 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 the mother, 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. My wife's fears were, however, speedily allayed, for I assured her that the boat I intended to construct should be no flimsy cockle-shell, 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 whale-bone, 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 shown 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 couchoke. 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 India rubber-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, that, should his boat receive a puncture from a sharp rock or the dorsal 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 the mother 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-waste coat made of linen prepared with a solution of India rubber, the seams being likewise coated with couchoke, and the hole rendered perfectly airtight. We arranged it so 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 veranda, 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, amid roars of laughter from his brothers, entered the water. Only and easily he paddled himself across our bay toward 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 was 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. Struned by the edge of the water, too, lay a great quantity of seaweed of various colors, and as the mother 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 to 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 veranda. As we lay there resting we heard the mother'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 the mother could have obtained a dish so rare we disposed of all that she had set before us. Ah-ha! laughed the mother. Is not this an excellent substitute for tobacco far more refreshing than the nasty weed itself? Behold the product 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 the mother 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 among the cliffs in the rocks had germinated, and promised to clothe the nakedness of the frowning boulders. Way 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 Hwail 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 Hwail, too, attracted our attention, for, picked clean by the birds, and bleached by the 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 Hwail 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 feigned to be content. I crossed the bridge, but as I reached the Kassava 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 backward and forward 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 among 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 porcars, and I handed them over to the mother 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 frits and fronts. These latter carried upon their croppers 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. And these frits 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 on 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 the mother 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 muskrats, 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 coarser. 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 teasel, 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 at times 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. Among 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 a 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 ligature is 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 fibers, and that between these exist thousands of little bladders or air chambers? By forcing air into these bladders the fibers 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 that, when the tree fell, it might not injure its neighbors. They then descended, and Fritz and I attacked the stem. As the easiest and most speedy method we used a saw, such a one as is employed by saw-years in a saw-pit, and Fritz taking one in, 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, clay-y 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 a 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 the mother, 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. Afterward allowing the grass to grow up among it, they mow all together for winter fodder. And now for threshing, also in the Italian fashion. We shall find it spare 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 hay forks, by means of which we shook up and moved the sheaves over which the thresher's 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 rake 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 hundredfold 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 toward the seals, which arrived on the coast directly afterward. 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. End of Chapter 14, read on July 27, 2009, in San Diego, California. Chapter 15 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 by Johann R. Wies, Chapter 15, Part 1. At last came the day when Fritz was to make his trial trip with the kayak. Completely equipped in swimming costume, trousers, 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 Tracic, 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 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 practice 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. Fritz reached 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 serpents 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 remove this prodigious weight from among these rocks. Only do let me carry away the head with those grand, snow-white tusks. I should so like to fasten it on the prow of the kayak, and name it the Seahorse. 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 until 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 Ernest wish to return alone as he came. He longed to act as our avancourier, and announce our approach to his mother, so he was soon skimming away over the surface of the water, while we followed at a 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 a thwart 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 agonised 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 the mother 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. The head of the walrus was conveyed to our workshop, where it underwent such a skillful 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 before the regular rainy season. The bridge over Jackal River was partly broken down, and the water tanks and pipes all needed repair, so 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 hazelnuts, 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 we're with to flavor 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 storeroom 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. Three quiet, uneventful days passed by, and I perceived that the boys, weary 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 afterward 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 bears meet from the mother to make pemmican. And what may pemmican be, she asked. It is a 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 humor 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 sun. They were ready to start, when I observed Jack quietly slip a basket containing several pigeons under the packages in the cart. Uh-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 frits and fronds, 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 dove-cott 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 hyena has killed a ram and two lambs. The dogs seized it, fronts shot it, it is dead and skinned. The pemicin isn't worth much, but we are all right. Love to all. Woodlands, fifteenth 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 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 afterward 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 great 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, France, take the dogs, and advance cautiously to see what is the matter. Without a moment's hesitation, France made his way among the bushes with his gun, closely followed by the dogs, until, through an opening in the thicket, he could see at a distance of about forty paces, an enormous hyena, 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 peeled through the forest. The beast kept running backward and forward, rising on its hind legs, and then rapidly hurling round and round, nodding its head and going through most frantic and ludicrous antics. France kept his presence of mind very well, for he watched, till, calming down, the hyena 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 hyena 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 hyena. It was as large as a wild boar, long stiff bristles formed a mane on its neck, its color was gray 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 Rockberg, they retired to rest on their bare skin rugs, to dream of adventures past and future. The following day they devised no less a scheme than to survey the shores of Woodlake, 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 afterward brought to Rockberg, 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 taper, 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 taper can swim and dive with perfect ease, and abounds in the densely wooded swamps and rivers of tropical America. Fritz and his kayak followed for a time the direction in which the taper proceeded, but saw no more of it. CHAPTER XV PART II 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 demazelles, or Numidian cranes. These birds they shot at with arrows arranged in a skillful and original way, with loops of cord dipped in bird-lime 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 pemicin 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 afterward vividly described the dreadful scene there enacted. When we entered the pine wood we founded 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 Woodland 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 wood beneath us. From the hills echoed the mournful howl of the 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 nailings, reminding one of the strange cry of the hippopotamus. Above these occasional deep majestic roaring made our hearts quail with the conviction that we heard the voices of lions and elephants. Over odd 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 broken down, everything laid waste as far as the sugar break 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 earnest to prepare the small cart and follow me with his mother at day break, 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 the next day. Early on the following morning I inspected the footprints and ravages of the great unknown. The cane break had, without doubt, been visited by an elephant. That great animal alone could have left such traces and committed such fearful ravages. Big 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 free-booting 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 affect 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. The mother 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 Kamchatkin 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 bored 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. This 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 unedible. 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 manufacturer 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. On the evening he made his appearance, coming swiftly downstream. 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 fruits, 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, Hello, 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 toward us, his handsome face radiant with pleasure, as he exhibited a beautiful waterfowl. Its plumage was rich purple, changing on the back to dark green. The legs, feet, and mark above the bill, bright red. This lovely bird I concluded to be the sultan-cock described by Buffon, and as it was gentle, he 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, 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 Gailey, 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 valor, and urging my canoe into the center current made a rapid retreat down the river. Or 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 horse-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 with insight 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 defusing a strong aromatic odor. 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 affected 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. We 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 France 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 sultancock, soon became perfectly at home in the swamp, greatly adding to the interest of the neighborhood of Safety Bay. The old busterds were the tamest of all our feathered pets, and never more so than at mealtimes. They were unfailing in their attendance when we dined or supped in the open air. Toward evening, as we sat in the veranda 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 I remarked a look of quiet humor in Fritz's eye, as he stood leaning against one of the veranda-pillars, watching Jack, who, in some confusion, started off toward 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 puffing 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 bullfrog, 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. Every 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 color was greenish-brown, mothled and spotted with reddish-brown and yellow, the sides green and black, the underpart yellow mothled with orange. The eyes were positively beautiful, of a rich chestnut hue covered with golden white dots, which shone with a metallic luster. The skin of the body was puckered into longitudinal folds. By general consent they 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 a pleasant shade. After this was done I was compelled to consent to a plan long 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 flag-staff 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. End of Chapter 15 Part 2, read on July 31, 2009, in San Diego, California. Chapter 16 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 by Johann R. Wies, Chapter 16, Part 1. 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, receptively, 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, 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 fulfill new duties and to gather fresh interests around them. Having given a detailed account of several years' residence in New Switzerland, as we like 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, weary sum descriptions of awkward inventions and clumsy machines, with an endless record of discoveries, more fit for the pages of an encyclopedia 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, trellis verandas, and plantations around 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 luxuriously 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 favorite retreat it was. On its blue waters sailed stately black swans, snow-white geese, and richly colored 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 dove-cuts, their soft, cooing and glossy plumage, making them favorite household pets. By the bridge alone could Rockbird be approached, for higher up the river where near the cascade it was fortable 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 Island, 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 favorite fangs, the Jackal, which he chose to call Coco, asserting that no word could be distinguished at a distance without the letter 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, so 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 archdrollery of Jack. All were honorable, god-fearing young men, dutiful and affectionate to their mother and myself, and warmly attached to each other. Though 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 onward 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 toward 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 harbor. 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 a 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, including conveniently rifle, harpoon, ax, 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 fulfillment of my purpose. I left the harbor 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, cannonballs, iron work, 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. Very ads 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 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 upward of fifty thousand pounds, and the value more than two hundred thousand pounds. 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 a mouthful of feathers, laughed Jack. It is really a most curious formation, said Fritz, from whence are the swallows supposed to get this kind of gelatin? 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 landlocked. Its shores, beyond the rocky boundary through which I penetrated, extended in a fertile plain toward 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 learned 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 frits, 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-oister beds at the earliest opportunity. After resting for some time and refreshing myself with food, pursued frits, 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 inshore, so that I could not then attempt to passage through it, but examined the crags of the headland thinking I might per chance 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 homeward, 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, rather 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 English woman 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 English woman? 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 a non, 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. CHAPTER XVI PART II 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 judgment, 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 toward 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 that he meant to take one of them as shipmaid 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 the mother and fronts, 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, feeling 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 Pugnose, and then at some distance appeared the grand cliffs of a headland, running far out to sea. This I suppose 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, sword, wheel, 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 of young. The best were at a considerable height, but the broken 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. Iles, transepts, screens, and side-chappels 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 water 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 cozy 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 breakfast, à 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 afterward 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 toward 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 peppercorn. On examination I found some severe bruises. Who or what has been pommeling 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 brushes, making for the outskirts of the wood. Floss gave chase directly, and the boar turned to bay. Then up came Jack with cocoa, 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, when 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 up quickly 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, naughty 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 flavored. 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 odor in a singularly acute way, and at once scratches on 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, and 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 be 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 plated bows 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 the 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 peel 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 reconnoit her 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 springing from the underwood, and with a bound and muttered roar approached 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 a 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 toward 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 toward the deep darkness of the woods whence the lion had come. This behavior 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 betoken to 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 lame, 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 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 toward us in great agitation, and their joy on seeing us safe was only equaled by the grief they felt on learning 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, wrapped 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. We read 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 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 a 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 toward 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 beyond the point, which I afterward 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. Toward evening we sailed into Safety Bay. End of chapter sixteen, part two, read by Kara Schellenberg on August 6th, 2009, in San Diego, California.