She very unwillingly5 gave her consent at last, but not until I had faithfully promised never to pass a night on board. I did so with reluctance8, and we parted, neither feeling quite satisfied with the arrangement.
The boys were delighted to go in so large a party, and merrily carried provision-bags filled with cassava-bread and potatoes.
Reaching Safety Bay without adventure, we first paid a visit to the geese and ducks which inhabited the marsh9 there, and having fed them and seen they were thriving well, we buckled10 on each his cork-belt, stepped into the tub-boat, and, with the raft in tow, steered11 straight for the wreck.
When we got on board, I desired the boys to collect whatever came first to hand, and load the raft to be ready for our return at night, and then we made a minute inspection12 of the pinnace.
I came to the conclusion that difficulties, well-nigh insuperable, lay between me and the safe possession of the beautiful little vessel13. She lay in a most un-get-at-able position at the further end of the hold, stowed in so confined and narrow a space, that it was impossible to think of fitting the parts together there. At the same time these parts were so heavy, that removing them to a convenient place piece by piece was equally out of the question.
I sent the boys away to amuse themselves by rummaging14 out anything they liked to carry away, and sat down quietly to consider the matter.
As my eyes became used to the dim light which entered the compartment15 through a chink or crevice16 here and there, I perceived how carefully every part of the pinnace was arranged and marked with numbers, so that if only I could bestow17 sufficient time on the work, and contrive18 space in which to execute it, I might reasonably hope for success.
`Room! Room to work in, boys! That's what we need in the first place!' I cried, as my sons came to see what plan I had devised, for so great was their reliance on me, that they never doubted the pinnace was to be ours.
`Fetch axes, and let us break down the compartment and clear space all round.'
To work we all went, yet evening drew near, and but little impression was made on the mass of woodwork around us. We had to acknowledge that an immense amount of labour and perseverance19 would be required before we could call ourselves the owners of the useful and elegant little craft, which lay within this vast hulk like a fossil shell embedded20 in a rock.
Preparations for returning to shore were hastily made, and we landed without much relish21 for the long walk to Falconhurst, when, to our great surprise and pleasure, we found my wife and little Franz at Tentholm awaiting us. She had resolved to take up her quarters there during the time we should be engaged on the wreck. `In that way you will live nearer your work, and I shall not quite lose sight of you!' said she, with a pleasant smile.
`You are a good, sensible, kind wife,' I exclaimed, delighted with her plan, `and we shall work with the greater diligence, that you may return as soon as possible to your dear Falconhurst.'
`Come and see what we have brought you, mother!' cried Fritz. `A good addition to your stores, is it not?' and he and his brothers exhibited two small casks of butter, three of flour, corn, rice, and many other articles welcome to our careful housewife.
Our days were now spent in hard work on board, first cutting and clearing an open space round the pinnace, and then putting the parts together. We started early and returned at night, bringing each time a valuable freight from the old vessel. At length, with incredible labour, all was completed. The pinnace stood actually ready to be launched, but imprisoned22 within massive wooden walls which defied our strength.
It seemed exactly as though the graceful23 vessel had awakened24 from sleep, and was longing25 to spring into the free blue sea, and spread her wings to the breeze. I could not bear to think that our success so far should be followed by failure and disappointment. Yet no possible means of setting her free could I conceive, and I was almost in despair, when an idea occurred to me which, if I could carry it out, would effect her release without further labour or delay.
Without explaining my purpose, I got a large cast-iron mortar26, filled it with gunpowder27, secured a block of oak to the top, through which I pierced a hole for the insertion of the match, and this great petard I so placed, that when it exploded, it should blow out the side of the vessel next which the pinnace lay.
Then securing it with chains, that the recoil28 might do no damage, I told the boys I was going ashore29 earlier than usual, and calmly desired them to get into the boat. Then lighting30 a match I had prepared, and which would burn some time before reaching the powder, I hastened after them with a pounding heart, and we made for the land.
We brought the raft close in shore and began to unload it; the other boat I did not haul up, but kept her ready to put off at a moment's notice; my anxiety was unobserved by anyone, as I listened with strained nerves for the expected sound. It came!—a flash! a mighty31 roar—a grand burst of smoke!
My wife and children, terror-stricken, turned their eyes towards the sea, whence the startling noise came, and then in fear and wonder, looked to me for some explanation. `Perhaps,' said my wife, as I did not speak, `perhaps you have left a light burning near some of the gunpowder, and an explosion has taken place.'
`Not at all unlikely,' replied I quietly, `we had a fire below when we were caulking32 the seams of the pinnace. I shall go off at once and see what has happened. Will anyone come?'
The boys needed no second invitation, but sprang into the boat, while I lingered to reassure33 my wife by whispering a few words of explanation, and then joining them, we pulled for the wreck at a more rapid rate than we ever had done before.
No alteration34 had taken place in the side at which we usually boarded her, and we pulled round to the further side, where a marvellous sight awaited us. A huge rent appeared, the decks and bulwarks35 were torn open, the water was covered with floating wreckage—all seemed in ruins; and the compartment where the pinnace rested was fully6 revealed to view.
There sat the little beauty, to all appearance uninjured; and the boys, whose attention was taken up with the melancholy36 scene of ruin and confusion around them, were astonished to hear me shout, in enthusiastic delight, `Hurrah! She is ours! The lovely pinnace is won! We shall be able to launch her easily after all. Come, boys, let us see if she has suffered from the explosion, which has set her free.'
The boys gazed at me for a moment, and then guessing my secret, `You planned it yourself, you clever, cunning father! Oh, that machine we helped to make, was on purpose to blow it up!' cried they; and eagerly they followed me into the shattered opening, where, to my intense satisfaction, I found everything as I could wish and the captive in no way a sufferer from the violent measures I had adopted for her deliverance.
The boys were deeply interested in examining the effects of the explosion, and in the explanation I gave them, of the principle, and proper way to manage a petard.
It was evident that the launch could now be effected without much trouble; I had been careful to place rollers beneath the keel, so that by means of levers and pulleys we might, with our united strength, move her forward towards the water.
A rope was attached by which to regulate the speed of the descent, and then, all hands putting their shoulders to the work, the pinnace began to slide from the stocks, and finally slipped gently and steadily37 into the water, where she floated as if conscious it was her native element; while we, wild with excitement, cheered and waved enthusiastically.
We then only remained long enough to secure our prize carefully at the most sheltered point, and went back to Tentholm, where we accounted for the explosion; saying that having blown away one side of the ship, we should be able to obtain the rest of its contents with a very few more days' work.
These days were devoted38 to completing the rigging, the mounting of her two little brass39 guns, and all necessary arrangements about the pinnace. It was wonderful what martial40 ardour was awakened by the possession of a vessel armed with two real guns. The boys chattered41 incessantly42 about savages43, fleets of canoes, attack, defence and final annihilation of the invaders44.
I assured them that, brilliant as their victories would doubtless be, we should have good cause to thank God if their fighting powers and new-born valour were never put to the test.
The pinnace was fully equipped and ready to sail, while yet no idea of the surprise we were preparing for her had dawned upon my wife, and I permitted the boys, who had kept the secret so well, to fire a salute45 when we entered the bay.
Casting off from the ship, and spreading the sail, our voyage began.
re-echoed among the cliffs, followed by our shouts and hurrahs.
My wife and her little boy rushed hastily forward from near the tent, and we could plainly see their alarm and astonishment49; but speedily recognizing us, they waved joyfully50, and came quickly to the landing-place to meet us.
By skilful51 management we brought the pinnace near a projection52 of the bank, and Fritz assisted his mother to come on board, where, breathless with haste and excitement, she exclaimed, `You dear, horrid53, wonderful people, shall I scold you or praise you? You have frightened me out of my wits! To see a beautiful little ship come sailing in was startling enough, for I could not conceive who might be on board, but the report of your guns made me tremble with fear—and had I not recognized your voices directly after, I should have run away with Franz Heaven knows where!
`But have you really done all this work yourselves?' she continued, when we had been forgiven for terrifying her with our vainglorious54 salute. `What a charming little yacht! I should not be afraid to sail in this myself.'
After the pinnace had been shown off, and received the admiration55 she deserved, while our industry, skill, and perseverance met with boundless56 praise, `Now,' said my wife, `you must come with me, and see how little Franz and I have improved our time every day of your absence.'
We all landed and, with great curiosity, followed my wife up the river towards the cascade57; where, to our astonishment, we found a garden neatly58 laid out in beds and walks; and she continued, `We don't frighten people by firing salutes59 in honour of our performances; although, by and by, I too shall want fire in a peaceable form. Look at my beds of lettuce60 and cabbages, my rows of beans and peas! Think what delicious dinners I shall be able to cook for you, and give me credit for my diligence.'
`My dear wife!' I exclaimed. `This is beautiful! You have done wonders! Did you not find the work too hard?'
`The ground is light and easy to dig hereabouts,' she replied. `I have planted potatoes, and cassava-roots, there is space for sugar-canes61, and the young fruit trees, and I shall want you to contrive to irrigate62 them, by leading water from the cascades63 in hollow bamboos. Up by the sheltering rocks I mean to have pineapples* and melons, they will look splendid when they spread there. To shelter the beds of European vegetables from the heat of the sun, I have planted seeds of maize64 round them. The shadow of the tall plants will afford protection from the burning rays. Do you think that is a good plan?'
* The author now thinks pineapples grow on vines. They do not.
`I do indeed; the whole arrangement is capital. Now, as sunset approaches, we must return to the tent for supper and rest, for both of which we are all quite ready.'
The time passed in happy talk over our many new interests; everyone had the pleasant sensation which attends successful labour, as well as experiencing the joy of affording unexpected pleasure to others; and I especially pointed65 out to my sons how true, genuine happiness consists in that, rather than in mere66 self-gratification.
Next morning, my wife said: `If you can exist on shore long enough to visit Falconhurst, dear husband, I should like you to attend to the little fruit trees. I fear they have been too much neglected. I have watered them occasionally, and spread earth over the roots as they lay, but I could not manage to plant them.'
`You have done far more than I could have expected, my wife,' I replied, `and provided you do not ask me to give up the sea altogether, I most willingly agree to your request, and will go to Falconhurst as soon as the raft is unloaded, and everything safely arranged here.'
Life on shore was an agreeable change for us all, and the boys went actively67 to work, so that the stores were quickly brought up to the tent, piled in order, and carefully covered with sailcloths, fastened down by pegs68 all round. The pinnace, being provided with an anchor, was properly moored69, and her elegant appearance quite altered the look of our harbour, hitherto occupied only by the grotesque70 tub-boat, and flat uninteresting raft.
Taking an ample supply of everything we should require at Falconhurst, we were soon comfortably reestablished in that charming abode71, its peaceful shade seeming more delightful72 than ever, after the heat and hard work we had lately undergone.
Several Sundays had passed during our stay at Tentholm, and the welcome Day of Rest now returned again, to be observed with heartfelt devotion and grateful praise. I did not attempt too much in the form of preaching, as I could not have secured the attention of my hearers to any long-winded discourses73, but they were interested in the Bible reading and simple instructions I drew from it, and their young voices joined sweetly in favorite hymns74, which my wife sang from memory.
In the evening, I desired my boys to let me see their dexterity75 in athletic76 exercises, such as running, leaping, wrestling, and climbing; telling them that they must keep up the practise of these things, so as to grow strong active men, powerful to repel77 and cope with danger, as well as agile78 and swift-footed to escape from it.
No man can be really courageous79 and self-reliant without an inward consciousness of physical power and capability80.
`I want to see my sons strong, both morally and physically,' said I; `that means, little Franz,' as the large blue eyes looked inquiringly up at me, `brave to do what is good and right, and to hate evil, and strong to work, hunt and provide for themselves and others, and to fight if necessary.'
On the following day, the boys seeming disposed to carry out my wishes by muscular exercise of all sorts, I encouraged them by saying, I meant to prepare a curious new weapon for them, only they must promise not to neglect the practise of archery: as to their guns, I had no reason to fear they would be laid aside.
Taking a long cord, I attached a leaden bullet to each end, and had instantly to answer a storm of questions as to what this could possibly be for.
`This is a miniature lasso,' said I. `The Mexicans, Patagonians, and various tribes of South America, make use of this weapon in hunting, with marvellous dexterity, only, having no bullets, they fasten stones to their ropes, which are immensely longer than this. One end is swung round and round the mounted hunter's head, and then cast with skill and precision towards the animal he wishes to strike; immediately drawing it back, he can repeat the blow, and either kill or wound his prey81.
`Frequently, however, the intention is to take the animal, wild horse, or buffalo82, or whatever it may be, alive; and in that case, the lasso is thrown, while riding in hot pursuit, in such a way as to make the stone twist many times round the neck, body or legs of the fugitive83, arresting him even in full career.'
`Oh, father, what a splendid contrivance! Will you try it now? There is the donkey, father! Do catch the donkey.'
Not at all certain of my powers, I declined to practise upon a live subject, but consented to make a trial of skill by aiming at the stump84 of a tree at no great distance.
My success surpassed my own expectations; the stump was entwined by the cord in such a way as to leave no doubt whatever as to the feasibility of the wonderful performances I described; and I was assailed85 by petitions from the boys, each anxious to possess a lasso of his own, without a moment's delay.
As the manufacture was simple, their wishes were speedily gratified, and lasso-practise became the order of the day.
Fritz, who was the most active and adroit86, besides having, of course, the greatest muscular strength, soon became skilled in the art.
That night a change came over the weather, and early next morning I perceived that a gale87 of wind was getting up. From the height of our trees I could see that the surface of the sea was in violent agitation88.
It was with no small satisfaction that I thought of our hard-won pinnace, safely moored in the harbour, and recollected89 that there was nothing to call us to the wreck for the next few days.
My attention was by no means monopolized90 by my sons and their amusements. The good mother had much to show me demanding my approval, advice, or assistance, as the case might be.
A good supply of wild pigeons and ortolans had been snared91, partly cooked and preserved in lard. Of these she showed me her small cask well filled.
Then the nests of various pairs of tame pigeons were exhibited, but her chief care was the unpromising condition of her dear little fruit trees, for, having been forgotten, they were so dry and withered92, that unless planted without further delay, she feared we should lose them.
This needful work we set about, therefore, at once, proposing afterwards an excursion to the Calabash Wood, in order to manufacture a large supply of vessels93 and utensils94 of all sorts and sizes.
Every one was inclined for this expedition; consequently the planting of the orchard95 was carried on with surprising vigour96, but was not completed until towards evening; and then all sorts of arrangements were made for an early start next day. My wife and Franz were to be of the party, and their equipment took some time, for we meant to make a grand family excursion attended by our domestic pets and servants!
By sunrise we were all astir, and everything quickly made ready for a start.
The sledge97 loaded with ammunition98 and baskets of provisions, and drawn99 by the donkey, was to be used for carrying home our gourd100 manufactures, as well as any other prize we might fall in with.
Turk, as usual, headed the procession, clad in his coat of mail.
Then came the boys with their guns and game-bags. Their mother and I followed, and behind trotted101 Juno not in very good spirits, poor dog!—because Master Knips, who had no idea of being left alone, must needs ride on her back.
On this occasion I took two guns with me, one loaded with shot for game, another with ball for our defence against beasts of prey.
Flamingo102 Marsh was quickly crossed, and the magnificent country beyond lay extended in all its beauty and fertility before our eyes. It was new to my wife and two of the boys, and the lovely prospect103 enchanted104 them.
Here Fritz and Jack turned aside into the bush, where presently loud barking was followed by the quick report of a gun, and a large bird, which had risen from the thicket105, fell heavily to the ground before us.
Far from resigning itself, however, to death or captivity106, it sprang to its feet, and, unable to fly, rushed away with extraordinary speed, hotly pursued by the excited dog, while Fritz ran panting in the same direction, and Juno, eager to join the chase, sprang aside so suddenly, that her rider was flung unceremoniously on the sand, as she darted107 to intercept108 the retreat of the active bird. This she cleverly accomplished109, but its defence was maintained so fiercely, as it struck out with its powerful legs and sharp claws, that neither Fritz nor the dogs could master it.
I hastened to their assistance, and found Juno holding on nobly by the wing she had seized, while the bird, which proved to be a magnificent bustard, struggled and fought fiercely. Watching my opportunity, I threw a large handkerchief over it, and with difficulty succeeded in binding110 its legs and wings. It was borne in triumph to the rest of our party, who meantime had been reclining on the sand.
`What have you got?'
`What has Fritz shot?' cried the boys, starting up at our approach.
`A bustard! Oh, that is splendid!'
`To be sure, it is the one we missed that day, don't you remember, mother? Ah, ha! Old fellow, you are done for this time!' said Jack.
`I think this is a hen bustard, it is the mother bird,' said Ernest.
`Ah, yes, poor thing!' exclaimed my wife, in a tone of concern. `It is most likely the same, and I know she had a brood of young birds, and now they will be left unprotected and miserable111. Had we not better let her go?'
`Why, my dear, kind-hearted wife, that was weeks and weeks ago! Those little birds are all strong and big by this time, and I daresay Mrs. Bustard here has forgotten all about them. Besides, she is badly wounded, and we must try to cure the hurt. If we succeed, she will be a valuable addition to our poultry-yard; if we cannot, you shall roast her for dinner.'
Resuming our march, we next arrived at the Monkey Grove112, which was the scene of the tragicomic adventure by which Fritz became the guardian113 of the orphan114 ape.
While he amused us all by a lively and graphic115 description of the scene, Ernest was standing116 apart under a splendid cocoanut palm, gazing in fixed117 admiration at the grand height of the stem, and its beautiful graceful crown of leaves. The cluster of nuts beneath these evidently added interest to the spectacle, for, drawing quietly near him, I heard a long-drawn sigh, and the words:
`It's awfully118 high! I wish one would fall down!' Scarcely had he uttered these words, than, as if by magic, down plumped a huge nut at his feet.
The boy was quite startled, and sprang aside, looking timidly upwards119, when, to my surprise, down came another.
`Why, this is just like the fairy tale of the wishing-cap!' cried
Ernest. `My wish is granted as soon as formed!'
`I suspect the fairy in this instance is more anxious to pelt120 us and drive us away, than to bestow dainty gifts upon us,' said I. `I think there is most likely a cross-grained old ape sitting up among those shadowy leaves and branches.'
We examined the nuts, thinking they were perhaps old ones, and had fallen, in consequence, naturally, but they were not even quite ripe.
Anxious to discover what was in the tree, we all surrounded it, gaping121 and gazing upwards with curious eyes.
`Hollo! I see him!' shouted Fritz presently. `Oh, a hideous122 creature! What can it be? Flat, round, as big as a plate, and with a pair of horrid claws! Here he comes! He is going to creep down the tree!'
At this, little Franz slipped behind his mother, Ernest took a glance round to mark a place of retreat, Jack raised the butt-end of his gun, and every eye was fixed on the trunk of the tree, down which a large land-crab123 commenced a leisurely124 descent. As it approached within reach, Jack hit at it boldly, when it suddenly dropped the remaining distance, and opening its great claws, sidled after him with considerable rapidity, upon which he fairly turned tail and ran.
We all burst into a roar of laughter, which soon made him face about, and then, to our infinite amusement, the little fellow prepared for a fresh onset125; laying down all he was carrying, pulling off his jacket and spreading it wide out in both hands, he returned to the charge, suddenly threw his garment over the creature, wrapped it well round it, and then pummelled it with all the strength of his fists.
For a few minutes I could do nothing but laugh, but then running to him with my hatchet126, I struck several sharp blows on his bundle, which we opened carefully, and found within the land-crab perfectly127 dead.
`Well, this is an ugly rascal128!' cried Jack. `If he hadn't been so hideous, I should not have dealt so severely129 with him. I wasn't a bit afraid. What is the creature's name?'
`This is a crab, a land-crab,' said I, `of which there are many varieties, and this, I think, is called a cocoanut crab, or at least it deserves the name, for it is evidently very fond of eating these nuts, since it takes the trouble to climb the trees for them; the difficulty of getting at the kernel130, too, is considerable. You showed no little presence of mind, Jack, when you thought of catching131 it in your jacket; in fact it might have been more than a match for you otherwise, for some are most determined132 fighters, and are very swift too. Now let us take it, as well as the nuts, to the sledge, and go on our way.'
Progress became difficult, for we were constantly stopped in passing through the wood, by having to cut away the hanging boughs133 and creeping plants which interlaced them. Ernest was behind, and by and by called me back to see what proved to be an important discovery; from the several stalks of one of these creepers flowed clear cold water, and I recognized the 'liane rouge134', which is known in America, and is so precious to the thirsty hunter or traveller.
This is truly one of God's good gifts to man! The boys were much delighted with this curious plant. `Only fancy, mother,' said Ernest, as he showed it to her, `how cheering and refreshing135 to find this if one were lost and alone in a vast forest, wandering for days and days without being near a proper spring of water.'
`But are you certain it is safe to drink this?' asked she. I assured her it was so, and advised the boys to cut enough to quench136 the thirst of the whole party, including our animals. This they did, only finding it necessary, as with the sugar canes, to cut air holes above the joints137.
After struggling onward138 for a short time, we emerged from the thickets139 into open ground, and saw the calabash trees in the distance. As we drew near, their curious appearance and singular fruit caused much surprise and also amusement, for we were speedily established among the trees, where, as I chose and cut down the gourds140 most likely to be useful, every one engaged merrily in the work of cutting, carving141, sawing and scooping142 some manner of dish, bowl, cup, jar or platter, according to his several taste or ability.
We were to dine here, and after a time Fritz and Jack began to prepare a fireplace, their great ambition being to heat the stones red hot, and cook the crab in a hollow gourd. Their mother, therefore, left them to their own devices, and attended to the hungry animals, unharnessing the ass7 to graze, and giving cocoanut milk to the poor little monkey, who had been obliged to travel in a covered basket for some time, lest he should be lost in the woods. The wounded bustard had been completely forgotten, and from heat and thirst was suffering greatly until her friendly care revived it, and it was tied to a tree and allowed to move about, its fierce spirit greatly tamed by adversity.
The cooking operations came to a stand soon after the fire was lighted, for it appeared that we had no more water in the jars we had brought, so the boys proposed to go in search of a spring. I agreed to accompany them; Ernest also wished to join us, and as our intention was to examine merely the surrounding wood, I saw no objection to leaving their mother and Franz for a short time.
Very soon after our exploration began, Ernest, who was in front, turned with a face of terror, shouting, `A wild boar! An immense wild boar, father! Do come quick!'
And, sure enough, I heard a loud snorting and puffing143 as some large animal passed hastily through the thick underwood beyond us. `After him, lads, after him!' cried I, hurrying forwards. `Call the dogs! Stand ready to fire!' And we pressed through the bushes to the spot where Ernest had seen the creature.
The ground was grubbed up, and some potatoes lay about, showing that we had disturbed him at his mid-day meal. Ernest and Jack were more disposed to gather the roots than to follow up the chase. Fritz and I alone went after the dogs, who eagerly pushed on, and by the sounds we heard had evidently attacked the boar at no great distance. Terrific barking, snarling144 and grunting145, guided us to the scene of action, and we beheld146 our mastiffs one on each side of a large respectable-looking pig, holding on by the great ears, while the animal, on seeing us, appeared rather to beseech147 our interference than to propose to offer a desperate resistance.
In a moment the truth became apparent! The captive grunter was no fierce native of the forest, but our own runaway148 sow! Our excitement had been wound to so high a pitch, that the discovery was quite a shock, and we felt half angry with the creature who had disappointed us; then the absurdity149 of the whole thing made us laugh heartily150, and calling off the dogs, the old lady was released from her ignominious151 position.
Our laughter resounding152 through the wood, brought Ernest and Jack from their potatoes, to see what was going on.
`Much use you two would have been suppose we had required help,' cried
Fritz, as they too recognized their old friend.
`Ah, well, you see,' returned Jack, `Ernest and I had a sort of a kind of presentiment153 that this was going to be the old sow. And just look at our fine potatoes!'
A good deal of joking on the subject ensued, but was interrupted by Ernest, who drew our attention to fruit resembling apples on the surrounding bushes, and on the grass beneath them.
The sow was making amends154 for the fright and pain she had endured by munching155 and crunching156 this fruit at a great rate. Fritz feared that it might be the poisonous manchineel, against which I once warned them, but on examining it, I was induced to pronounce a more favourable157 opinion, and we collected a quantity in hopes that, if the monkey approved of it as well as the old sow, we might be able to enjoy a feast ourselves.
All this time not a drop of water had we seen, and our own thirst increasing, we felt eager to procure158 some before returning to our resting-place.
Jack preceded us, and we made our way towards a high rock, which rose above the thickets, when he suddenly startled us by a loud cry of `A crocodile! Father! Father! A crocodile!'
`Nonsense, boy! A crocodile of all things, in this dry, parched159 forest, where we can't get so much as a mouthful of water!'
On advancing to where Jack stood, I perceived that his mistake was not so very silly after all, for I beheld an iguana160, one of the largest of the lizard161 species, and a truly formidable-looking fellow. I was glad to assure Jack that the strange creature he had found was perfectly harmless, and that its flesh being esteemed162 a delicacy163, it would be a valuable prize to carry back with us.
In another moment Fritz would have fired, but arresting his hand—`Your shot,' I said, `would probably only wound the animal, and being extremely tenacious164 of life, it would certainly escape us; we must gain possession of the sleeping beauty by a gentler method.'
`You are not going to kiss it, are you, father?' asked Jack, with a grin. I tried to rebuke165 him for his impertinence, but, failing, I commenced operations. I first attached a cord and running-noose166 to a stout167 stick, and holding a light switch in my other hand, I began to approach the creature with soft, slow steps, while the boys looked on with the utmost curiosity.
Presently I began very softly to whistle a sweet, yet very lively air, which I continued more and more distinctly as I drew near the lizard; until, awaking, it seemed to listen with pleasure—raising its head as though better to catch the sounds, or to discover whence they came.
When near enough, I began gently to stroke and tickle168 him with the wand, continuing to whistle the prettiest tunes169 I could think of; and the lizard gave signs of pleasurable contentment, stretching his limbs and moving his tail in token of enjoyment170.
Suddenly, availing myself of a movement of his head, I cast the noose over it, drew the cord tight and, placing my foot on the body, I was about to kill it by piercing the nostril171—almost the only vulnerable part in this singular reptile—when Jack received such a slap from its tail, which it was furiously driving in all directions, as sent him rolling over like a nine-pin.
At the same time he opened his jaws172, when the boys took fright at the row of sharp teeth, and thinking that the sooner he was dead the better, were for battering173 him with sticks; but I assuring them my method would kill him more quickly and without pain, thrust my rod into his nostril, on which the blood flowed and the lizard soon expired.
The boys seemed to think me as wonderful a person as a snake-charmer, and the success of my stratagem174, as well as of the means by which the lizard was slain175, called forth176 great admiration, since they never had heard of the animal, nor of the method of capturing it so commonly practised in the West Indies.
Now came the question of how we were to carry this unwieldy burden. I had a great dislike to killing177 any creature and leaving it useless behind me; so, without more ado, I fairly took it on my back, and marched off with it.
As we came towards the Calabash Wood, we could hear the voices of the deserted178 mother and child calling us in anxious tones; for indeed our protracted179 absence alarmed them. We shouted joyously180 in reply, and our appearance, as we issued from the woods, afforded them welcome relief from their fears, although the dreadful creature on my back startled them not a little.
There was so much to tell, so much to be seen, that for a time hunger and thirst were forgotten; and no one thought even of the water we had vainly gone in search of, until Master Knips, having slyly possessed181 himself of some of our new-found apples, was discovered munching away and enjoying them amazingly—which instantly gave the boys a strong wish to eat some also; and as the bustard likewise pecked at them without hesitation182, I felt sure there could be no danger; and on tasting them, I concluded it was the fruit of the guava, a West Indian plant, which we were delighted to have.
Although refreshing, this fruit rather sharpened than appeased183 our appetites, and we were glad to eat the provisions we had brought from home, without waiting to cook anything, as we had originally intended.
It was, in fact, high time to move homewards, and we thought it best not to encumber184 ourselves with the sledge and the greater part of its load, but to leave it until the next day. The ass was laden185 with the iguana and the bustard; and little Franz, tired as he was, looked in vain for a spare seat on its back.
Our road home lay through a majestic186 forest of oak trees, beneath which lay numberless acorns187, some of which we gathered as we went along; and at length, before night closed in, we all reached Falconhurst in safety. When supper was ready, we were thankful to recruit our exhausted188 strength by eating heartily of a piece of broiled189 iguana, with potatoes and roast acorns, which tasted like excellent chestnuts190.
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1
revert
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| v.恢复，复归，回到 | |
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2
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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3
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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4
coax
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| v.哄诱，劝诱，用诱哄得到，诱取 | |
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unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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6
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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8
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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9
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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10
buckled
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| a. 有带扣的 | |
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11
steered
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| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
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12
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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13
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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14
rummaging
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| 翻找，搜寻( rummage的现在分词 )； 海关检查 | |
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15
compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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16
crevice
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| n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口 | |
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17
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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18
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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19
perseverance
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| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
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20
embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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21
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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22
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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23
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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24
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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25
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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26
mortar
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| n.灰浆，灰泥；迫击炮；v.把…用灰浆涂接合 | |
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27
gunpowder
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| n.火药 | |
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28
recoil
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| vi.退却，退缩，畏缩 | |
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29
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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30
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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31
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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32
caulking
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| n.堵缝；敛缝；捻缝；压紧v.堵（船的）缝( caulk的现在分词 )；泥…的缝；填塞；使不漏水 | |
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33
reassure
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| v.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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34
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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35
bulwarks
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| n.堡垒( bulwark的名词复数 )；保障；支柱；舷墙 | |
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36
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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37
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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38
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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39
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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40
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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41
chattered
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| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的过去式 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
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42
incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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43
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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44
invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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45
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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46
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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47
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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48
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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49
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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50
joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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51
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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52
projection
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| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
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53
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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54
vainglorious
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| adj.自负的；夸大的 | |
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55
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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56
boundless
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| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
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57
cascade
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| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
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58
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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59
salutes
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| n.致敬，欢迎，敬礼( salute的名词复数 )v.欢迎，致敬( salute的第三人称单数 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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60
lettuce
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| n.莴苣；生菜 | |
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61
canes
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| n.（某些植物，如竹或甘蔗的）茎( cane的名词复数 )；（用于制作家具等的）竹竿；竹杖 | |
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62
irrigate
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| vt.灌溉，修水利，冲洗伤口，使潮湿 | |
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63
cascades
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| 倾泻( cascade的名词复数 )； 小瀑布（尤指一连串瀑布中的一支）； 瀑布状物； 倾泻（或涌出）的东西 | |
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64
maize
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| n.玉米 | |
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65
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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66
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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67
actively
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| adv.积极地，勤奋地 | |
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68
pegs
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| n.衣夹( peg的名词复数 )；挂钉；系帐篷的桩；弦钮v.用夹子或钉子固定( peg的第三人称单数 )；使固定在某水平 | |
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69
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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70
grotesque
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| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
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71
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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72
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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73
discourses
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| 论文( discourse的名词复数 )； 演说； 讲道； 话语 | |
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74
hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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75
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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76
athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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77
repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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78
agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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79
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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80
capability
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| n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等 | |
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81
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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82
buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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83
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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84
stump
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| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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85
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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86
adroit
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| adj.熟练的，灵巧的 | |
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87
gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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88
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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89
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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90
monopolized
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| v.垄断( monopolize的过去式和过去分词 )；独占；专卖；专营 | |
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91
snared
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| v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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92
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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93
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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94
utensils
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| 器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物 | |
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95
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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96
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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97
sledge
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| n.雪橇，大锤；v.用雪橇搬运，坐雪橇往 | |
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98
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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99
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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100
gourd
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| n.葫芦 | |
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101
trotted
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| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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102
flamingo
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| n.红鹳，火烈鸟 | |
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103
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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104
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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105
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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106
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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107
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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108
intercept
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| vt.拦截，截住，截击 | |
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109
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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110
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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111
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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112
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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113
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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114
orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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115
graphic
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| adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的 | |
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116
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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117
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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118
awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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119
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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120
pelt
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| v.投掷，剥皮，抨击，开火 | |
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121
gaping
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| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
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122
hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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123
crab
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| n.螃蟹，偏航，脾气乖戾的人，酸苹果；vi.捕蟹，偏航，发牢骚；vt.使偏航，发脾气 | |
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124
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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125
onset
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| n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始 | |
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126
hatchet
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| n.短柄小斧；v.扼杀 | |
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127
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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128
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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129
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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130
kernel
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| n.(果实的)核，仁；(问题)的中心，核心 | |
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131
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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132
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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133
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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134
rouge
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| n.胭脂，口红唇膏；v.(在…上)擦口红 | |
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135
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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136
quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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137
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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138
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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139
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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140
gourds
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| n.葫芦( gourd的名词复数 ) | |
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141
carving
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| n.雕刻品，雕花 | |
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142
scooping
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| n.捞球v.抢先报道( scoop的现在分词 )；（敏捷地）抱起；抢先获得；用铲[勺]等挖（洞等） | |
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143
puffing
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| v.使喷出( puff的现在分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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144
snarling
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| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的现在分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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145
grunting
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| 咕哝的，呼噜的 | |
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146
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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147
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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148
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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149
absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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150
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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151
ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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152
resounding
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| adj. 响亮的 | |
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153
presentiment
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| n.预感，预觉 | |
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154
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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155
munching
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| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的现在分词 ) | |
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156
crunching
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| v.嘎吱嘎吱地咬嚼( crunch的现在分词 )；嘎吱作响；（快速大量地）处理信息；数字捣弄 | |
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157
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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159
parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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160
iguana
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| n.美洲大蜥蜴，鬣鳞蜥 | |
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161
lizard
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| n.蜥蜴，壁虎 | |
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162
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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163
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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165
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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166
noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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168
tickle
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| v.搔痒，胳肢；使高兴；发痒；n.搔痒，发痒 | |
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169
tunes
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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170
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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171
nostril
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| n.鼻孔 | |
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172
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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173
battering
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| n.用坏，损坏v.连续猛击( batter的现在分词 ) | |
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174
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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175
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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176
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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177
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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178
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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179
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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180
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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181
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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182
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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183
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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184
encumber
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| v.阻碍行动，妨碍，堆满 | |
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185
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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186
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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187
acorns
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| n.橡子，栎实( acorn的名词复数 ) | |
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188
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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189
broiled
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| a.烤过的 | |
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190
chestnuts
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| n.栗子( chestnut的名词复数 )；栗色；栗树；栗色马 | |
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