gone by the board, leaks had been sprung in every direction, and the water which rushed in gained upon us rapidly. Instead of reckless oaths, the sea-men now uttered frantic cries to God for mercy, mingled with strange and often ludicrous vows to be performed should deliverance be granted. Every man on board alternately commended his soul to his creator, and strove to bethink himself of some means of saving his life. My heart sank as I looked round upon my family in the midst of these horrors. Our four young sons were overpowered by terror. Dear children, said I, if the Lord will, he can save us even from this fearful peril. If not, let us calmly yield our lives into his hand, and think of the joy and blessedness of finding ourselves forever and ever united in that happy home above. At these words my weeping wife looked bravely up, and as the boys clustered round her she began to cheer and encourage them with calm and loving words. I rejoiced to see her fortitude, though my heart was ready to break as I gazed on my dear ones. We knelt down together, one after another, praying with deep earnestness and emotion. Fritz in particular besought help and deliverance for his dear parents and brothers as though quite forgetting himself. Our hearts were soothed by the never-failing comfort of childlike confiding prayer, and the horror of our situation seemed less overwhelming. Ah, thought I, the Lord will hear our prayer, he will help us. Amid the roar of the thundering waves I suddenly heard the cry of, Land, land! While at the same instant the ship struck with a frightful shock which threw everyone to the deck and seemed to threaten her immediate destruction. Dreadful sounds betokened the breaking up of the ship, and the roaring waters poured in on all sides. Then the voice of the captain was heard above the tumult shouting, Lower away the boats! We are lost! Lost, I exclaimed, and the word went like a dagger to my heart, but seeing my children's terror renewed I composed myself, calling out cheerfully, Take courage, my boys, we are all above water yet. There is the land not far off, let us do our best to reach it. You know God helps those that help themselves. With that I left them and went on deck. What was my horror when, through the foam and spray, I beheld the only remaining boat leave the ship, the last of the seamen spring into her, and push off, regardless of my cries and entreaties, that we might be allowed to share their slender chance of preserving their lives. My voice was drowned in the howling of the blast, and even had the crew wished it, the return of the boat was impossible. Casting my eyes despairingly around, I became gradually aware that our position was by no means hopeless, inasmuch as the stern of the ship, containing our cabin, was jammed between two high rocks, and was partly raised from among the breakers which dashed the four-part two-pieces. As the clouds of mist and rain drove past, I could make out, through rents in the vaporous curtain, a line of rocky coast, and rugged as it was, my heart bounded toward it as a sign of help in the hour of need. Yet the sense of our lonely and forsaken condition weighed heavily upon me, as I returned to my family, constraining myself to say with a smile, Courage, dear ones, although our good ship will never sail more, she is so placed that our cabin will remain above water, and tomorrow, if the wind and waves abate, I see no reason why we should not be able to get ashore. These few words had an immediate effect on the spirits of my children, who at once regarded our problematical chance of escaping as a happy certainty, and began to enjoy the relief from the violent pitching and rolling of the vessel. My wife, however, perceived my distress and anxiety, in spite of my forced composure, and I made her comprehend our real situation, greatly fearing the effect of the intelligence on her nerves. Not for a moment did her courage and trust in providence forsake her, and on seeing this my fortitude revived. We must find some food and take a good supper, said she, it will never do to grow faint by fasting too long. We shall require our utmost strength to-morrow. Night drew on a pace, the storm was as fierce as ever, and at intervals we were startled by crashes, announcing further damage to our unfortunate ship. God will help us soon now, won't he, Father? said my youngest child. You silly little thing, said Fritz, my eldest son, sharply. Don't you know that we must not settle what God is to do for us? We must have patience, and wait his time. Very well said, had it been said kindly, Fritz my boy, you too often speak harshly to your brothers, although you may not mean to do so. A good meal being now ready, my youngsters ate heartily, and retiring to rest were speedily fast asleep. Fritz, who was of an age to be aware of the real danger we were in, kept watch with us. After a long silence, Father, said he, don't you think we might contrive swimming-belts for mother and the boys? With those we might all escape to land, for you and I can swim. Your idea is so good, answered I, that I shall arrange something at once, in case of an accident during the night. We immediately searched about for what would answer the purpose, and fortunately got hold of a number of empty flasks and tin canisters, which we connected two and two together, so as to form floats sufficiently buoyant to support a person in the water, and my wife and young sons each willingly put one on. I then provided myself with matches, knives, cord, and other portable articles, trusting that, should the vessel go to pieces before daylight, we might gain the shore not wholly destitute. Fritz, as well as his brothers, now slept soundly. Throughout the night my wife and I maintained our prayerful watch, dreading at every fresh sound some fatal change in the position of the wreck. At length the faint dawn of day appeared, the long weary night was over, and with thankful hearts we perceived that the gale had begun to moderate. Blue sky was seen above us, and the lovely hues of sunrise adorned the eastern horizon. I aroused the boys, and we assembled on the remaining portion of the deck, when they, to their surprise, discovered that no one else was on board. Hello, Papa! What has become of everybody? Are the sailors gone? Have they taken away the boats? Oh, Papa! Why did they leave us behind? What can we do by ourselves? My good children, I replied, we must not despair, although we seem deserted. See how those on whose skill and good faith we depended have left us cruelly to our fate in the hour of danger. God will never do so. He has not forsaken us, and we will trust him still. Only let us bestur ourselves, and each cheerily do his best. Who has anything to propose? The sea will soon be calm enough for swimming, said Fritz. And that would be all very fine for you, exclaimed Ernest, but think of Mother and the rest of us. Why not build a raft, and all get on shore together? We should find it difficult, I think, to make a raft that would carry us safe to shore. However, we must contrive something, and first let each try to procure what will be of most use to us. Away we all went to see what was to be found. I myself, proceeding to examine, as of great consequence, the supplies of provisions and fresh water within our reach. My wife took her youngest son, Frantz, to help her to feed the unfortunate animals on board, who were in a pitiful plight, having been neglected for several days. Fritz hastened to the arm-chest, Ernest to look for tools, and Jack went toward the captain's cabin, the door of which he no sooner opened than outspraying two splendid large dogs, who testified their extreme delight and gratitude by such tremendous bounds that they knocked their little deliverer completely head over heels, frightening him nearly out of his wits. Jack did not long yield either to fear or anger. He presently recovered himself. The dogs seemed to ask pardon by vehemently licking his face and hands, and so, seizing the larger by the ears, he jumped on his back, and to my great amusement, coolly rode to meet me as I came up the hatchway. When we reassembled in the cabin, we all displayed our treasures. Fritz brought a couple of guns, shot belt, powder flasks, and plenty of bullets. Ernest produced a cap full of nails, an axe, and a hammer, while pinchers, chisels, and augers stuck out of all his pockets. Little Franz carried a box, and eagerly began to show us the nice, sharp little hooks it contained. Well done, Franz, cried I, these fish hooks, which you the youngest have found, may contribute more than anything else in the ship to save our lives by procuring food for us. Fritz and Ernest, you have chosen well. Will you praise me, too, said my dear wife? I have nothing to show, but I can give you good news. Some useful animals are still alive, a cow, a donkey, two goats, six sheep, a ram, and a fine sow. I was but just in time to save their lives by taking food to them. All these things are excellent indeed, said I, but my friend Jack here has presented me with a couple of huge, hungry, useless dogs, who will eat more than any of us. Oh, Papa, they will be of use. Why, they will help us to hunt when we get on shore. No doubt they will, if ever we do get on shore, Jack, but I must say I don't know how it is to be done. Can't we each get into a big tub and float there, returned he? I have often sailed splendidly like that, round the pond at home. My child, you have hit on a capital idea, cried I. Now, Ernest, let me have your tools, hammers, nails, saws, augers, and ax, and then make haste to collect any tubs you can find. We very soon found four large casks made of sound wood and strongly bound with iron hoops. They were floating with many other things in the water in the hold, but we managed to fish them out and drag them to a suitable place for launching them. They were exactly what I wanted, and I succeeded in sawing them across the middle. Hard work it was, and we were glad enough to stop and refresh ourselves with wine and biscuits. My eight tubs now stood ranged in a row near the water's edge. And I looked at them with great satisfaction. To my surprise, my wife did not seem to share my pleasure. I shall never, said she, muster courage to get into one of these. Do not be too sure of that, dear wife. When you see my contrivance completed, you will perhaps prefer it to this immovable wreck. I next procured a long, thin plank, on which my tubs could be fixed, and the two ends of this I bent upward so as to form a keel. Other two planks were nailed along the sides of the tubs. They also being flexible were brought to a point at each end, and all firmly secured and nailed together. I felt satisfied that in smooth water this craft would be perfectly trustworthy. But when we thought all was ready for the launch, we found, to our dismay, that the grand contrivance was so heavy and clumsy that even our united efforts could not move it an inch. I must have a lever, cried I, run and fetch the capstan bar. Fritz quickly brought one, and, having formed rollers by cutting up a long spar, I raised the four part of my boat with the bar, and my sons placed a roller under it. How is it, Father, inquired Ernest, that with that thing you alone can do more than all of us together? I explained as well as I could in a hurry the principle of the lever, and promised to have a long talk on the subject of mechanics should we have a future opportunity. I now made fast a long rope to the stern of our boat, attaching the other end to a beam, then placing a second and third roller under it, we once more began to push, this time with success, and soon our gallant craft was safely launched. So swiftly indeed did she glide into the water that, but for the rope, she would have passed beyond our reach. The boys wished to jump in directly, but alas she leaned so much on one side that they could not venture to do so. Some heavy things being thrown in, however, the boat righted itself by degrees, and the boys were so delighted that they struggled which should first leap in to have the fun of sitting down in the tubs. But it was plain to me at once that something more was required to make her perfectly safe, so I contrived out-riggers to preserve the balance by nailing long poles across at the stem and stern, and fixing at the end of each empty brandy casks. Then the boat appearing steady, I got in, and turning it toward the most open side of the wreck, I cut and cleared away obstructions, so as to leave a free passage for our departure, and the boys brought oars to be ready for the voyage. This important undertaking we were forced to postpone until the next day, as it was by this time far too late to attempt it. It was not pleasant to have to spend another night in so precarious a situation, but yielding to necessity we sat down to enjoy a comfortable supper, for during our exciting and incessant work all day we had taken nothing but an occasional biscuit and a little wine. We prepared for rest in a much happier frame of mind than on the preceding day, but I did not forget the possibility of a renewed storm, and therefore made everyone put on the belts as before. I persuaded my wife, not without considerable difficulty, to put on a sailor's dress, assuring her she would find it much more comfortable and convenient for all she would have to go through. She at last consented to do this, and left us for a short time, reappearing with much embarrassment and many blushes in a most becoming suit which she had found in a midshipman's chest. We all admired her costume, and any awkwardness she felt soon began to pass off. When retiring to our births, peaceful sleep prepared us all for the exertions of the coming day. We rose up at times, for sleep weighs lightly on the hopeful, as well as on the anxious. After kneeling together in prayer, now my beloved ones, said I, with God's help we are about to affect our escape, let the poor animals we must leave behind be well fed, and put plenty of fodder within their reach. In a few days we may be able to return and save them likewise. After that, collect everything you can think of which may be of use to us. The boys joyfully obeyed me, and I selected from the large quantity of stores they got together, canvas to make a tent, a chest of carpenters' tools, guns, pistols, powder, shot and bullets, rods and fishing tackle, an iron pot, a case of portable soup, and another of biscuit. These useful articles, of course, took the place of the ballast I had hastily thrown in the day before. With a hearty prayer for God's blessing, we now began to take our seats, each in his tub. Just then we heard the cocks begin to crow, as though to reproach us for deserting them. Why should not the fowls go with us? exclaimed I, if we find no food for them they can be food for us. Ten hens and a couple of cocks were accordingly placed in one of the tubs, and secured with some wire netting over them. The ducks and geese were set at liberty, and took to the water at once, while the pigeons, rejoicing to find themselves on the wing, swiftly made for the shore. My wife, who managed all this for me, kept us waiting for her some little time, and came at last with a bag as big as a pillow in her arms. "'This is my contribution,' said she, throwing the bag to little Franz, to be, as I thought, a cushion for him to sit upon. All being ready we cast off, and moved away from the wreck. My good brave wife sat in the first compartment of the boat. Next her was Franz, a pretty little boy, nearly eight years old. Then came Fritz, a handsome, spirited young fellow of fifteen. The two centre tubs contained the valuable cargo. Then came our bold, thoughtless Jack. Next him earnest, my second son, intelligent, well-formed, and rather indolent. I myself, the anxious, loving father, stood in the stern, endeavouring to guide the raft with its precious burden to a safe landing-place. The elder boys took the oars. Everyone wore a float-belt, and had something useful close to him in case of being thrown into the water. The tide was flowing, which was a great help to the young oarsmen. We emerged from the wreck and glided into the open sea. All eyes were strained to get a full view of the land, and the boys pulled with a will. But for some time we made no progress, as the boat kept turning round and round, until I hid upon the right way to steer it, after which we merrily made for the shore. We had left two dogs, Turk and Juno, on the wreck, as being both large mastiffs we did not care to have their additional weight on board our craft. But when they saw us apparently deserting them, they set up a piteous howl and sprang into the sea. I was sorry to see this, for the distance to the land was so great that I scarcely expected them to be able to accomplish it. They followed us, however, and occasionally resting their forepaws on the outriggers kept up with us well. Jack was inclined to deny them this, their only chance of safety. Stop, said I, that would be unkind as well as foolish, remember, the merciful man regarded the life of his beast. Our passage, though tedious, was safe, but the nearer we approached the shore, the less inviting it appeared. The barren rocks seemed to threaten us with misery and want. Many casks, boxes, and bales of goods floated on the water around us. Fritz and I managed to secure a couple of hogsheads, so as to tow them alongside. With the prospect of famine before us, it was desirable to lay hold of anything likely to contain provisions. By and by we began to perceive that between and beyond the cliffs, green grass and trees were discernible. Fritz could distinguish many tall palms, and Ernest hoped they would prove to be coconut trees, and enjoyed the thoughts of drinking the refreshing milk. I am very sorry I never thought of bringing away the captain's telescope, said I. Oh, look here, father! cried Jack, drawing a little spyglass joyfully out of his pocket. By means of this glass I made out that at some distance to the left the coast was much more inviting. A strong current, however, carried us directly toward the frowning rocks, but I presently observed an opening where a stream flowed into the sea, and saw that our geese and ducks were swimming toward this place. I steered after them into the creek, and we found ourselves in a small bay or inlet where the water was perfectly smooth and of moderate depth. The ground sloped gently upward from the low banks to the cliffs, which here retired inland, leaving a small plain on which it was easy for us to land. Everyone sprang gladly out of the boat but little fronts, who, lying packed in his tub like a potted shrimp, had to be lifted out by his mother. The dogs had scrambled on shore before us. They received us with loud barking and the wildest demonstrations of delight. The geese and ducks kept up an incessant din, added to which was the screaming and croaking of flamingos and penguins, whose dominion we were invading. The noise was deafening, but far from unwelcome to me, as I thought of the good dinners the birds might furnish. As soon as we could gather our children around us on dry land, we knelt to offer thanks and praise for our merciful escape, and with full hearts we commended ourselves to God's good keeping for the time to come. All hands then briskly fell to the work of unloading, and oh how rich we felt ourselves as we did so. The poultry we left at liberty to forage for themselves, and set about finding a suitable place to erect a tent in which to pass the night. This we speedily did, thrusting a long spar into a hole in the rock, and supporting the other end by a pole firmly planted in the ground, we formed a framework over which we stretched the sailcloth we had brought. Besides fastening this down with pegs, we placed our heavy chest and boxes on the border of the canvas, and arranged hooks so as to be able to close up the entrance during the night. When this was accomplished the boys ran to collect moss and grass to spread in the tent for our beds, while I arranged a fireplace with some large flat stones near the brook which flowed close by. Dry twigs and seaweed were soon in a blaze on the hearth. I filled the iron pot with water, and giving my wife several cakes of the portable soup she established herself as our cook, with little fronts to help her. He thinking his mother was melting some glue for carpentering was eager to know what papa was going to make next. This is to be soup for your dinner, my child. Do you think these cakes look like glue? Yes, indeed I do, replied Frans, and I should not much like to taste glue soup. Don't you want some beef or mutton mama? Where can I get it, dear? said she. We are a long way from a butcher's shop, but these cakes are made of the juice of good meat, boiled till it becomes a strong, stiff jelly. We'll take them when they go to sea, because on a long voyage they can only have salt meat, which will not make nice soup. Fritz, meanwhile, leaving a loaded gun with me, took another himself and went along the rough coast to see what lay beyond the stream. This fatiguing sort of walk not suiting Ernest's fancy, he sauntered down to the beach, and Jack scrambled among the rocks, searching for shellfish. I was anxious to land the two casks which were floating alongside our boat, but on attempting to do so I found that I could not get them up the bank on which we had landed, and was therefore obliged to look for a more convenient spot. As I did so I was startled by hearing Jack shouting for help, as though in great danger. He was at some distance, and I hurried toward him with a hatchet in my hand. The little fellows stood screaming in a deep pool, and as I approached I saw that a huge lobster had caught his leg in its powerful claw. Poor Jack was in a terrible fright, kick as he would his enemy still clung on. I waded into the water, and seizing the lobster firmly by the back, managed to make it loosen its hold, and we brought it safe to land. Jack, having speedily recovered his spirits, and anxious to take such a prize to his mother, caught the lobster in both hands, but instantly received such a severe blow from its tail that he flung it down, and passionately hit the creature with a large stone. This display of temper vexed me. You are acting in a very childish way, my son, said I, never strike an enemy in a revengeful spirit. Once more lifting the lobster, Jack ran triumphantly toward the tent. Mother, mother, a lobster earnest, look here, fronts, mind he'll bite you, where's Fritz? All came crowding round Jack and his prize, wondering at its unusual size, and earnest wanted his mother to make lobster soup directly by adding it to what she was now boiling. She, however, begged to decline making any such experiment, and said she preferred cooking one dish at a time. Having remarked that the scene of Jack's adventure afforded a convenient place for getting my casks on shore, I returned to there, and succeeded in drawing them up on the beach, where I set them on end, and for the present left them. On my return I resumed the subject of Jack's lobster, and told him he should have the offending claw all to himself, when it was ready to be eaten, congratulating him on being the first to discover anything useful. As to that, said earnest, I found something very good to eat, as well as Jack, only I could not get at them without wetting my feet. Poo! cried Jack. I know what he saw, nothing but some nasty mussels. I saw them, too. Who wants to eat trash like that? Lobster for me. I believe them to be oysters, not mussels, returned earnest calmly. Be good enough, my philosophical young friend, to fetch a few specimens of these oysters in time for our next meal, said I. We must all exert ourselves earnest for the common good, and pray never let me hear you object to wetting your feet. See how quickly the sun has dried Jack and me. I can bring some salt at the same time, said earnest. I remarked a good deal lying in the crevices of the rocks. It tasted very pure and good, and I concluded it was produced by the evaporation of sea water in the sun. Extremely probable learned sir, cried I, but if you had brought a bag full of this good salt, instead of merely speculating so profoundly on the subject, it would have been more to the purpose. Run and fetch some directly. It proved to be salt, sure enough, although so impure that it seemed useless, till my wife dissolved and strained it, when it became fit to put in the soup. Why not use the sea water itself? asked Jack. Because, said earnest, it is not only salt, but bitter, too. Just try it. Now, said my wife, tasting the soup with the stick, with which she had been stirring it, dinner is ready, but where can fritz be? She continued a little anxiously. How are we to eat our soup when he does come, I asked. We have neither plates nor spoons, and we can scarcely lift the boiling pot to our mouths. We are in as uncomfortable a position as was the fox, to whom the stork served up a dinner in a jug with a long neck. Oh, for a few coconut shells, sighed earnest. Oh, for half a dozen plates, and as many silver spoons, rejoined I, smiling. Really though, oyster shells would do, said he, after a moment's thought. True, that is an idea worth having. Off with you, my boys. Get the oysters and clean out a few shells. Though our spoons have no handles, and we do burn our fingers a little in bailing the soup out. Jack was away and up to his knees in the water in a moment, detaching the oysters. Ernest followed more leisurely, and still unwilling to wet his feet, stood by the margin of the pool, and gathered in his handkerchief the oysters his brother threw him. As he thus stood he picked up and pocketed a large muscle shell for his own use. As they returned with a good supply, we heard a shout from Fritz in the distance. We returned it joyfully, and he presently appeared before us, his hands behind his back, and a look of disappointment upon his countenance. Un-successful, said he. Really, I replied, never mind, my boy, better luck next time. Oh, Fritz, exclaimed his brothers who had looked behind him, a sucking pig, a little sucking pig, where did you get it? How did you shoot it? Do let us see it. Fritz then, with sparkling eyes, exhibited his prize. I am glad to see the results of your prowess, my boy, said I, but I cannot approve of deceit, even as a joke. Stick to the truth, ingest and Ernest. Fritz then told us how he had been to the other side of the stream. So different from this, he said, it is really a beautiful country, and the shore, which runs down to the sea in a gentle slope, is covered with all sorts of useful things from the wreck. Do let us go and collect them, and, Father, why should we not return to the wreck and bring off some of the animals? Just think of what value the cow would be to us, and what a pity it would be to lose her. Let us get her on shore, and we will move over the stream, where she will have good pasture-age, and we shall be in the shade instead of on this desert, and, Father, I do wish— Stop, stop, my boy, cried I, all will be done in good time, tomorrow and the day after will bring work of their own, and tell me, did you see no traces of our shipmates? Not a sign of them, either on land or sea, living or dead, he replied. But the sucking pig, said Jack, where did you get it? It was one of several, said Fritz, which I found on the shore, most curious animals they are. They hopped, rather than walked, and every now and then would squat down on their legs, and rub their snouts with their forepaws. Had not I been afraid of losing them all, I would have tried to catch one alive—they seemed so tame. Meanwhile, Ernest had been carefully examining the animal in question. This is no pig, he said, and, except for its bristly skin, does not look like one—see, its teeth are not like those of a pig, but rather those of a squirrel—in fact, he continued, looking at Fritz, your sucking pig is an agouti. Dear me, said Fritz, listen to the great professor lecturing, he is going to prove that a pig is not a pig. You need not be so quick to laugh at your brother, said I, in my turn. He is quite right. I too know the agouti by descriptions and pictures, and there is little doubt that this is a specimen. The little animal is a native of North America, where it makes its nest under the roots of trees, and lives upon fruit. But Ernest, the agouti, not only looks something like a pig, but most decidedly grunts like a porker. While we were thus talking, Jack had been vainly endeavouring to open an oyster with his large knife. Here is a simpler way, said I, placing an oyster on the fire. It immediately opened. Now, I continued, who will try this delicacy? All at first hesitated to partake of them, so unattractive did they appear. Jack, however, tightly closing his eyes and making a face as though about to take medicine, gulped one down. We followed his example, one after the other, each doing so rather to provide himself with a spoon than with any hope of cultivating a taste for oysters. Our spoons were now ready, and gathering round the pot we dipped them in, not, however, without sundry, scalded fingers. Ernest then drew from his pocket the large shell he had procured for his own use, and scooping up a good quantity of soup he put it down to cool, smiling at his own foresight. Prudence should be exercised for others, I remarked. Our cool soup will do capitally for the dogs, my boy. Take it to them, and then come and eat like the rest of us. Ernest winced at this, but silently taking up his shell he placed it on the ground before the hungry dogs, who lapped up its contents in a moment. He then returned, and we all went merrily on with our dinner. While we were thus busily employed we suddenly discovered that our dogs, not satisfied with their mouthful of soup, had aspired the agouti and were rapidly devouring it. Fritz, seizing his gun, flew to rescue it from their hungry jaws, and before I could prevent him struck one of them with such force that his gun was bent. The poor beasts ran off howling, followed by a shower of stones from Fritz, who shouted and yelled at them so fiercely that his mother was actually terrified. I followed him, and as soon as he would listen to me, represented to him how despicable, as well as wicked, was such an outbreak of temper. For, said I, you have hurt, if not actually wounded the dogs, you have distressed and terrified your mother, and spoiled your gun. Though Fritz's passion was easily aroused, it never lasted long, and speedily recovering himself immediately he entreated his mother's pardon, and expressed his sorrow for his fault. By this time the sun was sinking beneath the horizon, and the poultry, which had been straying to some little distance, gathered round us, and began to pick up the crumbs of biscuit which had fallen during our repast. My wife hereupon drew from her mysterious bag some handfuls of oats, peas, and other grain, and with them began to feed the poultry. She at the same time showed me several other seeds of various vegetables. �That was indeed thoughtful, said I, but pray be careful of what will be of such value to us, we can bring plenty of damaged biscuits from the wreck, which, though of no use as food for us, will suit the fowls very well indeed. The pigeons now flew up to the crevices in the rocks. The fowls perched themselves on our tent pole, and the ducks and geese waddled off, cackling and quacking, to the marshy margin of the river. We too were ready for repose, and having loaded our guns, and offered up our prayers to God, thanking him for his many mercies to us, we commended ourselves to his protecting care, and as the last ray of light departed closed our tent and lay down to rest. The children remarked the suddenness of nightfall, for indeed there had been little or no twilight. This convinced me that we must be not far from the equator, for twilight results from the refraction of the sun's rays. The more obliquely these rays fall, the farther does the partial light extend. While the more perpendicularly they strike the earth, the longer do they continue their undiminished force, until, when the sun sinks, they totally disappear, thus producing sudden darkness. End of Chapter 1, read by Kara Schellenberg, www.kray.org, on July 13, 2009, in San Diego, California. Chapter 2, Part 1 of The Swiss Family Robinson. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Swiss Family Robinson. Chapter 2, Part 1. We should have been badly off without the shelter of our tent, for the night proved as cold as the day had been hot. But we managed to sleep comfortably, every one being thoroughly fatigued by the labours of the day. The voice of our vigilant cock, which, as he loudly saluted the rising moon, was the last sound I heard at night, roused me at daybreak, and I then awoke my wife, that in the quiet interval while yet our children slept, we might take counsel together on our situation and prospects. It was plain to both of us that, in the first place, we should ascertain, if possible, the fate of our late companions, and then examine into the nature and resources of the country on which we were stranded. We therefore came to the resolution that, as soon as we had breakfasted, Fritz and I should start on an expedition with these objects in view, while my wife remained near our landing-place with the three younger boys. Rouse up, rouse up, my boys, cried I, awakening the children cheerfully. Come and help your mother to get breakfast ready. As to that, said she, smiling, we can but set on the pot and boil some more soup. Why, you forget Jack's fine lobster, replied I. What has become of it, Jack? It has been safe in this hole in the rock all night, father. You see, I thought, as the dogs seem to like good things, they might take a fancy to that, as well as to the agouti. A very sensible precaution, remarked I, I believe even my heedless Jack will learn wisdom in time. It is well the lobster is so large, for we shall want to take part with us on our excursion to-day. At the mention of an excursion, the four children were wild with delight, and capering round me, clapped their hands for joy. Steady there, steady, said I, you cannot expect all to go. Such an expedition as this would be too dangerous and fatiguing for you younger ones. Fritz and I will go alone this time, with one of the dogs, leaving the other to defend you. We then armed ourselves, each taking a gun and a game-bag. Fritz in addition sticking a pair of pistols in his belt, and said I, a small hatchet in mine. Breakfast being over, we stowed away the remainder of the lobster and some biscuits, with a flask of water, and were ready for a start. Stop! I exclaimed, we have still left something very important undone. Surely not, said Fritz. Yes, said I, we have not yet joined in mourning prayer. We are only too ready, amid the cares and pleasures of this life, to forget the God to whom we owe all things. Then having commended ourselves to his protecting care, I took leave of my wife and children, and bidding them not wander far from the boat and tent, we parted, not without some anxiety on either side, for we knew not what might assail us in this unknown region. We now found that the banks of the stream were on both sides so rocky that we could get down to the stream by only one narrow passage, and there was no corresponding path on the other side. I was glad to see this, however, for I now knew that my wife and children were on a comparatively inaccessible spot, the other side of the tent being protected by steep and precipitous cliffs. Fritz and I pursued our way up the stream, until we reached a point where the waters fell from a considerable height in a cascade, and where several large rocks lay half covered by the water. By means of these we succeeded in crossing the stream in safety. We thus had the sea on our left, and a long line of rocky heights, here and there adorned with clumps of trees, stretching away inland to the right. We had forced our way scarcely fifty yards through the long rank grass, which was here partly withered by the sun and much tangled, when we heard behind us a rustling, and on looking round saw the grass waving to and fro as if some animal were passing through it. Fritz instantly turned and brought his gun to his shoulder, ready to fire the moment the beast should appear. I was much pleased with my son's coolness and presence of mind, for it showed me that I might thoroughly rely upon him on any future occasion when real danger might occur. This time, however, no savage beast rushed out but our trusty dog Turk, whom in our anxiety at parting we had forgotten, and who had been sent after us, doubtless, by my thoughtful wife. From this little incident, however, we saw how dangerous was our position, and how difficult escape would be, should any fierce beast steal upon us unawares. We therefore hastened to make our way to the open seashore. Here the scene which presented itself was indeed delightful. A background of hills, the green waving grass, the pleasant groups of trees, stretching here and there to the very water's edge, formed a lovely prospect. On the smooth sand we searched carefully for any trace of our hapless companions, but not the mark of a footstep could we find. Shall I fire a shot or two, said Fritz? That would bring our companions, if they are within hearing. It would indeed, I said, or any savages that may be here. No, no, let us search diligently, but as quietly as possible. But why, Father, should we trouble ourselves about them at all? They left us to shift for ourselves, and I for one don't care to set eyes on them again. You are wrong, my boy, said I. In the first place we should not return evil for evil. Then again they might be of great assistance to us in building a house of some sort. And lastly you must remember that they took nothing with them from the vessel, and may be perishing of hunger. Thus talking we pushed on until we came to a pleasant grove, which stretched down to the water's edge. There we halted to rest, seeding ourselves under a large tree, by a rivulet which murmured and splashed along its pebbly bed into the great ocean before us. A thousand gaily plumaged birds flew twittering above us, and Fritz and I gazed up at them. My son suddenly started up. A monkey, he exclaimed, I am nearly sure I saw a monkey. As he spoke he sprang round to the other side of the tree, and in doing so stumbled over a round substance which he handed to me, remarking as he did so that it was a round bird's nest of which he had often heard. You may have done so, said I, laughing, but you need not necessarily conclude that every round hairy thing is a bird's nest. This, for instance, is not one, but a coconut. We split open the nut, but to our disgust found the kernel dry and uneatable. Hello! cried Fritz, I always thought a coconut was full of delicious sweet liquid like almond milk. So it is, I replied, when young and fresh, but as it ripens the milk becomes congealed, and in course of time is solidified into a kernel. This kernel then dries, as you see here, but when the nut falls on favourable soil the germ within the kernel swells until it bursts through the shell, and taking root, springs up a new tree. I do not understand, said Fritz, how the little germ manages to get through this great thick shell, which is not like an almond or hazelnut shell that is divided down the middle already. Nature provides for all things, I answered, taking up the pieces. Look here! Do you see these three round holes near the stalk? It is through them that the germ obtains egress. Now let us find a good nut if we can. As coconuts must be overripe before they fall naturally from the tree it was not without difficulty that we obtained one in which the kernel was not dried up. When we succeeded, however, we were so refreshed by the fruit that we could defer the repast we called our dinner until later in the day, and so spare our stock of provisions. Moving our way through a thicket, and which was so densely overgrown with lianas that we had to clear a passage with our hatchets, we again emerged on the seashore beyond and found an open view, the forest sweeping inland while on the space before us stood at intervals single trees of remarkable appearance. These at once attracted Fritz's observant eye, and he pointed to them, exclaiming, Oh! what absurd-looking trees, father! See what strange bumps there are on the trunks! We approached to examine them, and I recognized them as calabash trees, the fruit of which grows in this curious way on the stems, and is a species of gourd, from the hard rind of which bowls, spoons, and bottles can be made. The savages, I remarked, are said to form these things most ingeniously, using them to contain liquids. Indeed, they actually cook food in them. Oh! but that is impossible, returned Fritz. I am quite sure this rind would be burnt through directly it was set on the fire. I did not say it was set on the fire at all. When the gourd has been divided in two, and the shell or rind emptied of its contents, it was filled with water, into which the fish, or whatever is to be cooked, is put. Red hot stones are added until the water boils, the food becomes fit to eat, and the gourd rind remains uninjured. That is a very clever plan, very simple, too. I dare say I should have hit on it if I had tried, said Fritz. The friends of Columbus thought it very easy to make an egg stand upon its end, when he had shown them how to do it. But now suppose we prepare some of these calabashes, that they may be ready for use when we take them home. Fritz instantly took up one of the gourds, and tried to split it equally with his knife, but in vain. The blade slipped, and the calabash was cut jaggedly. What a nuisance, said Fritz, flinging it down. The thing is spoiled, and yet it seemed so simple to divide it properly. Stay, said I, you are too impatient. Those pieces are not useless. Do you try to fashion from them a spoon or two, while I provide a dish? I then took from my pocket a piece of string, which I tied tightly round a gourd, as near one end of it as I could. Then tapping the string with the back of my knife, it penetrated the outer shell. When this was accomplished I tied the string yet tighter, and drawing the ends with all my might the gourd fell, divided exactly as I wished. That is clever, cried Fritz, what in the world put that plan into your head? It is a plan, I replied, which the negroes adopt, as I have learned from reading books of travel. Well, it certainly makes a capital soup-tureen, and a soup-plate too, said Fritz, examining the gourd. But supposing you had wanted to make a bottle, how would you have set to work? It would be an easier operation than this, if possible. All that is necessary is to cut a round hole at one end, then to scoop out the interior, and to drop in several shot or stones. When these are shaken, any remaining portions of the fruit are detached, and the gourd is thoroughly cleaned, and the bottle completed. That would not make a very convenient bottle, though, father, it would be more like a barrel. Through my boy, if you want a more shapely vessel, you must take it in hand when it is younger. To give it a neck, for instance, you must tie a bandage round the young gourd while it is still on the tree, and then all will swell but that part which you have checked. As I spoke I filled the gourds with sand, and left them to dry, marking the spot that we might return for them on our way back. For three hours or more we pushed forward, keeping a sharp lookout on either side for any trace of our companions, till we reached a bold promontory, stretching some way into the sea, from whose rocky summit I knew that we should obtain a good and comprehensive view of the surrounding country. With little difficulty we reached the top, but the most careful survey of the beautiful landscape failed to show us the slightest sign or trace of human beings. Before us, stretched a wide and lovely bay, fringed with yellow sands, either side extending into the distance, and almost lost to view in two shadowy promontories. Enclosed by these two arms lay a sheet of rippling water, which reflected in its depths the glorious sun above. The scene inland was no less beautiful, and yet Fritz and I both felt a shade of loneliness, stealing over us as we gazed on its utter solitude. Cheer up, Fritz, my boy, said I presently. Remember that we chose a settler's life long ago before we left our own dear country. We certainly did not expect to be so entirely alone, but what matters a few people, more or less. With God's help let us endeavor to live here contentedly, thankful that we were not cast upon some bare and inhospitable island. But come! The heat here is getting unbearable. Let us find some shady place before we are completely broiled away. We descended the hill and made for a clump of palm trees, which we saw at a little distance. To reach this we had to pass through a dense thicket of reeds, no pleasant or easy task, for, besides the difficulty of forcing our way through, I feared at every step that we might tread on some venomous snake. Sending Turk in advance I cut one of the reeds, thinking it would be a more useful weapon against a reptile than my gun. I had carried it but a little way, when I noticed a thick juice exuding from one end. I tasted it, and to my delight found it sweet and pleasant. I at once knew that I was standing amongst sugar canes. Wishing Fritz to make the same discovery, I advised him to cut a cane for his defense. He did so, and as he beat the ground before him the reed split, and his hand was covered with the juice. He carefully touched the cane with the tip of his tongue, then finding the juice sweet. He did so again with less hesitation, and a moment afterward sprang back to me, exclaiming, "'Oh, Father, sugar canes, sugar canes, taste it! Oh, how delicious, how delightful! Do let us take a lot home to mother,' he continued, sucking eagerly at the cane. "'Gently there,' said I, take breath a moment, moderation in all things, remember, cut some to take home if you like, only don't take more than you can conveniently carry.' In spite of my warning my son cut a dozen or more of the largest canes, and stripping them of their leaves carried them under his arm. We then pushed through the cane-break, and reached the clump of palms for which we had been making. As we entered it a troupe of monkeys, who had been desporting themselves on the ground, sprang up, chattering and grimacing, and, before we could clearly distinguish them, were at the very top of the trees. Fritz was so provoked by their impertinent gestures that he raised his gun, and would have shot one of the poor beasts. "'Stay,' cried I, never take the life of any animal needlessly. A live monkey up in that tree is of more use to us than a dozen dead ones at our feet, as I will show you.' Saying this I gathered a handful of small stones, and threw them up toward the apes. The stones did not go near them, but influenced by their instinctive mania for imitation, they instantly seized all the coconuts within their reach, and sent a perfect hail of them down upon us. Fritz was delighted with my stratagem, and rushing forward picked up some of the finest of the nuts. We drank the milk they contained, drawing it through the holes which I pierced, and then splitting the nuts open with the hatchet, ate the cream which lined their shells. After this delicious meal we thoroughly despised the lobster we had been carrying, and threw it to Turk, who ate it gratefully. But far from being satisfied the poor beast began to gnaw the ends of the sugar canes, and to beg for coconut. I slung a couple of the nuts over my shoulder, fastening them together by their stalks, and Fritz having resumed his burden, we began our homeward march. I soon discovered that Fritz found the weight of his canes considerably more than he expected. He shifted them from shoulder to shoulder, then for a while carried them under his arm, and finally stopped short with a sigh. I had no idea, he said, that a few reeds would be so heavy. Never mind, my boy, I said, patience and courage. Do you not remember the story of Asip and his breadbasket? How heavy he found it when he started, and how light at the end of his journey. Let us each take a fresh staff, and then fasten the bundle crosswise with your gun. We did so, and once more stepped forward. Fritz presently noticed that I, from time to time, sucked the end of my cane. Oh, come, said he, that's a capital plan of yours, Father, I'll do that, too. So saying he began to suck most vigorously, but not a drop of the juice could he extract. How is this, he asked? How do you get the juice out, Father? Think a little, I replied. You are quite as capable as I am of finding out the way, even if you do not know the real reason of your failure. Oh, of course, said he, it is like trying to suck marrow from a marrow-bone without making a hole at the other end. Quite right, I said, you form a vacuum in your mouth, and the end of your tube, and expect the air to force down the liquid from the other end, which it cannot possibly enter. Fritz was speedily perfect in the accomplishment of sucking sugar cane, discovering by experience the necessity for a fresh cut at each joint or knot in the cane, through which the juice would not flow. He talked of the pleasure of initiating his brothers in the art, and of how Ernest would enjoy the coconut milk, with which he had filled his flask. My dear boy, said I, you need not have added that to your load, the chances are it is vinegar by the time we get home. In the heat of the sun it will ferment soon after being drawn from the nut. Vinegar, oh, that would be a horrid bore, I must look directly and see how it is getting on, cried Fritz, hastily swinging the flask from his shoulder and tugging out the cork. With a loud pop the contents came forth, foaming like champagne. There, now, said I, laughing as he tasted this new luxury. You will have to exercise moderation again, friend Fritz, I dare say it is delicious, but it will go to your head if you venture deep into your flask. My dear father, you cannot think how good it is. Do take some, vinegar indeed, this is like excellent wine. We were both invigorated by this unexpected draft, and went on so merrily after it that the distance to the place where we had left our gourd dishes seemed less than we expected. We found them quite dry, and very light and easy to carry. Just as we had passed through the grove in which we had breakfasted, Turk suddenly darted away from us and sprang furiously among a troop of monkeys which were gambling playfully on the turf at a little distance from the trees. They were taken by surprise completely, and the dog, now really ravenous from hunger, had seized and was fiercely tearing one to pieces before we could approach the spot. His luckless victim was the mother of a tiny little monkey which, being on her back when the dog flew at her, hindered her flight. The little creature attempted to hide among the grass, and in trembling fear watched its mother. On perceiving Turk's bloodthirsty design Fritz had eagerly rushed to the rescue, flinging away all he was carrying and losing his hat in his haste. All to no purpose as far as the poor mother ape was concerned, and a laughable scene ensued, for no sooner did the young monkey catch sight of him than at one bound it was on his shoulders, and holding fast by his thick curly hair it firmly kept its seat in spite of all he could do to dislodge it. He screamed and plunged about as he endeavored to shake or pull the creature off, but all in vain. It only clung the closer to his neck, making the most absurd grimaces. I laughed so much at this ridiculous scene that I could scarcely assist my terrified boy out of his awkward predicament. At last, by coaxing the monkey, offering it a bit of biscuit, and gradually disentangling its small sinewy paws from the curls it grasped so tightly, I managed to relieve poor Fritz, who then looked with interest at the baby ape, no bigger than a kitten, as it lay in my arms. What a jolly little fellow it is, exclaimed he. Do let me try to rear it, father. I dare say coconut milk would do until we can bring the cow and the goats from the wreck. If he lives he might be useful to us. I believe monkeys instinctively know what fruits are wholesome and what are poisonous. Well, said I, let the little orphan be yours. You bravely and kindly exerted yourself to save the mother's life. Now you must train her child carefully, for unless you do so its natural instinct will prove mischievous, instead of useful to us. Turk was meanwhile devouring with great satisfaction the little animal's unfortunate mother. I could not grudge at him, and continued hunger might have made him dangerous to ourselves. We did not think it necessary to wait until he had dined, so we prepared to resume our march. The tiny ape seated itself in the coolest way imaginable on Fritz's shoulder. I helped to carry his canes, and we were on some distance before Turk overtook us, looking uncommonly well pleased and licking his chops as though recalling the memory of his feast. He took no notice of the monkey, but it was very uneasy at the sight of him, and scrambled down into Fritz's arms, which was so inconvenient to him that he devised a plan to relieve himself of his burden. Calling Turk, and seriously enjoining obedience, he seated the monkey on his back, securing it there with a cord, and then putting a second string round the dog's neck that he might lead him, he put a loop of the knot into the comical rider's hand, saying gravely, having slain the parent, Mr. Turk, you will please to carry the son. At first this arrangement mightily displeased them both, but by and by they yielded to it quietly, the monkey especially amused by riding along with the air of a person perfectly at his ease. We looked just like a couple of mount-a-banks on their way to a fair with animals to exhibit, said I, what an outcry the children will make when we appear. CHAPTER II My son inquired to what species of the monkey tribe I thought his protégé belonged, which led to a good deal of talk on the subject, and conversation beguiling the way we found ourselves air-long on the rocky margin of the stream, and close to the rest of our party. Juno was the first to be aware of our approach, and gave notice of it by loud barking, to which Turk replied with such hearty good-will that his little rider, terrified at the noise his steed was making, slipped from under the cord, and fled to his refuge on Fritz's shoulder, where he regained his composure and settled himself comfortably. Turk, who by this time knew where he was, finding himself free, dashed forward to rejoin his friends, and announce our coming. One after another our dear ones came running to the opposite bank, testifying in various ways their delight at our return, and hastening up on their side of the river, as we on ours, to the board at which we had crossed in the morning. We were quickly on the other side, and, full of joy and affection, our happy party was once more united. The boys, suddenly perceiving the little animal which was clinging close to their brother, in alarm at the tumult of voices, shouted in ecstasy, A monkey! a monkey! oh how splendid! where did Fritz find him? what may we give him to eat? oh what a bundle of sticks! Look at those curious, great nuts, Father, has got. We could neither check this confused torrent of questions, nor get in a word in answer to them. At length, when the excitement subsided a little, I was able to say a few words with a chance of being listened to. I am truly thankful to see you all safe and well, and, thank God, our expedition has been very satisfactory, except that we have entirely failed to discover any trace of our shipmates. If it be the will of God, said my wife, to leave us alone on this solitary place, let us be content, and rejoice that we are all together in safety. Now we want to hear all your adventures, and let us relieve you of your burdens, added she, taking my game-bag. Jack shouldered my gun, Ernest took the coconuts, and little Franz carried the gourds. Fritz distributed the sugar canes amongst his brothers, and hand-handing Ernest his gun replaced the monkey on Turk's back. Ernest soon found the burden with which Fritz had laden him too heavy for his taste. His mother, perceiving this, offered to relieve him of part of the load. He gave up willingly the coconuts, but no sooner had he done so than his elder brother exclaimed. Hello, Ernest! You surely do not know what you are parting with. Did you really intend to hand over those good coconuts without so much as tasting them? What, oh, are they really coconuts? cried Ernest. Do let me take them again, mother, do let me look at them. No, thank you, replied my wife with a smile. I have no wish to see you again overburdened. Oh, but I have only to throw away these sticks, which are of no use, and then I can easily carry them. Worse and worse, said Fritz, I have a particular regard for those heavy, useless sticks. Did you ever hear of sugar canes? The words were scarcely out of his mouth when Ernest began to suck vigorously at the end of the cane, with no better result, however, than Fritz had obtained as we were on the march. Here, said Fritz, let me show you the trick of it. And he speedily set all the youngsters to work extracting the luscious juice. My wife, as a prudent housekeeper, was no less delighted than the children with this discovery. The sight of the dishes also pleased her greatly, for she longed to see us eat once more like civilized beings. We went into the kitchen, and there found preparations for a truly sumptuous meal. Two forked sticks were planted in the ground on either side of the fire. On these rested a rod from which hung several tempting looking fish. Opposite them hung a goose from a similar contrivance, slowly roasting, while the gravy dropped into a large shell placed beneath it. In the centre sat the great pot, from which issued the smell of a most delicious soup. To crown this splendid array stood an open hog's head full of Dutch cheeses. All this was very pleasant to two hungry travellers, but I was about to beg my wife to spare the poultry, until our stock should have increased when she, perceiving my thought, quickly relieved my anxiety. This is not one of our geese, she said, but a wild bird, Ernest, killed. Yes, said Ernest, it is a penguin, I think, it let me get quite close, so that I knocked it on the head with a stick. Here are its head and feet, which I preserved to show you. The bill is, you see, narrow and curved downward, and the feet are webbed. It had funny little bits of useless wings, and its eyes looked so solemnly and sedately at me that I was almost ashamed to kill it. Do you not think it must have been a penguin? I have little doubt on the matter, my boy, and I was about to make a few remarks on the habits of this bird when my wife interrupted me and begged us to come to dinner and continue our natural history conversation at some future time. We then sat down before the appetizing meal prepared for us, our gourds coming for the first time into use, and, having done it full justice, produced the coconuts by way of dessert. Here is better food for your little friend, said I to Fritz, who had been vainly endeavouring to persuade the monkey to taste dainty morsels of the food we had been eating. The poor little animal has been accustomed to nothing but its mother's milk, fetch me a saw, one of you. I then, after extracting the milk of the nuts from their natural holes, carefully cut the shells in half, thus providing several more useful basins. The monkey was perfectly satisfied with the milk, and eagerly sucked the corner of a handkerchief dipped in it. Fritz now suddenly recollected his delicious wine, and, producing his flask, begged his mother to taste it. Try it first yourself, said I. Fritz did so, and I instantly saw by his countenance that the liquor had passed through the first stage of fermentation, and had become vinegar. Never mind, my boy, said my prudent wife, when she learned the cause of his rye faces. We have wine already, but no vinegar. I am really pleased at the transformation. The sun was now rapidly sinking behind the horizon, and the poultry, retiring for the night, warned us that we must follow their example. Having offered up our prayers, we lay down on our beds, the monkey crouched down between Jack and Fritz, and we were all soon fast asleep. We did not, however, long enjoy this repose. A loud barking from our dogs, who were on guard outside the tent, awakened us, and the fluttering and cackling of our poultry warned us that a foe was approaching. Fritz and I sprang up, and, seizing our guns, rushed out. There we found a desperate combat going on. Our gallant dogs, surrounded by a dozen or more large jackals, were fighting bravely. Four of their opponents lay dead, but the others were in no way deterred by the fate of their comrades. Fritz and I, however, sent bullets through the heads of a couple more, and the rest galloped off. Turk and Juno did not intend that they should escape so cheaply, and, pursuing them, they caught, killed, and devoured another of the animals, regardless of their near relationship. Fritz wished to save one of the jackals that he might be able to show it to his brothers in the morning, dragging, therefore, the one that he had shot near the tent he concealed it, and we once more returned to our beds. Soundly and peacefully we slept until cock-crow next morning, when my wife and I awoke, and began to discuss the business of the day. It seems absolutely necessary, my dear wife, I began, to return at once to the wreck, while it is yet calm, that we may save the poor animals left there, and bring on shore many articles of infinite value to us, which, if we do not now recover, we may finally lose entirely. On the other hand, I feel that there is an immense deal to be done on shore, and that I ought not to leave you in such an insecure shelter as this tent. Return to the wreck by all means, replied my wife chairfully. Patience, order, and perseverance will help us through all our work, and I agree with you that a visit to the wreck is without doubt our first duty. Come, let us wake the children, and set to work without delay. They were soon roused, and Fritz, overcoming his drowsiness before the others, ran out for his jackal. It was cold and stiff from the night air, and he placed it on its legs before the tent, in a most lifelike attitude, and stood by to watch the effect upon the family. The dogs were the first to perceive their enemy, and growling seemed inclined to dispose of the animal as they had disposed of its brethren in the night, but Fritz called them off. The noise the dogs made, however, had the effect of bringing out the younger children, and many were the exclamations they made at the sight of the strange animal. A yellow dog, cried Franz. A wolf, exclaimed Jack. It is a striped fox, said Ernest. Hello, said Fritz, the greatest men may make mistakes. Our professor does not know a jackal when he sees one. But really, continued Ernest, examining the animal. I think it is a fox. Very well, very well, retorted Fritz, no doubt you know better than your father. He thinks it is a jackal. Come, boys, said I, no more of this quarreling. You are none of you very far wrong, for the jackal partakes of the nature of all three, dog, wolf, and fox. The monkey had come out on Jack's shoulder, but no sooner did it catch sight of the jackal than it fled precipitately back into the tent and hid itself in a heap of moss until nothing was visible but the tip of its little nose. Jack soothed and comforted the frightened little animal, and I then summoned them all to prayers, soon after which we began our breakfast. So severely had we dealt with our supper the previous night that we had little to eat but the biscuits, which were so dry and hard that, hungry as we were, we could not swallow much. Fritz and I took some cheese to help them down, while my wife and younger sons soaked theirs in water. Ernest roamed down to the shore and looked about for shellfish. Presently he returned with a few whelks. Ah, said he, if we had but some butter. My boy, I replied, your perpetual if-if quite annoys me. Why do you not sit down and eat cheese like the rest of us? Not while I can get butter, he said. See here, father, and he pointed to a large cask. That barrel contains butter of some sort or another, for it is oozing out at the end. Really, Ernest, I said, we are indebted to you. I will open the cask. So saying I took a knife and carefully cut a small hole so that I could extract the butter without exposing the mass of it to the effects of the air and heat. Using a coconut shell we once more sat down, and, toasting our biscuits before the fire, spread them with the good Dutch butter. We found this vastly better than the dry biscuits, and while we were thus employed I noticed that the two dogs were lying unusually quiet by my side. I at first attributed this drowsiness to their large meal during the night, but I soon discovered that it arose from a different cause. The faithful animals had not escaped unhurt from their late combat, but had received several deep and painful wounds, especially about the neck. The dogs began to lick each other on places which they could not reach with their own tongues, and my wife carefully dressed the wounds with butter, from which she had extracted the salt by washing. A sudden thought now struck Ernest, and he wisely remarked that if we were to make spiked collars for the dogs they would in future escape such dangerous wounds. Oh yes, exclaimed Jack, and I will make them. May I not, Father? Try, by all means, my little fellow, said I, and persuade your mother to assist you. And now, Fritz, I continued, we must be starting, for you and I are to make a trip to the wreck. I begged the party who were to remain on shore to keep together as much as possible, and having arranged a set of signals with my wife, that we might exchange communications, asked a blessing on our enterprise. I erected a signal post, and, while Fritz was making preparations for our departure, hoisted a strip of sailcloth as a flag. This flag was to remain hoisted so long as all was well on shore, but should our return be desired, three shots were to be fired, and the flag lowered. All was now ready, and, warning my wife that we might find it necessary to remain all night on the vessel, we tenderly bade adieu and embarked. Except our guns and ammunition we were taking nothing that we might leave as much space as possible for the stowage of a large cargo. Fritz, however, had resolved to bring his little monkey, that he might obtain milk for it as soon as possible. We had not got far from the shore when I perceived that a current from the river set in directly for the vessel, and though my nautical knowledge was not great, I succeeded in steering the boat into the favourable stream, which carried us nearly three fourths of our passage with little or no trouble to ourselves. Then by dint of hard pulling we accomplished the whole distance, and entering through the breach, gladly made fast our boat and stepped on board. Our first care was to see the animals, who greeted us with joy, lowing, bellowing, and bleating as we approached. Not that the poor beasts were hungry, for they were all still well supplied with food, but they were apparently pleased by the mere sight of human beings. Fritz then placed his monkey by one of the goats, and the little animal immediately sucked the milk with evident relish, chattering and grinning all the while. The monkey provided for we refreshed ourselves with some wine and biscuits. Now, said I, we have plenty to do. Where shall we begin? Let us fix a mast and sail to our boat, answered Fritz, for the current which brought us out will not take us back, whereas the fresh breeze we met would help us immensely had we but a sail. Capital thought, I replied, let us set to work at once. I chose a stout spar to serve as a mast, and having made a hole in a plank nailed across one of the tubs, we, with the help of a rope and a couple of blocks, stepped it and secured it with stays. We then discovered a lug sail which had belonged to one of the ship's boats. This we hoisted, and our craft was ready to sail. Fritz begged me to decorate the mast-head with a red streamer to give our vessel a more finished appearance. Smiling at this childish but natural vanity, I complied with his request. I then contrived a rudder that I might be able to steer the boat, for though I knew that an oar would serve the purpose it was cumbrous and inconvenient. While I was thus employed, Fritz examined the shore with his glass, and soon announced that the flag was flying and all was well. So much time had now slipped away that we found we could not return that night as I had wished. We signaled our intention of remaining on board, and then spent the rest of our time in taking out the stones we had placed in the boat for ballast, and stowed in their place heavy articles of value to us. The ship had sailed for the purpose of supplying a young colony. She had therefore on board every conceivable article we could desire in our present situation. Our only difficulty, indeed, was to make a wise selection. A large quantity of powder and shot we first secured, and as Fritz considered that we could not have too many weapons, we added three excellent guns, and a whole armful of swords, daggers, and knives. We remembered that knives and forks were necessary. We therefore laid in a large stock of them, and kitchen utensils of all sorts. Exploring the captain's cabin we discovered a service of silver plate, and a cellarette of good old wine. We then went over the stores, and supplied ourselves with potted meats, portable soups, Westphalian hams, sausages, a bag of maize and wheat, and a quantity of other seeds and vegetables. I then added a barrel of sulfur for matches, and as much cordage as I could find. All this, with nails, tools, and agricultural implements, completed our cargo, and sank our boat so low that I should have been obliged to lighten her had not the seabin calm. Night drew on, and a large fire, lighted by those on shore, showed us that all was well. We replied by hoisting four ships lanterns, and two shots announced to us that our signal was perceived. Then, with a heartfelt prayer for the safety of our dear ones on shore, we retired to our boat, and Fritz at all events was soon sound asleep. For a while I could not sleep. The thought of my wife and children, alone and unprotected, saved by the great dogs, disturbed my rest. The night at length passed away. At daybreak Fritz and I arose and went on deck. I brought the telescope to bear upon the shore, and with pleasure I saw the flag still waving in the morning breeze. While I kept the glass directed to the land, I saw the door of the tent open, and my wife appeared, and looked steadfastly toward us. I at once hoisted a white flag, and in reply the flag on shore was thrice dipped. Oh, what a weight seemed lifted from my heart as I saw the signal! Fritz, I said, I am not now in such haste to get back, and begin to feel compassion for all these poor beasts. I wish we could devise some means for getting them on shore. We might make a raft, suggested Fritz, and take off one or two at a time. True, I replied, it is easy enough to say, make a raft, but to do it is quite another thing. Well, said Fritz, I can think of nothing else, unless, indeed, we make them such swimming-belts as you made for the children. See, my boy, that idea is worth having. I am not joking indeed, I continued, as I saw him smile. We may get every one of the animals ashore in that way. So saying, I caught a fine sheep, and proceeded to put our plan into execution. I first fastened a broad piece of linen round its belly, and to this attached some corks and empty tins. Then with Fritz's help I flung the animal into the sea. It sank, but a moment afterward rose and floated famously. Hurrah! exclaimed Fritz, we will treat them all like that. We then rapidly caught the other animals, and provided them, one after the other, with a similar contrivance. The cow and ass gave us more trouble than did the others, as for them we required something more buoyant than the mere cork. We at last found some empty casks, and fastened two to each animal by thongs passed under its belly. This done the whole herd were ready to start, and we brought the ass to one of the ports to be the first to be launched. After some maneuvering we got him in a convenient position, and then a sudden heave sent him plunging into the sea. He sank, and then, buoyed up by the casks, emerged head and back from the water. The cow, sheep, and goats followed him one after the other, and then the sow alone remained. She seemed, however, determined not to leave the ship. She kicked, struggled, and squealed so violently that I really thought we should be obliged to abandon her. At length, after much trouble, we succeeded in sending her out of the port after the others. And when once in the water such was the old lady's energy that she quickly distanced them, and was the first to reach the shore. He had fastened to the horns or neck of each animal a cord with a float attached to the end, and now embarking we gathered up these floats, set sail, and steered for shore, drawing our herd after us. Delighted with the successful accomplishment of our task, we got out some biscuits and enjoyed a midday meal. Then, while Fritz amused himself with his monkey, I took up my glass and tried to make out how our dear ones on shore were employing themselves. As I was thus engaged, a sudden shout from Fritz surprised me. I glanced up. There stood Fritz with his gun to his shoulder, pointing it at a huge shark. The monster was making for one of the finest sheep. He turned on his side to seize his prey. As the white of his belly appeared, Fritz fired. The shot took effect, and our enemy disappeared, leaving a trace of blood on the calm water. Well done, my boy, I cried. You will become a crack shot one of these days, but I trust you will not often have such dangerous game to shoot. Fritz's eyes sparkled at his success and my praise, and reloading his gun carefully watched the water. But the shark did not again appear, and, born onward by the breeze, we quickly neared the shore. Going the boat to a convenient landing-place, I cast off the ropes which secured the animals, and let them get ashore as best they might. There was no sign of my wife or children when we stepped on land, but a few moments afterward they appeared, and with a shout of joy ran toward us. We were thankful to be once more united, and after asking and replying to a few preliminary questions, proceeded to release our herd from their swimming-belts, which, though so useful in the water, were exceedingly inconvenient on shore. My wife was astonished at the apparatus. How clever you are, said she. I am not the inventor, I replied. The honour is due to Fritz. He not only thought of this plan for bringing off the animals, but saved one at least of them from a most fearful death. And I then told them how bravely he had encountered the shark. My wife was delighted with her son's success, but declared that she would dread our trips to the vessel more than ever, knowing that such savage fish inhabited the waters. Fritz, Ernest, and I began the work of unloading our craft, while Jack, seeing that the poor donkey was still encumbered with his swimming-belt, tried to free him from it. But the donkey would not stand quiet, and the child's fingers were not strong enough to loosen the cordage. Only therefore he scrambled upon the animal's back, and urging him on with hand and foot, trotted toward us. Come, my boy, I said, no one must be idle here even for a moment. You will have riding practice enough hereafter. Dismount and come and help us. Jack was soon on his feet. But I have not been idle all day, he said, look here. And he pointed to a belt round his waist. It was a broad belt of yellow hair, in which he had stuck a couple of pistols and a knife. And see, he added, what I have made for the dogs. Here, Juneau, Turk! The dogs came bounding up at his call, and I saw that they were each supplied with a collar of the same skin, in which were fastened nails which bristled round their necks in a most formidable manner. Capital! Capital, my boy, said I! But where did you get your materials, and who helped you? Except in cutting the skin, said my wife, he had no assistance, and as for the materials, Fritz's jackal supplied us with the skin, and the needles and thread came out of my wonderful bag. You little think how many useful things may be had from that same bag. It is woman's duty and nature, you know, to see after trifles. This evidently did not approve of the use to which his jackal's hide had been devoted, and, holding his nose, begged his little brother to keep at a distance. Really, Jack, he said, you should have cured the hide before you used it. The smell is disgusting. Don't come near me. It is not the hide that smells at all, retorted Jack, it is your nasty jackal itself that you left in the sun. Now, boys, said I, no quarreling here, do you, Jack, help your brother to drag the carcass to the sea, and if your belt smells after that you must take it off and dry it better. The jackal was dragged off, and we then finished our work of unloading the boat. When this was accomplished we started for our tent, and finding no preparation for supper, I said, Fritz, let us have a Westphalian ham. Ernest, said my wife, smiling, let us see if we cannot conjure up some eggs. Fritz got out a splendid ham and carried it to his mother triumphantly, while Ernest set before me a dozen white balls with parchment-like coverings. Turtles' eggs, said I, well done, Ernest, where did you get them? That, replied my wife, shall be told in due course when we relate our adventures. Now we will see what they will do toward making a supper for you. With these and your ham I do not think we shall starve. Leaving my wife to prepare supper we returned to the shore, and brought up what of the cargo we had left there, then, having collected our herd of animals, we returned to the tent. The meal which awaited us was as unlike the first supper we had there enjoyed as possible. My wife had improvised a table of a board laid on two casks. On this was spread a white damask tablecloth, on which were placed knives, forks, spoons, and plates for each person. A churrine of good soup first appeared, followed by a capital amulet, then slices of the ham, and finally some Dutch cheese, butter, and biscuits, with a bottle of the captain's canary wine, completed the repast. While we thus regaled ourselves, I related to my wife our adventures, and then begged she would remember her promise, and tell me all that had happened in my absence. End of Chapter 2 Part 2 Read by Kara Schallenberg on July 14, 2009, in San Diego, California.