The winds at length were lulled1, the sun shot his brilliant rays through the riven clouds, the rain ceased to fall—spring had come. No prisoners set at liberty could have felt more joy than we did as we stepped forth2 from our winter abode3, refreshed our eyes with the pleasant verdure around us, and our ears with the merry songs of a thousand happy birds, and drank in the pure balmy air of spring.
Our plantations5 were thriving vigorously. The seed we had sown was shooting through the moist earth. All nature was refreshed.
Our nest was our first care: filled with leaves and broken and torn by the wind, it looked indeed dilapidated. We worked hard, and in a few days it was again habitable. My wife begged that I would now start her with the flax, and as early as possible I built a drying-oven, and then prepared it for her use; I also, after some trouble, manufactured a beetle-reel and spinning-wheel, and she and Franz were soon hard at work, the little boy reeling off the thread his mother spun7.
I was anxious to visit Tentholm, for I feared that much of our precious stores might have suffered. Fritz and I made an excursion thither8. The damage done to Falconhurst was as nothing compared to the scene that awaited us. The tent was blown to the ground, the canvas torn to rags, the provisions soaked, and two casks of powder utterly9 destroyed. We immediately spread such things as we hoped yet to preserve in the sun to dry.
The pinnace was safe, but our faithful tub-boat was dashed in pieces, and the irreparable damage we had sustained made me resolve to contrive10 some safer and more stable winter-quarters before the arrival of the next rainy season. Fritz proposed that we should hollow out a cave in the rock, and though the difficulties such an undertaking11 would present appeared almost insurmountable, I yet determined12 to make the attempt; we might not, I thought, hew13 out a cavern14 of sufficient size to serve as a room, but we might at least make a cellar for the more valuable and perishable15 of our stores.
Some days afterwards we left Falconhurst with the cart laden16 with a cargo17 of spades, hammers, chisels18, pickaxes and crowbars, and began our undertaking. On the smooth face of the perpendicular19 rock I drew out in chalk the size of the proposed entrance, and then, with minds bent20 on success, we battered21 away.
Six days of hard and incessant22 toil23 made but little impression; I do not think that the hole would have been a satisfactory shelter for even Master Knips; but we still did not despair, and were presently rewarded by coming to softer and more yielding substance; our work progressed, and our minds were relieved.
On the tenth day, as our persevering24 blows were falling heavily, Jack25, who was working diligently26 with a hammer and crowbar, shouted:
`Gone, father! Fritz, my bar has gone through the mountain!'
`Run round and get it,' laughed Fritz, `perhaps it has dropped into
Europe—you must not lose a good crowbar.'
`But, really, it is through; it went right through the rock; I heard it crash down inside. Oh, do come and see!' he shouted excitedly.
We sprang to his side, and I thrust the handle of my hammer into the hole he spoke27 of; it met with no opposition28, I could turn it in any direction I chose. Fritz handed me a long pole; I tried the depth with that. Nothing could I feel. A thin wall, then, was all that intervened between us and a great cavern.
With a shout of joy, the boys battered vigorously at the rock; piece by piece fell, and soon the hole was large enough for us to enter. I stepped near the aperture29, and was about to make a further examination, when a sudden rush of poisonous air turned me giddy, and shouting to my sons to stand off, I leaned against the rock.
When I came to myself I explained to them the danger of approaching any cavern or other place where the air has for a long time been stagnant30. `Unless air is incessantly31 renewed it becomes vitiated,' I said, `and fatal to those who breathe it. The safest way of restoring it to its original state is to subject it to the action of fire; a few handfuls of blazing hay thrown into this hole may, if the place be small, sufficiently32 purify the air within to allow us to enter without danger.' We tried the experiment. The flame was extinguished the instant it entered. Though bundles of blazing grass were thrown in, no difference was made.*
* What actually happens is that the oxygen supply becomes low. If there is sufficient oxygen to maintain a flame, the action of the flame increases air circulation, which then brings in more oxygen. The flame goes out if the oxygen supply is insufficient34 for its supply; in this case, it takes the fireworks to create adequate circulation. The next torch is able to blaze not because the air is purified, but because the oxygen is now sufficient to feed the fire.
I saw that we must apply some more efficacious remedy, and sent the boys for a chest of signal-rockets we had brought from the wreck35. We let fly some dozens of these fiery36 serpents, which went whizzing in and disappeared at apparently37 a vast distance from us. Some flew like radiant meteors round, lighted up the mighty38 circumference39 and displayed, as by a magician's wand, a sparkling glittering roof. They looked like avenging40 dragons driving a foul41 malignant42 fiend out of a beauteous palace.
We waited for a little while after these experiments, and I then again threw in lighted hay. It burned clearly; the air was purified.
Fritz and I enlarged the opening, while Jack, springing on his buffalo43, thundered away to Falconhurst to bear the great and astonishing news to his mother.
Great must have been the effect of Jack's eloquence44 on those at home, for the timbers of the bridge were soon again resounding46 under the swift but heavy tramp of his steed; and he was quickly followed by the rest of our party in the cart.
All were in the highest state of excitement. Jack had stowed in the cart all the candles he could find, and we now, lighting47 these, shouldered our arms and entered. I led the way, sounding the ground as I advanced with a long pole, that we might not fall unexpectedly into any great hole or chasm48.
Silently we marched—my wife, the boys, and even the dogs seeming overawed with the grandeur49 and beauty of the scene We were in a grotto50 of diamonds—a vast cave of glittering crystal; the candles reflected on the walls a golden light, bright as the stars of Heaven, while great crystal pillars rose from the floor like mighty trees, mingling51 their branches high above us and drooping52 in hundreds of stalactites, which sparkled and glittered with all the colours of the rainbow.
The floor of this magnificent palace was formed of hard, dry sand, so dry that I saw at once that we might safely take up our abode therein, without the slightest fear of danger from damp.
From the appearance of the brilliant crystals round about us, I suspected their nature. I tasted a piece. This was a cavern of rock-salt. There was no doubt about it—here was an unlimited53 supply of the best and purest salt!
But one thing detracted from my entire satisfaction and delight—large crystals lay scattered55 here and there, which, detached from the roof, had fallen to the ground; this, if apt to recur56, would keep us in constant peril57. I examined some of the masses and discovered that they had been all recently separated, and therefore concluded that the concussion58 of the air, occasioned by the rockets, had caused their fall. To satisfy ourselves, however, that there were no more pieces tottering59 above us, we discharged our guns from the entrance, and watched the effect.
Nothing more fell—our magnificent abode was safe. We returned to Falconhurst with minds full of wonder at our new discovery, and plans for turning it to the best possible advantage.
Nothing was now talked of but the new house, how it should be arranged, how it should be fitted up. The safety and comfort of Falconhurst, which had at first seemed so great, now dwindled61 away in our opinion to nothing; it should be kept up we decided62 merely as a summer residence, while our cave should be formed into a winter house and impregnable castle.
Our attention was now fully63 occupied with this new house. Light and air were to be admitted, so we hewed64 a row of windows in the rock, where we fitted the window-cases we had brought from the officers' cabins.
We brought the door, too, from Falconhurst, and fitted it in the aperture we had made. The opening in the trunk of the tree I determined to conceal65 with bark, as less likely to attract the notice of wild beasts or savages66 should they approach during our absence.
The cave itself we divided into four parts: in front, a large compartment67 into which the door opened, subdivided68 into our sitting, eating and sleeping apartments; the right-hand division, containing our kitchen and workshop, and the left our stables; behind all this, in the dark recess69 of the cave, was our storehouse and powder-magazine.
Having already undergone one rainy reason, we knew well its discomforts70, and thought of many useful arrangements in the laying-out of our dwelling71. We did not intend to be again smoke-dried; we, therefore, contrived72 a properly built fireplace and chimney; our stable arrangements, too, were better, and plenty of space was left in our workshop that we should not be hampered74 in even the most extensive operations.
Our frequent residence at Tentholm revealed to us several important advantages which we had not foreseen. Numbers of splendid turtles often came ashore75 to deposit their eggs in the sand, and their delicious flesh afforded us many a sumptuous76 meal. When more than one of these creatures appeared at a time, we used to cut off their retreat to the sea, and, turning them on their backs, fasten them to a stake, driven in close by the water's edge, by a cord passed through a hole in their shell. We thus had fresh turtle continually within our reach; for the animals throve well thus secured, and appeared in as good condition, after having been kept thus for several weeks, as others when freshly caught. Lobsters77, crabs78 and mussels also abounded79 on the shore. But this was not all; an additional surprise awaited us.
As we were one morning approaching Tentholm, we were attracted by a most curious phenomenon. The waters out to sea appeared agitated80 by some unseen movement, and as they heaved and boiled, their surface, struck by the beams of the morning sun, seemed illuminated81 by flashes of fire.
Over the water where this disturbance82 was taking place hovered83 hundreds of birds, screaming loudly, which ever and anon would dart85 downwards86, some plunging87 beneath the water, some skimming the surface. Then again they would rise and resume their harsh cries. The shining, sparkling mass then rolled onwards, and approached in a direct line our bay, followed by the feathered flock above. We hurried down to the shore to further examine this strange sight.
I was convinced as we approached that it was a shoal or bank of herrings.
No sooner did I give utterance89 to my conjecture90, than I was assailed91 by a host of questions concerning this herring-bank, what it was, and what occasioned it.
`A herring-bank,' I said, `is composed of an immense number of herrings swimming together. I can scarcely express to you the huge size of this living bank, which extends over a great area many fathoms92 deep. It is followed by numbers of great ravenous93 fish, who devour94 quantities of the herrings, while above hover84 birds, as you have just seen, ready to pounce95 down on stragglers near the top. To escape these enemies, the shoal makes for the nearest shore, and seeks safety in those shallows where the large fish cannot follow. But here it meets with a third great enemy.
`It may escape from the fish, and elude97 the vigilance of sharp-sighted birds, but from the ingenuity98 of man it can find no escape. In one year millions of these fish are caught, and yet the roes100 of only a small number would be sufficient to supply as many fish again.'
Soon our fishery was in operation. Jack and Fritz stood in the water with baskets, and baled out the fish, as one bales water with a bucket, throwing them to us on the shore. As quickly as possible we cleaned them, and placed them in casks with salt, first a layer of salt, and then a layer of herrings, and so on, until we had ready many casks of pickled fish.
As the barrels were filled, we closed them carefully, and rolled them away to the cool vaults101 at the back of our cave. Our good fortune, however, was not to end here. A day after the herring fishery was over, and the shoal had left our bay, a great number of seals appeared, attracted by the refuse of the herrings which we had thrown into the sea.
Though I feared they would not be suitable for our table, we yet secured a score or two for the sake of their skins and fat. The skins we drew carefully off for harness and clothing, and the fat we boiled down for oil, which we put aside in casks for tanning, soap-making, and burning in lamps.
These occupations interfered102 for some time with our work at Rock House; but as soon as possible we again returned to our labour with renewed vigour103. I had noticed that the salt crystals had for their base a species of gypsum, which I knew might be made of great service to us in our building operations as plaster.
As an experiment, I broke off some pieces, and, after subjecting them to great heat, reduced them to powder. The plaster this formed with water was smooth and white, and as I had then no particular use to which I might put it, I plastered over some of the herring casks, that I might be perfectly104 certain that all air was excluded. The remainder of the casks I left as they were, for I presently intended to preserve their contents by smoking.
To do this, the boys and I built a small hut of reeds and branches, and then we strung our herrings on lines across the roof. On the floor we lit a great fire of brushwood and moss105, which threw out a dense106 smoke, curling in volumes round the fish, and they in a few days seemed perfectly cured.
About a month after the appearance of the herrings we were favoured by a visit from other shoals of fish. Jack espied107 them first, and called to us that a lot of young whales were off the coast. We ran down and discovered the bay apparently swarming108 with great sturgeon, salmon109, and trout110, all making for the mouth of Jackal River, that they might ascend111 it and deposit their spawn112 amongst the stones.
Jack was delighted at his discovery. `Here are proper fish!' he exclaimed, `none of your paltry113 fry. How do you preserve these sorts of fish? Potted, salted or smoked?'
`Not so fast,' said I, `not so fast; tell me how they are to be caught, and I will tell you how they are to be cooked.'
House.
While I was still puzzling my brains as to how I should set to work, he returned with his fishing apparatus115 in hand: a bow and arrow, and a ball of twine116.
At the arrow-head he had fastened a barbed spike117, and had secured the arrow to the end of the string. Armed with this weapon, he advanced to the river's edge.
His arrow flew from the bow, and, to my surprise, struck one of the largest fish in the side.
`Help, father, help!' he cried, as the great fish darted off, carrying arrow and all with it. `Help! Or he will pull me into the water.'
I ran to his assistance, and together we struggled with the finny monster. He pulled tremendously, and lashed118 the water around him; but we held the cord fast, and he had no chance of escape. Weaker and weaker grew his struggles, and, at length, exhausted119 by his exertions120 and loss of blood, he allowed us to draw him ashore.
He was a noble prize, and Fritz and Ernest, who came up just as we completed his capture, were quite envious122 of Jack's success.
Not to be behindhand, they eagerly rushed off for weapons themselves. We were soon all in the water, Fritz with a harpoon123, Ernest with a rod and line, and I myself, armed like Neptune124, with an iron trident, or more properly speaking, perhaps, a pitchfork. Soon the shore was strewn with a goodly number of the finest fish—monster after monster we drew to land. At length Fritz, after harpooning125 a great sturgeon full eight feet long, could not get the beast ashore; we all went to his assistance, but our united efforts were unavailing.
`The buffalo!' proposed my wife, and off went Jack for Storm. Storm was harnessed to the harpoon rope, and soon the monstrous126 fish lay panting on the sand. We at length, when we had captured as many fish as we could possibly utilize127, set about cleaning and preparing their flesh. Some we salted, some we dried like the herrings, some we treated like the tunny of the Mediterranean—we prepared them in oil.
Of the roe99 of the sturgeon I decided to form caviare, the great Russian dish. I removed from it all the membranes128 by which it is surrounded, washed it in vinegar, salted it, pressed out all the moisture caused by the water-absorbing properties of the salt, packed it in small barrels and stowed it away in our storehouse.
I knew that of the sturgeon's bladder the best isinglass is made, so carefully collecting the air-bladders from all those we had killed, I washed them and hung them up to stiffen130. The outer coat or membrane129 I then peeled off, cutting the remainder into strips, technically131 called staples132.
These staples I place in an iron pot over the fire, and when they had been reduced to a proper consistency133 I strained off the glue through a clean cloth, and spread it out on a slab134 of stone in thin layers, letting them remain until they were dry. The substance I thus obtained was beautifully transparent135, and promised to serve as an excellent substitute for glass in our window-frames.
Fortunately, in this beautiful climate little or no attention was necessary to the kitchen garden, the seeds sprang up and flourished without apparently the slightest regard for the time or season of the year. Peas, beans, wheat, barley136, rye and Indian corn, seemed constantly ripe, while cucumbers, melons, and all sorts of other vegetables grew luxuriantly. The success of our garden at Tentholm encouraged me to hope that my experiment at Falconhurst had not failed, and one morning we started to visit the spot.
As we passed by the field from which the potatoes had been dug, we found it covered with barley, wheat, rye and peas in profusion137. I turned to my wife in amazement138. `Where has this fine crop sprung from?' said I.
`From the earth,' she replied, laughing, `where Franz and I sowed the seed I brought from the wreck. The ground was ready tilled by you and the boys; all we had to do was to scatter54 the seed.'
I was delighted at the sight, and it augured139 well, I thought, for the success of my maize140 plantation4. We hurried to the field. The crop had indeed grown well, and what was more, appeared to be duly appreciated. A tremendous flock of feathered thieves rose as we approached. Amongst them Fritz espied a few ruffed grouse141, and, quick as thought, unhooding his eagle, he started him off in chase, then sprang on his onager and followed at full gallop142. His noble bird marked out the finest grouse, and, soaring high above it, stooped and bore his prey143 to the ground.
Fritz was close at hand, and springing through the bushes he saved the bird from death, hooded144 the eagle's eyes, and returned triumphantly145. Jack had not stood idle, for slipping his pet Fangs146, he had started him among some quails147 who remained upon the field, and to my surprise the jackal secured some dozen of the birds, bringing them faithfully to his master's feet.
We then turned our steps towards Falconhurst, where we were refreshed by a most delicious drink my wife prepared for us; the stems of the young Indian corn crushed, strained, and mixed with water and the juice of the sugar-cane.
We then made preparations for an excursion the following day, for I wished to establish a sort of semicivilized farm at some distance from Falconhurst, where we might place some of our animals which had become too numerous with our limited means to supply them with food. In the large cart, to which we harnessed the buffalo, cow, and ass33, we placed a dozen fowls148, four young pigs, two couple of sheep, and as many goats, and a pair of hens and one cock grouse. Fritz led the way on his onager, and by a new track we forced a passage through the woods and tall grasses towards Cape96 Disappointment.
The difficult march was at length over, and we emerged from the forest upon a large plain covered with curious little bushes; the branches of these little shrubs149 and the ground about them were covered with pure white flakes150.
`Snow! Snow!' exclaimed Franz. `Oh, mother, come down from the cart and play snowballs. This is jolly; much better than the ugly rain.'
I was not surprised at the boy's mistake, for indeed the flakes did look like snow; but before I could express my opinion, Fritz declared that the plant must be a kind of dwarf151 cotton-tree. We approached nearer and found he was right—soft fine wool enclosed in pods, and still hanging on the bushes or lying on the ground, abounded in every direction. We had indeed discovered this valuable plant. My wife was charmed; and gathering152 a great quantity in three capacious bags, we resumed our journey.
Crossing the cotton-field, we ascended153 a pretty wooded hill. The view from the summit was glorious: luxuriant grass at our feet stretching down the hillside, dotted here and there with shady trees, among which gushed154 down a sparkling brook155, while below lay the rich green forest, with the sea beyond.
What better situation could we hope to find for our new farm? Pasture, water, shade and shelter, all were here.
We pitched our tent, built our fireplace, and, leaving my wife to prepare our repast, Fritz and I selected a spot for the erection of our shed. We soon found a group of trees so situated157 that the trunks would serve as posts for our intended building. Thither we carried all our tools, and then, as the day was far advanced, enjoyed our supper, and lay down upon most comfortable beds which my wife had prepared for us with the cotton.
The group of trees we had selected was exactly suited to our purpose, for it formed a regular rectilinear figure, the greatest side of which faced the sea. I cut deep mortices in the trunks about ten feet from the ground, and again ten feet higher up to form a second storey. In these mortices I inserted beams, thus forming a framework for my building, and then, making a roof of laths, I overlaid it with bark, which I stripped from a neighbouring tree, and fixed158 with acacia thorns, and which would effectually shoot off any amount of rain.
While clearing up the scraps159 of bark and other rubbish for fuel for our fire, I noticed a peculiar160 smell, and stooping down I picked up pieces of the bark, some of which, to my great surprise, I found was that of the terebinth tree, and the rest that of the American fir. The goats, too, made an important discovery amongst the same heap, for we found them busily routing out pieces of cinnamon, a most delicious and aromatic161 spice.
`From the fir,' said I to the boys, `we get turpentine and tar6, and thus it is that the fir tree becomes such a valuable article of commerce. So we may look forward to preparing pitch for our yacht with tar and oil, you know, and cart-grease, too, with tar and fat. I do not know that you will equally appreciate the terebinth tree; a gum issues from incisions162 in the bark which hardens in the sun, and becomes as transparent as amber163; when burned it gives forth a most delicious perfume, and when dissolved in spirits of wine, forms a beautiful transparent varnish164.'
The completion of our new farm-house occupied us several days; we wove strong lianas and other creepers together to form the walls to the height of about six feet; the rest, up to the roof, we formed merely of a latticework of laths to admit both air and light. Within we divided the house into three parts; one subdivided into stalls for the animals; a second fitted with perches165 for the birds, and a third, simply furnished with a rough table and benches, to serve as a sleeping-apartment for ourselves, when we should find it necessary to pay the place a visit. In a short time the dwelling was most comfortably arranged, and as we daily filled the feeding-troughs with the food the animals best liked, they showed no inclination166 to desert the spot we had chosen for them.
Yet, hard as we had worked, we found that the provisions we had brought with us would be exhausted before we could hope to be able to leave the farm. I therefore dispatched Jack and Fritz for fresh supplies.
During their absence, Ernest and I made a short excursion in the neighbourhood, that we might know more exactly the character of the country near our farm.
Passing over a brook which flowed towards the wall of rocks, we reached a large marsh167, and as we walked round it, I noticed with delight that it was covered with the rice plant growing wild in the greatest profusion. Here and there only were there any ripe plants, and from these rose a number of ruffed grouse, at which both Ernest and I let fly. Two fell, and Fangs, who was with us, brought them to our feet.
As we advanced, Knips skipped from the back of his steed Juno and began to regale168 himself on some fruit, at a short distance off; we followed the little animal and found him devouring169 delicious strawberries. Having enjoyed the fruit ourselves, we filled the hamper73 Knips always carried, and secured the fruit from his pilfering170 paws with leaves fixed firmly down.
I then took a sample of the rice seeds to show my wife, and we continued our journey.
Presently we reached the borders of the pretty lake which we had seen beyond the swamp. The nearer aspect of its calm blue waters greatly charmed us, and still more so, the sight of numbers of black swans, disporting171 themselves on the glassy surface, in which their stately forms and graceful172 movements were reflected as in a mirror. It was delightful173 to watch these splendid birds, old and young swimming together in the peaceful enjoyment174 of life, seeking their food, and pursuing one another playfully in the water.
I could not think of breaking in upon their happy beautiful existence by firing among them, but our dog Juno was by no means so considerate; for all at once I heard a plunge175, and saw her drag out of the water a most peculiar-looking creature, something like a small otter60, but not above twenty-two inches in length, which she would have torn to pieces, had we not hurried up and taken it from her.
This curious little animal was of a soft dark brown colour, the fur being of a lighter176 shade under the belly177; its feet were furnished with large claws, and also completely webbed, the head small, with deeply set eyes and ears, and terminating in a broad flat bill like that of a duck.
This singularity seemed to us so droll178 that we both laughed heartily179, feeling at the same time much puzzled to know what sort of animal it could possibly be. For want of a better, we gave it the name of the `Beast with a Bill'*, and Ernest willingly undertook to carry it, that it might be stuffed and kept as a curiosity.
After this we returned to the farm, thinking our messengers might soon arrive, and sure enough, in about a quarter of an hour, Fritz and Jack made their appearance at a brisk trot181, and gave a circumstantial account of their mission.
*****NOTE: To get supplies, about fourteen paragraphs earlier.
But what else did they do? Something is left out.
I was pleased to see that they had fulfilled their orders intelligently, carrying out my intentions in the spirit and not blindly to the letter.
Next morning we quitted the farm (which we named Woodlands), after providing amply for the wants of the animals, sheep, goats and poultry182, which we left there.
Shortly afterwards, on entering a wood, we found it tenanted by an enormous number of apes, who instantly assailed us with showers of fir-cones184, uttering hideous185 and angry cries, and effectually checking our progress, until we put them to flight by a couple of shots, which not a little astonished their weak minds.
Fritz picked up some of their missiles, and, showing them to me, I recognized the cone183 of the stone-pine.
`By all means gather some of these cones, boys,' said I; `you will find the kernel186 has a pleasant taste, like almonds, and from it we can, by pressing, obtain an excellent oil. Therefore I should like to carry some home with us.'
A hill, which seemed to promise a good view from its summit, next attracted my notice, and, on climbing it we were more than repaid for the exertion121 by the extensive and beautiful prospect187 which lay spread before our eyes.
The situation altogether was so agreeable, that here also I resolved to make a settlement, to be visited occasionally, and, after resting awhile and talking the matter over we set to work to build a cottage such as we had lately finished at Woodlands.
Our experience there enabled us to proceed quickly with the work, and in a few days the rustic188 abode was completed, and received, by Ernest's choice, the grand name of Prospect Hill.
My chief object in undertaking this expedition had been to discover some tree from whose bark I could hope to make a useful light boat or canoe. Hitherto I had met with none at all fit for my purpose, but, not despairing of success, I began, when the cottage was built, to examine carefully the surrounding woods, and, after considerable trouble, came upon two magnificent tall straight trees, the bark of which seemed something like that of the birch.
Selecting one whose trunk was, to a great height, free from branches, we attached to one of the lower of these boughs189 the rope ladder we had with us, and, Fritz ascending190 it, cut the bark through in a circle; I did the same at the foot of the tree, and then, from between the circles, we took a narrow perpendicular slip of bark entirely191 out, so that we could introduce the proper tools by which gradually to loosen and raise the main part, so as finally to separate it from the tree uninjured and entire. This we found possible, because the bark was moist and flexible.
Great care and exertion were necessary, as the bark became detached, to support it, until the whole was ready to be let gently down upon the grass. This seemed a great achievement; but our work was by no means ended, nor could we venture to desist from it, until, while the material was soft and pliable192, we had formed it into the shape we desired for the canoe.
In order to do this, I cut a long triangular193 piece out of each end of the roll, and, placing the sloping parts one over the other, I drew the ends into a pointed194 form and secured them with pegs195 and glue.
This successful proceeding196 had, however, widened the boat, and made it too flat in the middle, so that it was necessary to put ropes round it, and tighten197 them until the proper shape was restored, before we could allow it to dry in the sun.
This being all I could do without a greater variety of tools, I determined to complete my work in a more convenient situation, and forthwith dispatched Fritz and Jack with orders to bring the sledge198 (which now ran on wheels taken from gun-carriages) that the canoe might be transported direct to the vicinity of the harbour at Tentholm.
During their absence I fortunately found some wood naturally curved, just suited for ribs199 to support and strengthen the sides of the boat.
When the two lads returned with the sledge, it was time to rest for the night; but with early dawn we were again busily at work.
The sledge was loaded with the new boat, and everything else we could pack into it, and we turned our steps homewards, finding the greatest difficulty, however, in getting our vehicle through the woods. We crossed the bamboo swamp, where I cut a fine mast for my boat, and came at length to a small opening or defile200 in the ridge45 of rocks, where a little torrent201 rushed from its source down into the larger stream beyond; here we determined to make a halt, in order to erect156 a great earth wall across the narrow gorge202, which, being thickly planted with prickly pear, Indian-fig, and every thorny203 bush we could find, would in time form an effectual barrier against the intrusion of wild beasts, the cliffs being, to the best of our belief, in every other part inaccessible204.
For our own convenience we retained a small winding205 path through this barrier, concealing206 and defending it with piles of branches and thorns, and also we contrived a light drawbridge over the stream, so that we rendered the pass altogether a very strong positron, should we ever have to act on the defensive207.
This work occupied two days, and continuing on our way, we were glad to rest at Falconhurst before arriving (quite tired and worn out) at Tentholm.
It took some time to recruit our strength after this long and fatiguing208 expedition, and then we vigorously resumed the task of finishing the canoe. The arrangements, I flattered myself, were carried out in a manner quite worthy209 of a shipbuilder; a mast, sails and paddles were fitted, but my final touch, although I prized it highly and considered it a grand and original idea, would no doubt have excited only ridicule210 and contempt had it been seen by a naval211 man.
My contrivance was this: I had a couple of large air-tight bags, made of the skins of the dog-fish, well tarred and pitched, inflated212, and made fast on each side of the boat, just above the level of the water. These floats, however much she might be loaded, would effectually prevent either the sinking or capsizing of my craft.
I may as well relate in this place what I omitted at the time of its occurrence. During the rainy season our cow presented us with a bull-calf213, and that there might never be any difficulty in managing him, I at a very early age, pierced his nose and placed a short stick in it, to be exchanged for a ring when he was old enough. The question now came to be, who should be his master, and to what should we train him?
`Why not teach him,' said Fritz, `to fight with wild animals and defend us, like the fighting bulls of the Hottentots? That would be really useful!'
`I am sure I should much prefer a gentle bull to a fighting one!' exclaimed his mother. `But do you mean to say tame oxen can be taught to act rationally on the defensive?'
`I can but repeat what I have heard or read,' replied I, `as regards the race of Hottentots who inhabit the south of Africa, among all sorts of wild and ferocious214 animals.
`The wealth of these people consists solely215 in their flocks and herds216, and for their protection, they train their bulls to act as guards.
`These courageous218 animals keep the rest from straying away, and when danger threatens, they give instant notice of it, drive the herd217 together in a mass, the calves219 and young cows being placed in the centre; around them the bulls and strong oxen make a formidable circle with their horned heads turned to the front, offering determined resistance to the fiercest foe220.
`These fighting bulls will even sometimes rush with dreadful bellowing221 to meet the enemy; and should it be a mighty lion or other strong and daring monster, sacrifice their own lives in defence of the herd.
`It is said that formerly222, when Hottentot tribes made war on one another, it was not unusual to place a troop of these stout-hearted warriors223 in the van of the little army, when their heroism224 led to decisive victory on one side or the other.
`But,' continued, I, `although I can see you are all delighted with my description of these fine warlike animals, I think we had better train this youngster to be a peaceable bull. Who is to have charge of him?'
Ernest thought it would be more amusing to train his monkey than a calf. Jack, with the buffalo and his hunting jackal, had quite enough on his hands. Fritz was content with the onager. Their mother was voted mistress of the old grey donkey. And I myself being superintendent-in-chief of the whole establishment of animals, there remained only little Franz to whose special care the calf could be committed.
`What say you, my boy—will you undertake to look after this little fellow?'
`Oh yes, father!' he replied. `Once you told me about a strong man, I think his name was Milo, and he had a tiny calf, and he used to carry it about everywhere. It grew bigger and bigger, but still he carried it often, till at last he grew so strong that when it was quite a great big ox, he could lift it as easily as ever. And so you see, if I take care of our wee calf and teach it to do what I like, perhaps when it grows big I shall still be able to manage it, and then—oh, papa—do you think I might ride upon it?'
I smiled at the child's simplicity225, and his funny application of the story of Milo of Crotona.
`The calf shall be yours, my boy. Make him as tame as you can, and we will see about letting you mount him some day; but remember he will be a great bull long before you are nearly a man. Now what will you call him?'
`"Grumble" will do famously.'
`Grumble, Grumble. Oh, it beats your buffalo's name hollow, Jack!'
`Not a bit,' said he, `why, you can't compare the two names. Fancy mother saying, "Here comes Franz on Grumble, but Jack riding on the Storm." Oh, it sounds sublime227!'
For two months we worked steadily229 at our salt-cave, in order to complete the necessary arrangement of partition walls, so as to put the rooms and stalls for the animals in comfortable order for the next long rainy season, during which time, when other work would be at a standstill, we could carry on many minor230 details for the improvement of the abode.
We levelled the floors first with clay; then spread gravel231 mixed with melted gypsum over that, producing a smooth hard surface, which did very well for most of the apartments; but I was ambitious of having one or two carpets, and set about making a kind of felt in the following way.
I spread out a large piece of sailcloth, and covered it equally all over with a strong liquid, made of glue and isinglass, which saturated232 it thoroughly233. On it we then laid wool and hair from the sheep and goats, which had been carefully cleaned and prepared, and rolled and beat it until it adhered tolerably smoothly234 to the cloth. Finally it became, when perfectly dry, a covering for the floor of our sitting-room235 by no means to be despised.
One morning, just after these labours at the salt-cave were completed, happening to awake unusually early, I turned my thoughts, as I lay waiting for sunrise, to considering what length of time we had now passed on this coast, and discovered, to my surprise, that the very next day would be the anniversary of our escape from the wreck. My heart swelled236 with gratitude237 to the gracious God, who had then granted us deliverance, and ever since had loaded us with benefits; and I resolved to set tomorrow apart as a day of thanksgiving, in joyful238 celebration of the occasion.
My mind was full of indefinite plans when I rose, and the day's work began as usual. I took care that everything should be cleaned, cleared and set in order both outside and inside our dwelling: none, however, suspecting that there was any particular object in view. Other more private preparations I also made for the next day. At supper I made the coming event known to the assembled family.
`Good people! do you know that tomorrow is a very great and important day? We shall have to keep it in honour of our merciful escape to this land, and call it Thanksgiving-Day.'
Everyone was surprised to hear that we had already been twelve months in the country—indeed, my wife believed I might be mistaken, until I showed her how I had calculated regularly ever since the 31st of January, on which day we were wrecked239, by marking off in my almanac the Sundays as they arrived for the remaining eleven months of that year.
`Since then,' I added, `I have counted thirty-one days. This is the 1st of February. We landed on the 2nd; therefore tomorrow is the anniversary of the day of our escape. As my bookseller has not sent me an almanac for the present year, we must henceforth reckon for ourselves.'
`Oh, that will be good fun for us,' said Ernest. `We must have a long stick, like Robinson Crusoe, and cut a notch240 in it every day, and count them up every now and then, to see how the weeks and months and years go by.'
`That is all very well, if you know for certain the number of days in each month, and in the year. What do you say, Ernest?'
`Perfectly correct!' said I, smiling, `but you would get in a mess with those spare hours, minutes, and seconds in a year or two, wouldn't you?'
`Not at all! Every four years I would add them all together, make a day, stick it into February, and call that year leap year.'
`Well done, Professor Ernest! We must elect you astronomer242 royal in this our kingdom, and let you superintend and regulate everything connected with the lapse243 of time, clocks and watches included.'
Before they went to sleep, I could hear my boys whispering among themselves, about `father's mysterious allusions244' to next day's festival and rejoicings; but I offered no explanation, and went to sleep, little guessing that the rogues245 had laid a counter-plot, far more surprising than my simple plan for their diversion.
Nothing less than a roar of artillery246 startled me from sleep at daybreak next morning. I sprang up and found my wife as much alarmed as I was by the noise, otherwise I should have been inclined to believe it fancy.
`Fritz! Dress quickly and come with me!' cried I, turning to his hammock. Lo, it was empty! Neither he nor Jack were to be seen.
Altogether bewildered, I was hastily dressing247, when their voices were heard, and they rushed in shouting:
But perceiving at a glance that we had been seriously alarmed, Fritz hastened to apologize for the thoughtless way in which they had sought to do honour to the Day of Thanksgiving, without considering that an unexpected cannon-shot would startle us unpleasantly from our slumbers249.
We readily forgave the authors of our alarm, in consideration of the good intention which had prompted the deed, and, satisfied that the day had at least been duly inaugurated, we all went quietly to breakfast.
Afterwards we sat together for a long time, enjoying the calm beauty of the morning, and talking of all that had taken place on the memorable250 days of the storm a year ago; for I desired that the awful events of that time should live in the remembrance of my children with a deepening sense of gratitude of our deliverance.
Therefore I read aloud passages from my journal, as well as many beautiful verses from the Psalms251, expressive252 of joyful praise and thanksgiving, so that even the youngest among us was impressed and solemnized at the recollections of escape from a terrible death, and also led to bless and praise the name of the Lord our Deliverer.
Dinner followed shortly after this happy service, and I then announced for the afternoon a `Grand Display of Athletic253 Sports', in which I and my wife were to be spectators and judges.
`Father, what a grand idea!'
`Oh, how jolly! Are we to run races?'
`And prizes! Will there be prizes, father?'
`The judges offer prizes for competition in every sort of manly254 exercise,' replied I. `Shooting, running, riding, leaping, climbing, swimming, we will have an exhibition of your skill in all. Now for it!
`Trumpeters! Sound for the opening of the lists.'
Uttering these last words in a stentorian255 voice and wildly waving my arms towards a shady spot, where the ducks and geese were quietly resting, had the absurd effect I intended.
Up they all started in a fright, gabbling and quacking256 loudly, to the infinite amusement of the children, who began to bustle257 about in eager preparations for the contest, and begging to know with what they were to begin.
`Let us have shooting first, and the rest when the heat of the day declines. Here is a mark I have got ready for you,' said I, producing a board roughly shaped like a kangaroo, and of about the size of one. This target was admired, but Jack could not rest satisfied till he had added ears, and a long leather strap258 for a tail.
It was then fixed in the attitude most characteristic of the creature, and the distance for firing measured off. Each of the three competitors was to fire twice.
Fritz hit the kangaroo's head each time; Ernest hit the body once; and Jack, by a lucky chance, shot the ears clean away from the head, which feat88 raised a shout of laughter.
A second trial with pistols ensued, in which Fritz again came off victor.
Then desiring the competitors to load with small shot, I threw a little board as high as I possibly could up in the air, each in turn aiming at and endeavouring to hit it before it touched the ground.
In this I found to my surprise that the sedate259 Ernest succeeded quite as well as his more impetuous brother Fritz.
As for Jack, his flying board escaped wholly uninjured. After this followed archery, which I liked to encourage, foreseeing that a time might come when ammunition260 would fail; and in this practise I saw with pleasure that my elder sons were really skilful261, while even little Franz acquitted262 himself well.
A pause ensued, and then I started a running match. Fritz, Ernest and Jack were to run to Falconhurst, by the most direct path. The first to reach the tree was to bring me, in proof of his success, a penknife I had accidentally left on the table in my sleeping-room.
At a given signal, away went the racers in fine style. Fritz and Jack, putting forth all their powers, took the lead at once, running in advance of Ernest, who started at a good steady pace, which I predicted he would be better able to maintain than such a furious rate as his brothers.
But long before we expected to see them back, a tremendous noise of galloping263 caused us to look with surprise towards the bridge, and Jack made his appearance, thundering along on his buffalo, with the onager and the donkey tearing after him riderless, and the whole party in the wildest spirits.
`Hollo!' cried I. `What sort of foot-race do you call this, Master
Jack?'
He shouted merrily as he dashed up to us; then flinging himself off, and saluting264 us in a playful way:
`I very soon saw,' said he, `that I hadn't a chance; so renouncing265 all idea of the prize, I caught Storm, and made him gallop home with me, to be in time to see the others come puffing266 in. Lightfoot and old Grizzle chose to join me—I never invited them!'
By and by the other boys arrived, Ernest holding up the knife in token of being the winner; and after hearing all particulars about the running, and that he had reached Falconhurst two minutes before Fritz, we proceeded to test the climbing powers of the youthful athletes.
In this exercise Jack performed wonders. He ascended with remarkable267 agility268 the highest palms whose stems he could clasp.
And when he put on the shark-skin buskins, which enabled him to take firm hold of larger trees, he played antics like a squirrel or a monkey: peeping and grinning at us, at first on one side of the stem, and then on the other, in a most diverting way.
Fritz and Ernest climbed well, but could not come near the grace and skill of their active and lively young brother.
Riding followed, and marvellous feats269 were performed, Fritz and Jack proving themselves very equal in their management of their different steeds. I thought the riding was over, when little Franz appeared from the stable in the cave, leading young Grumble the bull-calf, with a neat saddle of kangaroo hide, and a bridle270 passed through his nose ring.
`Now, most learned judges, prepare to see something quite new and wonderful! The great bull-tamer, Milo of Crotona, desires the honour of exhibiting before you.'
Then taking a whip, and holding the end of a long cord he made the animal, at the word of command, walk, trot and gallop in a circle round him. He afterwards mounted, and showed off Grumble's somewhat awkward paces.
The sports were concluded by swimming-matches, and the competitors found a plunge in salt water very refreshing272 after their varied273 exertions.
Fritz showed himself a master in the art. At home in the element, no movement betokened274 either exertion or weariness. Ernest exhibited too much anxiety and effort, while Jack was far too violent and hasty, and soon became exhausted. Franz gave token of future skill.
By this time, as it was getting late, we returned to our dwelling, my wife having preceded us in order to make arrangements for the ceremony of prize-giving.
We found her seated in great state, with the prizes set out by her side.
The boys marched in, pretending to play various instruments in imitation of a band, and then all four, bowing respectfully, stood before her, like the victors in a tournament of old, awaiting the reward of valour from the Queen of Beauty, which she bestowed275 with a few words of praise and encouragement.
Fritz, to his immense delight, received as the prize for shooting and swimming, a splendid double-barrelled rifle, and a beautiful hunting-knife.
To Ernest, as winner of the running-match, was given a handsome gold watch.
For climbing and riding, Jack had a pair of silver-plated spurs, and a riding whip, both of which gave him extraordinary pleasure.
Franz received a pair of stirrups, and a driving whip made of rhinoceros276 hide, which we thought would be of use to him in the character of bull-trainer.
When the ceremony was supposed to be over, I advanced, and solemnly presented to my wife a lovely work-box, filled with every imaginable requirement for a lady's work-table, which she accepted with equal surprise and delight.
The whole entertainment afforded the boys such intense pleasure, and their spirits rose to such a pitch, that nothing would serve them but another salvo of artillery in order to close with befitting dignity and honour so great a day. They gave me no peace till they had leave to squander277 some gunpowder278, and then at last their excited feelings seeming relieved, we were able to sit down to supper; shortly afterwards we joined in family worship and retired279 to rest.
Soon after the great festival of our grand Thanksgiving Day I recollected280 that it was now the time when, the figs281 at Falconhurst being ripe, immense flocks of ortolans and wild pigeons were attracted thither, and as we had found those preserved last year of the greatest use among our stores of winter provisions, I would not miss the opportunity of renewing our stock; and therefore, laying aside the building work, we removed with all speed to our home in the tree, where sure enough we found the first detachment of the birds already busy with the fruit.
In order to spare ammunition, I resolved to concoct282 a strong sort of bird-lime, of which I had read in some account of the Palm Islanders, who make it of fresh caoutchouc mixed with oil, and of so good a quality that it has been known to catch even peacocks and turkeys.
Fritz and Jack were therefore dispatched to collect some fresh caoutchouc from the trees, and as this involved a good gallop on Storm and Lightfoot, they nothing loth set off.
They took a supply of calabashes, in which to bring the gum, and we found it high time to manufacture a fresh stock of these useful vessels283. I was beginning to propose an expedition to the Gourd-tree wood, regretting the time it would take to go such a distance, when my wife reminded me of her plantation near the potato-field.
There to our joy we found that all the plants were flourishing, and crops of gourds284 and pumpkins285, in all stages of ripeness, covered the ground.
Selecting a great number suited to our purpose, we hastened home, and began the manufacture of basins, dishes, plates, flasks286 and spoons of all sorts and sizes, with even greater success than before.
When the riders returned with the caoutchouc, they brought several novelties besides.
A crane, for example, shot by Fritz, and an animal which they called a marmot, but which to me seemed much more like a badger287.
Aniseed, turpentine and wax berries for candles, they had also collected, and a curious root which they introduced by the name of the monkey plant.
`And pray wherefore "monkey plant", may I ask?'
`Well, for this reason, father,' answered Fritz. `We came upon an open space in the forest near Woodlands, and perceived a troop of monkeys, apparently engaged as Jack said, in cultivating the soil! Being curious to make out what they were at, we tied up the dogs, as well as Storm and Lightfoot, and crept near enough to see that the apes were most industriously288 grubbing up and eating roots. This they did in a way that nearly choked us with laughter, for when the root was rather hard to pull up, and the leaves were torn off, they seized it firmly in their teeth, and flung themselves fairly heels-over-head in the most ludicrous fashion you ever saw, and up came the root unable to resist the leverage289!
`Of course we wanted to see what this dainty morsel290 was like, so we loosed the dogs, and the apes cleared out double quick, leaving plenty of the roots about. We tasted them, and thought them very nice. Will you try one?'
The plant was quite new to me, but I imagined it might be what is called in China 'ginseng', and there prized and valued beyond everything. The children being curious to hear more about this ginseng, I continued:
`In China it is considered so strengthening and wholesome291, that it is used as a sort of universal medicine, being supposed to prolong human life.
`The emperor alone has the right to permit it to be gathered, and guards are placed round land where it grows.
`Ginseng is to be found in Tartary, and has lately been discovered in Canada; it is cultivated in Pennsylvania, because the Americans introduce it secretly into China as smuggled292 merchandise.'
Fritz then continued:
`After this we went on to Woodlands; but mercy on us! What a confusion the place was in! Everything smashed or torn, and covered with mud and dirt; the fowls terrified, the sheep and goats scattered, the contents of the rooms dashed about as if a whirlwind had swept through the house.'
`What!' I exclaimed, while my wife looked horrified293 at the news, conjuring294 up in her imagination hordes295 of savages who would soon come and lay waste Falconhurst and Tentholm as well as Woodlands.
`Oh,' said Jack, `it was easy to see that those dreadful monkeys had done it all. First they must have got into the yards and sheds, and hunted the fowls and creatures about; and then I daresay the cunning rascals297 put a little monkey in at some small opening, and bid him unfasten the shutters—you know what nimble fingers they have. Then of course the whole posse of them swarmed298 into our nice tidy cottage and skylarked with every single thing they could lay paws on, till perhaps they got hungry all at once, and bethought them of the "ginseng", as you call it, out in the woods yonder, where we found them so busy refreshing themselves, the mischievous299 villains300!'
`While we were gazing at all this ruin in a sort of bewilderment,' pursued Fritz, `we heard a sound of rushing wings and strange ringing cries as of multitudes of birds passing high above us, and looking up we perceived them flying quickly in a wedge-shaped flock at a great height in the air. They began gradually to descend301, taking the direction of the lake, and separated into a number of small detachments which followed in a long straight line, and at a slower rate, the movements of the leaders, who appeared to be examining the neighbourhood. We could now see what large birds they must be, but dared not show ourselves or follow them, lest they should take alarm.
`Presently, and with one accord, they quickened their motion, just as if the band had begun to play a quick march after a slow one, and rapidly descended302 to earth in a variety of lively ways, and near enough for us to see that they must be cranes.
`Some alighted at once, while others hovered sportively over them. Many darted to the ground, and, just touching303 it, would soar again upward with a strong but somewhat heavy flight.
`After gambolling304 in this way for a time, the whole multitude, as though at the word of command, alighted on the rice-fields, and began to feast on the fresh grain.
`We thought now was our time to get a shot at the cranes and cautiously approached; but they were too cunning to let themselves be surprised, and we came unexpectedly upon their outposts or sentinels, who instantly sprang into the air uttering loud trumpet-like cries, upon which the whole flock arose and followed them with a rush like a sudden squall of wind.
`We were quite startled, and it was useless to attempt a shot; but unwilling305 to miss the chance of securing at least one of the birds, I hastily unhooded my eagle, and threw him into the air.
`With a piercing cry he soared away high above them, then shot downwards like an arrow, causing wild confusion among the cranes.
`The one which the eagle attacked, sought to defend itself; a struggle followed, and they came together to the ground not far from where we stood.
`Hastening forward, to my grief I found the beautiful crane already dead. The eagle, luckily unhurt, was rewarded with a small pigeon from my game-bag.
`After this we went back to Woodlands, got some turpentine and a bag of rice—and set off for home.'
Fritz's interesting story being ended, and supper ready, we made trial of the new roots, and found them very palatable306, either boiled or stewed307; the monkey plant, however, if it really proved to be the ginseng of the Chinese, would require to be used with caution, being of an aromatic and heating nature.
We resolved to transplant a supply of both roots to our kitchen garden.
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1
lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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tar
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| n.柏油，焦油；vt.涂或浇柏油/焦油于 | |
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spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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hew
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| v.砍；伐；削 | |
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cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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perishable
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| adj.（尤指食物）易腐的，易坏的 | |
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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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cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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chisels
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| n.凿子，錾子( chisel的名词复数 )；口凿 | |
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perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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battered
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| adj.磨损的；v.连续猛击；磨损 | |
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incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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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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diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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stagnant
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| adj.不流动的，停滞的，不景气的 | |
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incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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avenging
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| adj.报仇的，复仇的v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的现在分词 )；为…报复 | |
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foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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malignant
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| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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43
buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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44
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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45
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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46
resounding
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| adj. 响亮的 | |
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47
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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48
chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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49
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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50
grotto
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| n.洞穴 | |
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51
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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52
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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53
unlimited
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| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
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54
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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55
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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56
recur
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| vi.复发，重现，再发生 | |
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57
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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58
concussion
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| n.脑震荡；震动 | |
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59
tottering
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| adj.蹒跚的，动摇的v.走得或动得不稳( totter的现在分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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60
otter
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| n.水獭 | |
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61
dwindled
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| v.逐渐变少或变小( dwindle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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62
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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63
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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64
hewed
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的过去式和过去分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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65
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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66
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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67
compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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68
subdivided
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| 再分，细分( subdivide的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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69
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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70
discomforts
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| n.不舒适( discomfort的名词复数 )；不愉快，苦恼 | |
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71
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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72
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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73
hamper
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| vt.妨碍，束缚，限制；n.(有盖的)大篮子 | |
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74
hampered
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| 妨碍，束缚，限制( hamper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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75
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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76
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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77
lobsters
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| 龙虾( lobster的名词复数 )； 龙虾肉 | |
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78
crabs
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| n.蟹( crab的名词复数 )；阴虱寄生病；蟹肉v.捕蟹( crab的第三人称单数 ) | |
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79
abounded
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| v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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80
agitated
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|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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81
illuminated
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|
| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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82
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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83
hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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84
hover
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| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
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85
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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86
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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87
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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88
feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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89
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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90
conjecture
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|
| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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91
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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92
fathoms
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| 英寻( fathom的名词复数 ) | |
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93
ravenous
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| adj.极饿的，贪婪的 | |
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94
devour
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| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
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95
pounce
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| n.猛扑；v.猛扑，突然袭击，欣然同意 | |
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96
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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97
elude
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| v.躲避，困惑 | |
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98
ingenuity
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|
| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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99
roe
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| n.鱼卵；獐鹿 | |
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100
roes
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|
| n.獐( roe的名词复数 )；獐鹿；鱼卵；鱼精液 | |
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101
vaults
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| n.拱顶( vault的名词复数 )；地下室；撑物跳高；墓穴 | |
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102
interfered
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|
| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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103
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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104
perfectly
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|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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105
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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106
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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107
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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108
swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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109
salmon
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|
| n.鲑，大马哈鱼，橙红色的 | |
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110
trout
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| n.鳟鱼；鲑鱼(属) | |
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111
ascend
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|
| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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112
spawn
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|
| n.卵，产物，后代，结果；vt.产卵，种菌丝于，产生，造成；vi.产卵，大量生产 | |
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113
paltry
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|
| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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114
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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115
apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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116
twine
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| v.搓，织，编饰；（使）缠绕 | |
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117
spike
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| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
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118
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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119
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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120
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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121
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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122
envious
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|
| adj.嫉妒的，羡慕的 | |
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123
harpoon
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| n.鱼叉；vt.用鱼叉叉，用鱼叉捕获 | |
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124
Neptune
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| n.海王星 | |
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125
harpooning
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| v.鱼镖，鱼叉( harpoon的现在分词 ) | |
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126
monstrous
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|
| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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127
utilize
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| vt.使用，利用 | |
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128
membranes
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|
| n.（动物或植物体内的）薄膜( membrane的名词复数 )；隔膜；（可起防水、防风等作用的）膜状物 | |
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129
membrane
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| n.薄膜，膜皮，羊皮纸 | |
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130
stiffen
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| v.(使)硬，(使)变挺，(使)变僵硬 | |
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131
technically
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| adv.专门地，技术上地 | |
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132
staples
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| n.（某国的）主要产品( staple的名词复数 )；钉书钉；U 形钉；主要部份v.用钉书钉钉住( staple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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133
consistency
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| n.一贯性，前后一致，稳定性；(液体的)浓度 | |
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134
slab
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| n.平板，厚的切片；v.切成厚板，以平板盖上 | |
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135
transparent
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|
| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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136
barley
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| n.大麦，大麦粒 | |
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137
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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138
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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139
augured
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| v.预示，预兆，预言( augur的过去式和过去分词 )；成为预兆；占卜 | |
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140
maize
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| n.玉米 | |
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141
grouse
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| n.松鸡；v.牢骚，诉苦 | |
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142
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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143
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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144
hooded
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| adj.戴头巾的；有罩盖的；颈部因肋骨运动而膨胀的 | |
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145
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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146
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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147
quails
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| 鹌鹑( quail的名词复数 )； 鹌鹑肉 | |
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148
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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149
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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150
flakes
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| 小薄片( flake的名词复数 )； （尤指）碎片； 雪花； 古怪的人 | |
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151
dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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152
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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153
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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154
gushed
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| v.喷，涌( gush的过去式和过去分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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155
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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156
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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157
situated
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|
| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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158
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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159
scraps
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| 油渣 | |
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160
peculiar
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|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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161
aromatic
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|
| adj.芳香的，有香味的 | |
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162
incisions
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| n.切开，切口( incision的名词复数 ) | |
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163
amber
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| n.琥珀；琥珀色；adj.琥珀制的 | |
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164
varnish
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| n.清漆；v.上清漆；粉饰 | |
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165
perches
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| 栖息处( perch的名词复数 )； 栖枝； 高处； 鲈鱼 | |
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166
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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167
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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168
regale
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| v.取悦，款待 | |
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169
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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170
pilfering
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| v.偷窃（小东西），小偷( pilfer的现在分词 )；偷窃（一般指小偷小摸） | |
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171
disporting
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| v.嬉戏，玩乐，自娱( disport的现在分词 ) | |
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172
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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173
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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174
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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175
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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176
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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177
belly
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| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
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178
droll
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| adj.古怪的，好笑的 | |
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179
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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180
platypus
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| n.鸭嘴兽 | |
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181
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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182
poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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183
cone
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| n.圆锥体，圆锥形东西，球果 | |
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184
cones
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| n.（人眼）圆锥细胞；圆锥体( cone的名词复数 )；球果；圆锥形东西；（盛冰淇淋的）锥形蛋卷筒 | |
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185
hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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186
kernel
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| n.(果实的)核，仁；(问题)的中心，核心 | |
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187
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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188
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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189
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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190
ascending
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| adj.上升的，向上的 | |
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191
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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192
pliable
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| adj.易受影响的；易弯的；柔顺的，易驾驭的 | |
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193
triangular
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| adj.三角（形）的，三者间的 | |
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194
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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195
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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196
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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197
tighten
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| v.(使)变紧；(使)绷紧 | |
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198
sledge
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| n.雪橇，大锤；v.用雪橇搬运，坐雪橇往 | |
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199
ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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200
defile
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| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
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201
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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202
gorge
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| n.咽喉，胃，暴食，山峡；v.塞饱，狼吞虎咽地吃 | |
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203
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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204
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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205
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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206
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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207
defensive
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| adj.防御的；防卫的；防守的 | |
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208
fatiguing
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| a.使人劳累的 | |
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209
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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210
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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211
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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212
inflated
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| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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213
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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214
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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215
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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216
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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217
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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218
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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219
calves
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| n.(calf的复数)笨拙的男子，腓；腿肚子( calf的名词复数 )；牛犊；腓；小腿肚v.生小牛( calve的第三人称单数 )；（冰川）崩解；生（小牛等），产（犊）；使（冰川）崩解 | |
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220
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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221
bellowing
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| v.发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的现在分词 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫 | |
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222
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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223
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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224
heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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225
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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226
grumble
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| vi.抱怨；咕哝；n.抱怨，牢骚；咕哝，隆隆声 | |
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227
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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228
fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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229
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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230
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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231
gravel
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| n.砂跞；砂砾层；结石 | |
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232
saturated
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| a.饱和的，充满的 | |
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233
thoroughly
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|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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234
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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235
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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236
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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237
gratitude
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|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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238
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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239
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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240
notch
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| n.(V字形)槽口，缺口，等级 | |
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241
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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242
astronomer
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| n.天文学家 | |
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243
lapse
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|
| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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244
allusions
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| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
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245
rogues
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| n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 )；无赖；调皮捣蛋的人；离群的野兽 | |
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246
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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247
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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248
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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249
slumbers
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| 睡眠，安眠( slumber的名词复数 ) | |
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250
memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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251
psalms
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| n.赞美诗( psalm的名词复数 )；圣诗；圣歌；(中的) | |
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252
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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253
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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254
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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255
stentorian
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| adj.大声的，响亮的 | |
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256
quacking
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| v.（鸭子）发出嘎嘎声( quack的现在分词 ) | |
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257
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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258
strap
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| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
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259
sedate
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| adj.沉着的，镇静的，安静的 | |
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260
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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261
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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262
acquitted
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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263
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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264
saluting
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的现在分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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265
renouncing
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| v.声明放弃( renounce的现在分词 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
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266
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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267
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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268
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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269
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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270
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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271
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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272
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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273
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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274
betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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275
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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276
rhinoceros
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| n.犀牛 | |
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277
squander
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| v.浪费，挥霍 | |
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278
gunpowder
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| n.火药 | |
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279
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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280
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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281
figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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282
concoct
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| v.调合，制造 | |
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283
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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284
gourds
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| n.葫芦( gourd的名词复数 ) | |
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285
pumpkins
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| n.南瓜( pumpkin的名词复数 )；南瓜的果肉，南瓜囊 | |
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286
flasks
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| n.瓶，长颈瓶， 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
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287
badger
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| v.一再烦扰，一再要求，纠缠 | |
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288
industriously
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289
leverage
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| n.力量，影响；杠杆作用，杠杆的力量 | |
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290
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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291
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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292
smuggled
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| 水货 | |
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293
horrified
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| a.(表现出)恐惧的 | |
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294
conjuring
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| n.魔术 | |
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295
hordes
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| n.移动着的一大群( horde的名词复数 )；部落 | |
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296
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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297
rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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298
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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299
mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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300
villains
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| n.恶棍( villain的名词复数 )；罪犯；（小说、戏剧等中的）反面人物；淘气鬼 | |
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301
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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302
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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303
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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304
gambolling
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| v.蹦跳，跳跃，嬉戏( gambol的现在分词 ) | |
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305
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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306
palatable
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| adj.可口的，美味的；惬意的 | |
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307
stewed
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| adj.焦虑不安的，烂醉的v.炖( stew的过去式和过去分词 )；煨；思考；担忧 | |
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