The blubber was afterwards boiled in a cauldron over a fire kindled5 at some distance from our abode6, and by skimming and straining through a coarse cloth, we succeeded in obtaining a large supply of excellent train oil, which, in casks and bags made of the intestines8, was safely stowed away in the `cellar', as the children called our roughest store-room.
This day's work was far from agreeable, and the dreadful smell oppressed us all, more especially my poor wife, who, nevertheless, endured it with her accustomed good temper. However, she very urgently recommended that the new island should be the headquarters for another colony, where, said she, `any animals we leave would be safe from apes and other plunderers, and where you would find it so very convenient to boil whale-blubber, strain train oil, and the like'.
This proposal met with hearty9 approval, especially from the boys, who were always charmed with any new plan; and they were eager to act upon it at once. But when I reminded them of the putrefying carcase which lay there, they confessed it would be better to allow wind and storms, birds and insects to do their work in purging10 the atmosphere, and reducing the whale to a skeleton before we revisited the island.
The idea of a rowing-machine kept recurring11 to my brain, and I determined12 to attempt to make one. I took an iron bar, which when laid across the middle of the boat projected about a foot each way. I provided this bar in the middle with ribbed machinery13, and at each end with a sort of nave14, in which, as in a cart wheel, four flat spokes15, or paddles, were fixed17 obliquely18. These were intended to do the rowers' part.
Then the jack19 was arranged to act upon the machinery in the middle of the iron cross-bar, in such a way that one of its strong cogwheels bit firmly into the ribs20, so that when it was wound up, it caused the bar to revolve21 rapidly, of course turning with it the paddles fixed at either end, which consequently struck the water so as to propel the boat.
Although this contrivance left much to be desired in the way of improvement, still when Fritz and I wound up the machinery, and went off on a trial trip across the bay, we splashed along at such a famous rate, that the shores rang with the cheers and clapping of the whole family, delighted to behold23 what they considered my brilliant success.
Everyone wanted to go on board, and take a cruise, but as it was getting late, I could not consent. A trip next day, however, was promised to Cape24 Disappointment and the little settlement of Prospect25 Hill.
This proposal satisfied everybody. The evening was spent in preparing the dresses, arms and food which would be required, and we retired26 early to rest.
Intending to be out all day, the house was left in good order, and we departed on our expedition, provided, among other things, with spades and mattocks, for I wished to get young cocoanut trees and shrubs27 of different kinds, that, on our way back, we might land on Whale Island, and begin our plantation28 there.
We directed our course towards the opposite side of the bay. The sea was smooth, my rowing-machine performed its work easily, and leaving Safety Bay and Shark Island behind us, we enjoyed at our ease the panorama30 of all the coast scenery.
Landing near Prospect Hill, we moored31 the boat, and walked through the woods to our little farm, obtaining some fresh cocoanuts, as well as young plants, on the way.
Before coming in sight of the cottage at the farm, we heard the cocks crow, and I experienced a sudden rush of emotion as the sound recalled in a degree painfully vivid, the recollection of many a ride and walk at home, when we would be greeted by just such familiar sounds as we approached some kind friend's house. Here, but for the unconscious animals, utter solitude33 and silence prevailed, and I with my dear family, whose visit would have been hailed with delight in so many homes, advanced unnoticed to this lonely cottage.
So long had been our absence that our arrival created a perfect panic. The original animals had forgotten us, and to their progeny34, lambs, kids, and chickens, who had never seen the face of man, we seemed an army of fierce foes35.
The boys found it impossible to milk the goats, until, by the use of the lasso, they captured them one after the other, bound their legs, then giving them salt to lick, they soon obtained a supply of excellent milk which was poured from the cocoanut shells they used into calabash flasks38, so that we could take with us what was not required at dinner.
The fowls40 were enticed41 by handfuls of grain and rice, and my wife caught as many as she wished for.
We were by this time very ready for dinner, and the cold provisions we had with us were set forth42, the chief dish consisting of the piece of whale's tongue, which, by the boys' desire, had been cooked with a special view to this entertainment.
But woeful was the disappointment when the tongue was tasted! One after another, with dismal43 face, pronounced it 'horrid44 stuff,' begged for some pickled herring to take away the taste of train-oil, and willingly bestowed45 on Fangs46 the cherished dainty.
Fortunately there was a sufficient supply of other eatables, and the fresh, delicious cocoanuts and goat's milk put everyone in good humour again.
While the mother packed everything up, Fritz and I got some sugar-cane shoots which I wished to plant, and then returned to the shore and again embarked47.
Before returning to Whale Island, I felt a strong wish to round Cape Disappointment and survey the coast immediately beyond, but the promontory48 maintained the character of its name, and we found that a long sandbank, as well as hidden reefs and rocks, ran out a great way into the sea.
Fritz espying49 breakers ahead, we put about at once, and aided by a light breeze, directed our course towards Whale Island.
On landing, I began at once to plant the sugar-cane shoots we had brought. The boys assisted me for a while, but wearied somewhat of the occupation, and one after another went off in search of shells and coral, leaving their mother and me to finish the work.
Presently Jack came back, shouting loudly:
`Father! Mother! Do come and look. There is an enormous skeleton lying here; the skeleton of some fearful great beast—a mammoth50, I should think.'
`Why Jack!' returned I laughing, `have you forgot our old acquaintance, the whale? What else could it be?'
`Oh no, father, it is not the whale. This thing has not fish bones, but real good, honest, huge, beast bones. I don't know what can have become of the whale—floated out to sea most likely. This mammoth is ever so much bigger. Come and see!'
As I was about to follow the boy, a voice from another direction suddenly cried:
`Father! Father! A great enormous turtle! Please make haste. It is waddling51 back to the sea as hard as it can go, and we can't stop it.'
This appeal being more pressing, as well as more important, than
Sure enough a large turtle was scrambling52 quickly towards the water, and was within a few paces of it, although Ernest was valiantly53 holding on by one of its hind29 legs.
I sprang down the bank, and making use of the oar as a lever, we succeeded with some difficulty in turning the creature on its back.
It was a huge specimen54, fully32 eight feet long, and being now quite helpless, we left it sprawling55, and went to inspect Jack's mammoth skeleton, which, of course, proved to be neither more nor less than that of the whale. I convinced him of the fact by pointing out the marks of our feet on the ground, and the broken jaws56 where we had hacked58 out the whalebone.
`What can have made you take up that fancy about a mammoth, my boy?'
`Ernest put it into my head, father. He said there seemed to be the
skeleton of an antediluvian59 monster there, so I ran to look closer, and
I never thought of the whale, when I saw no fish bones. I suppose
Ernest was joking.'
`Whales are generally considered as fishes by those little acquainted with the animal kingdom, but they belong to the class of mammals, which comprises man, the monkey tribes, the bats, the dogs and cats, all hoofed60 animals, whales and their allies, with other animals, the last on the list being the sloth61.
`The name by which they are distinguished62 is derived63 from the Latin word "mama," a breast, and is given to them because all the species belonging to this class are furnished with a set of organs called the mammary glands64, secreting65 the liquid known as milk, by which the young are nourished.
`The bones of the whale differ from those of animals, simply in being of a hollow construction, and filled with air so as to render the carcase more buoyant. The bones of birds are also hollow, for the same reason, and in all this we see conspicuously66 the wisdom and goodness of the great Creator.'
`What a marvellous structure it is, father!' said Fritz. `What a ponderous67 mass of bones! Can we not make use of any of them?'
`Nothing strikes me at this moment; we will leave them to bleach68 here yet awhile, and perhaps by sawing them up afterwards, make a few chairs, or a reading-desk for the museum. But now it is time to return home. Bring the boat round to where the turtle awaits his fate; we must settle how to deal with him.'
It was soon decided69 that he must swim. I fastened the empty water-cask to a long line, one end of which was made fast to the bow of the boat, the other carefully passed round the neck and fore-paws of the creature, who was then lifted, so as to let him regain70 his feet; when he instantly made for the water, plunged71 in, the cask floated after him, and prevented his sinking.
We were all on board in a moment; and the worthy72 fellow, after vainly attempting to dive, set himself diligently73 to swim right forwards, towing us comfortably after him. I was ready to cut the line on the least appearance of danger, and kept him on the course for Safety Bay by striking the water with a boat-hook right or left, according as the turtle was disposed to turn too much one way or the other.
The boys were delighted with the fun, and compared me to Neptune74 in his car, drawn75 by dolphins, and accompanied by Amphitrite and attendant Tritons.
We landed safely at the usual place, near Rockburg, and the turtle was condemned76 and executed soon afterwards; the shell, which was quite eight feet long, and three broad, was, when cleaned and prepared, to form a trough for the water supply at the cave, and the meat was carefully salted, and stored up for many a good and savoury meal.
It had been my intention to bring a piece of land under cultivation77 before the next rainy season, to be sown with different sorts of grain; but many unforeseen circumstances had intervened to hinder this, and our animals, unaccustomed to the yoke78, were not available for the plough.
I therefore gave up the idea for the present, and applied79 myself, with Ernest's assistance, to completing the loom80, which, although the workmanship was clumsy, I succeeded in making quite fit for use. I had fortunately in my younger days spent many hours in the workshops of weavers81 and other artisans, and therefore I understood more than might have been expected of their various crafts.
Paste or size was required to smear82 over the threads; but we could not spare flour for such a purpose, and I used isinglass, which kept the warp83 moist perfectly84 well, and spared us the necessity of setting up the loom in a damp uncomfortable place, which has often to be done to prevent the overdrying of the web.
Of this isinglass I also made thin plates, to be used as window-panes; they were at least as transparent85 as horn, and when fixed deep in the rock and beyond the reach of rain, did good service in admitting light.
Success encouraging me to persevere86, I next began harness-making; the spoils of the chase having furnished us with plenty of leather, with which I covered light frames of wood, using the hairy moss87 or lichen88 for stuffing, and ere long the animals were equipped with saddles, stirrups, bridles89, yokes90 and collars, to the very great satisfaction of their youthful riders and drivers.
This occupation was followed by a great deal of work connected with the annual return of the herring shoals which now took place; to them succeeding, as on former occasions, shoals of other fish, and many seals. More than ever aware of the value of all of these, we did not fail to make good use of our opportunities, and captured large numbers.
The boys were getting anxious for another shooting expedition; but before undertaking91 that, I wished to do some basket-making, as sacks were beginning to fail us, and there was constant demand for baskets in which to carry and keep our roots and fruits. Our first attempts were clumsy enough; but, as usual, perseverance92 was rewarded, and we produced a good supply of all sorts and sizes. One very large basket I furnished with openings through which to pass a strong stick, so that it might, when heavily laden93, be carried by two persons.
No sooner did the children see the force of this idea, than they got a bamboo, and popping little Franz into the basket, carried him about in triumph.
This amusement suggested a fresh notion to Fritz. `Oh, father,' cried he, `don't you think we might make something like this for mother, and carry her much more comfortably than jolting94 along in the cart?'
The boys shouted with glee at the proposal, and though their mother thought the plan feasible enough, she confessed that she did not much like the thought of sitting in the middle of a basket, and just looking out now and then over the rim95.
However, I assured her it should be a well-shaped comfortable sedan-chair, or litter; and the next question was how it should be carried, since the boys could not play the part of Indian palanquin-bearers, either with safety to their mother, or with any pleasure to themselves.
Let's go and try them now!'
Off ran the boys, and in a short time the basket was securely hung between Storm and Grumble97. Fritz and Jack sprang into their saddles, and Ernest very gingerly deposited himself in the `cradle', as Franz called it; they set forth at a most sober pace, the animals, who were perfectly docile98, appearing only a little surprised at the new arrangement.
`Oh, it is so pleasant, mother, it is a delightful99 motion,' cried Ernest, as they passed us. `It swings and rocks really soothingly100. Quicker, Fritz! Go quicker!' And the trot101 pleasing him equally well, the pace gradually quickened, till the animals were going along at a rate which shook and jolted102 the basket about most fearfully.
Ernest called and screamed in vain for a halt. His brothers thought it capital fun to `shake up' the `professor', and made the circuit of the level ground near Rockburg, finally pulling up in front of us, like performers stopping to receive the applause of spectators.
It was impossible to help laughing, the scene was so ridiculous, but Ernest was very angry with his brothers, his reproaches provoked high words in reply, and a quarrel was imminent103, but I interfered104, and showed them how easily a joke carried too far would lead to disputes and bad feeling, urging them to avoid on all occasions any breach105 of the good fellowship and brotherly love which was the mainstay of our strength and happiness.
Good humour was soon restored, Ernest himself helped to unharness the beasts, and got some handfuls of salt and barley106 to reward their exertions107, saying, that they must have some more palanquin-practise another day.
I was seated with my wife and Fritz beneath the shade of the verandah, engaged in wicker-work, and chatting pleasantly, when suddenly Fritz got up, advanced a step or two, gazing fixedly108 along the avenue which led from Jackal River, then he exclaimed:
`I see something so strange in the distance, father! What in the world can it be? First it seems to be drawn in coils on the ground like a cable, then uprises as it were a little mast, then that sinks, and the coils move along again. It is coming towards the bridge.'
My wife took alarm at this description, and calling the other boys, retreated into the cave, where I desired them to close up the entrances, and keep watch with firearms at the upper windows.
These were openings we had made in the rock at some elevation109, reached within by steps, and a kind of gallery which passed along the front of the rooms.
Fritz remained by me while I examined the object through my spy-glass.
`It is, as I feared, an enormous serpent!' cried I. `It advances directly this way, and we shall be placed in the greatest possible danger, for it will cross the bridge to a certainty.'
`May we not attack it, father?' exclaimed the brave boy.
`Only with the greatest caution,' returned I. `It is far too formidable, and too tenacious110 of life, for us rashly to attempt its destruction. Thank God we are at Rockburg, where we can keep in safe retreat, while we watch for an opportunity to destroy this frightful111 enemy. Go up to your mother now, and assist in preparing the firearms; I will join you directly, but I must further observe the monster's movements.'
Fritz left me unwillingly112, while I continued to watch the serpent, which was of gigantic size, and already much too near the bridge to admit of the possibility of removing that means of access to our dwelling113. I recollected114, too, how easily it would pass through the walls. The reptile115 advanced with writhing116 and undulatory movements, from time to time rearing its head to the height of fifteen or twenty feet, and slowly turning it about, as though on the look-out for prey117.
As it crossed the bridge, with a slow, suspicious motion, I withdrew, and hastily rejoined my little party, which was preparing to garrison118 our fortress119 in warlike array, but with considerable trepidation120, which my presence served in a measure to allay121.
We placed ourselves at the upper openings, after strongly barricading122 everything below, and, ourselves unseen, awaited with beating hearts the further advance of the foe36, which speedily became visible to us.
Its movements appeared to become uncertain, as though puzzled by the trace of human habitation; it turned in different directions, coiling and uncoiling, and frequently rearing its head, but keeping about the middle of the space in front of the cave, when suddenly, as though unable to resist doing so, one after another the boys fired, and even their mother discharged her gun. The shots took not the slightest effect beyond startling the monster, whose movements were accelerated. Fritz and I also fired with steadier aim, but with the same want of success, for the monster passing on with a gliding123 motion, entered the reedy marsh124 to the left, and entirely125 disappeared.
A wonderful weight seemed lifted from our hearts, while all eagerly discussed the vast length and awful though magnificent appearance of the serpent. I had recognized it as the boa constrictor. It was a vast specimen, upwards126 of thirty feet in length.
I explained to the children that its name in South America is Boaguacu; the first syllable127 of that name, with the Latin addition, which indicates that it kills its prey by pressure, or 'constriction,' gives the name by which it is commonly known.
The near neighbourhood of this terrific reptile occasioned me the utmost anxiety; and I desired that no one should leave the house on any pretence128 whatever, without my express permission.
During three whole days we were kept in suspense129 and fear, not daring to stir above a few hundred steps from the door, although during all that time the enemy showed no sign of his presence.
In fact, we might have been induced to think the boa had passed across the swamp, and found his way by some cleft130 or chasm131 through the wall of cliffs beyond, had not the restless behaviour of our geese and ducks given proof that he still lurked132 in the thicket133 of reeds which they were accustomed to make their nightly resting place.
They swam anxiously about, and with much clapping of wings and disturbed cackling, showed their uneasiness; finally, taking wing, they crossed the harbour, and took up their quarters on Shark's Island.
My quandary134 increased, as time passed on. I could not venture to attack with insufficient135 force a monstrous136 and formidable serpent concealed137 in dense138 thickets139 amidst dangerous swamps; yet it was dreadful to live in a state of blockade, cut off from all the important duties in which we were engaged, and shut up with our animals in the unnatural140 light of the cave, enduring constant anxiety and perturbation.
Out of this painful state we were at last delivered by none other than our good old simple-hearted donkey; not, however, by the exercise of a praiseworthy quality, but by sheer stupidity.
Our situation was rendered the more critical from having no great stock of provisions, or fodder141 for the animals; and the hay failing us on the evening of the third day, I determined to set them at liberty by sending them, under the guidance of Fritz, across the river at the ford142.
He was to ride Lightfoot, and they were to be fastened together until safely over.
Next morning we began to prepare for this by tying them in a line, and while so engaged my wife opened the door, when old Grizzle, who was fresh and frolicsome143 after the long rest and regular feeding, suddenly broke away from the halter, cut some awkward capers144, then bolting out, careered at full gallop145 straight for the marsh.
In vain we called him by name. Fritz would even have rushed after him, had not I held him back. In another moment the ass37 was close to the thicket, and with a cold shudder146 of horror, we beheld147 the snake rear itself from its lair148, the fiery149 eyes glanced around, the dark deadly jaws opened widely, the forked tongue darted150 greedily forth—poor Grizzle's fate was sealed.
Becoming aware on a sudden of his danger, he stopped short, spread out all four legs, and set up the most piteous and discordant151 bray152 that ever wrung153 echo from rocks.
Swift and straight as a fencer's thrust, the destroyer was upon him, wound round him, entangled154, enfolded, compressed him, all the while cunningly avoiding the convulsive kicks of the agonized155 animal.
`Shoot him, father! Oh, shoot him—do save poor Grizzle!'
`My children, it is impossible!' cried I. `Our old friend is lost to us for ever! I have hopes, however, that when gorged157 with his prey, we may be able to attack the snake with some chance of success.'
`But the horrible wretch159 is never going to swallow him all at once, father?' cried Jack. `That will be too shocking!'
`Snakes have no grinders, but only fangs, therefore they cannot chew their food, and must swallow it whole. But although the idea is startling, it is not really more shocking than the rending160, tearing and shedding of blood which occurs when lions and tigers seize their prey.'
`But,' said Franz, `how can the snake separate the flesh from the bones without teeth? And is this kind of snake poisonous?'
`No, dear child,' said I, `only fearfully strong and ferocious161. And it has no need to tear the flesh from the bones. It swallows them, skin, hair and all, and digests everything in its stomach.'
`It seems utterly162 impossible that the broad ribs, the strong legs, hoofs163 and all, should go down that throat,' exclaimed Fritz.
`Only see,' I replied, `how the monster deals with his victim; closer and more tightly he curls his crushing folds, the bones give way, he is kneading him into a shapeless mass: He will soon begin to gorge158 his prey, and slowly but surely it will disappear down that distended164 maw!'
My wife, with little Franz, found the scene all too horrible, and hastened into the cave, trembling and distressed165. To the rest of us there seemed a fearful fascination166 in the dreadful sight, and we could not move from the spot. I expected that the boa, before swallowing his prey, would cover it with saliva167, to aid in the operation, although it struck me that its very slender forked tongue was about the worst possible implement168 for such a purpose.
It was evident to us, however, that this popular idea was erroneous. The act of lubricating the mass must have taken place during the process of swallowing; certainly nothing was applied beforehand. This wonderful performance lasted from seven in the morning until noon. When the awkward morsel169 was entirely swallowed, the serpent lay stiff, distorted, and apparently170 insensible along the edge of the marsh.
I felt that now or never was the moment for attack!
Calling on my sons to maintain their courage and presence of mind, I left our retreat with a feeling of joyous171 emotion quite new to me, and approached with rapid steps and levelled gun, the outstretched form of the serpent. Fritz followed me closely.
Jack, somewhat timidly, came several paces behind; while Ernest, after a little hesitation172, remained where he was.
The monster's body was stiff and motionless, which made its rolling and fiery eyes, and the slow spasmodic undulations of its tail more fearful by contrast.
We fired together, and both balls entered the skull173: the light of the eye was extinguished, and the only movement was in the further extremity174 of the body, which rolled, writhed175, coiled and lashed22 from side to side.
Advancing closer, we fired our pistols directly into its head, a convulsive quiver ran through the mighty176 frame, and the boa constrictor lay dead.
As we raised a cry of victory, Jack, desirous of a share in the glory of conquest, ran close to the creature, firing his pistol into its side, when he was sent sprawling over and over by a movement of its tail, excited to a last galvanic effort by the shot.
Being in no way hurt, he speedily recovered his feet, and declared he had given it its quietus.
`I hope the terrific noise you made just now was the signal of victory,' said my wife, drawing near, with the utmost circumspection177, and holding Franz tightly by the hand. `I was half-afraid to come, I assure you.'
`See this dreadful creature dead at our feet; and let us thank God that we have been able to destroy such an enemy.'
`What's to be done with him now?' asked Jack.
`Let us get him stuffed,' said Fritz, `and set him up in the museum amongst our shells and corals.'
`Did anybody ever think of eating serpents?' inquired Franz.
`Of course not!' said his mother. `Why, child, serpents are poisonous—it would be very dangerous.'
`Excuse me, my dear wife,' said I. `First of all, the boa is not poisonous; and then, besides that, the flesh even of poisonous snakes can be eaten without danger; as, for instance, the rattlesnake, from which can be made a strong and nourishing soup, tasting very like good chicken broth—of course, the cook must be told to throw away the head, containing the deadly fangs.
`It is remarkable179 that pigs do not fear poisonous snakes, but can kill and eat them without injury. An instance of this occurs to my memory. A vessel2 on Lake Superior, in North America, was wrecked180 on a small island abounding181 in rattlesnakes, and for that reason uninhabited.
`The vessel had a cargo182 of live pigs. The crew escaped to the mainland in a boat, but the pigs had to be left for some time, till the owner could return to fetch them, but with the small hope of finding many left alive.
`To his surprise, the animals were not only alive, but remarkably183 fat and flourishing, while not a single rattlesnake remained on the island. The pigs had clearly eaten the serpents.'
`But might not some other cause have been assigned for their disappearance184?' asked Ernest. `Suppose, for example, that a great flight of secretary birds had arrived, they might have cleared the island of rattlesnakes.'
`Oh, what is a secretary bird?' interrupted Franz. `I thought a secretary meant a man who wrote letters?'
`So it does, Franz, and the bird Ernest spoke16 of has curious long feathers projecting from either side of its head, something like pens stuck behind a man's ear; hence its name.
`It is perfectly true that it lives on snakes, lizards185, toads186, and frogs, but, Ernest, I cannot give up my pigs; for, in the first place, the secretary bird is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, and is never seen in North America, neither does it ever fly in a flock; still, so ravenous187 is its appetite, that, no doubt, even one or two, had they by some miracle found themselves on Lake Superior, would have been able to give a very good account of the deadly reptiles188, and at least shared in the glory of their extermination189.'
My wife having gone to prepare dinner, we continued talking as we rested in the shade of some rocks, near the serpent, for a considerable time. The open air was welcome to us after our long imprisonment190; and we were, besides, desirous to drive off any birds of prey who might be attracted to the carcase, which we wished to preserve entire.
My boys questioned me closely on the subject of serpents in general; and I described to them the action of the poison fangs; how they folded back on the sides of the upper jaw57, and how the poison-secreting glands, and reservoir are found at the back and sides of the head, giving to the venomous serpents that peculiar192 width of head which is so unfailing a characteristic.
`The fangs are hollow,' said I, `and when the creature bites, the pressure forces down a tiny drop of the liquid venom191, which enters the wound and, through the veins193, quickly spreads over the entire system. Sometimes, if taken in time, cures are effected, but in most cases the bite of a serpent is followed by speedy death.'
The children were much interested in my account of the snake-charmers of India, how they fearlessly handle the most deadly of the serpent tribe, the Cobra di Capello-or hooded194 cobra-, cause them to move in time to musical sounds from a small pipe, twine195 the reptile about their arms and bare necks, and then, to prove that the poison fangs have not been removed, make them bite a fowl39, which soon dies from the effects.'
`How is it possible to extract the fangs, father?' asked Ernest.
`No instrument is required,' replied I; `I have read the account written by a gentleman in India, who saw a snake-charmer catch a large cobra in the jungle, and for the purpose of removing the fangs, held up a cloth at which the irritated snake flew, and the fangs being caught in it, the man seized the reptile by the throat, extracted them, and then squeezed out the poison, a clear oily substance, upon a leaf.'
`At the tip of the tail are a number of curious, loose, horny structures formed of the same substance as the scales. A very good idea of the structure of the rattle may be formed by slipping a number of thimbles loosely into each other.
`The rattlesnake lies coiled with its head flat, and the tip of its tail elevated; when alarmed or irritated it gives a quivering movement to the tail which causes the joints196 of the rattle to shake against each other with a peculiar sound, not easily described; all animals, even horses newly brought from Europe, tremble at this noise, and try to escape.'
`What is the best thing to be done for the bite of a serpent?' inquired Fritz.
`Remedies are very various, very uncertain, and differ with the species inflicting197 the bite.
`Suction, ammonia, oil, the use of the knife, application of fresh mold, lunar caustic198, leaves of certain plants, all these and more are mentioned. There is a creeping plant, called Aristolodochia indica, the leaves of which have in repeated instances done wonders for fearful bites. It is found in many parts of the world but most plentifully199 in the hotter regions.
`A mode of cure adopted by the natives of India, Ceylon, and parts of Africa, is by the application of a remarkable object called snake-stone. These are described as flattish, something like half an almond with squared ends, rather light, bearing a very high polish, and of an intense jetty black.
`On being bitten by a cobra, the sufferer applies one of these stones to each puncture200, where they adhere strongly for a time, five or six minutes being about the average. They seem to absorb the blood as it flows from the wound, and, at the last fall off, when the danger is considered to be over.
`But now we must leave this fertile subject of discussion, and I can only say I sincerely trust we may never have cause to resume it from the appearance of another serpent here of any sort, size, or description.
`But come, Ernest, can you not give us an epitaph for our unfortunate friend the donkey? We must afford him more honourable201 sepulture than he enjoys at present, when we proceed, as we speedily must, to disembowel his murderer.'
Ernest took the matter quite seriously, and planting his elbows on his knees, he bent202 his thoughtful brow in his hands, and remained wrapt in poetic203 meditation204 for about two minutes.
`I have it!' cried he. `But perhaps you will all laugh at me?'
`No, no, don't be shy, old fellow; spit it out!' and thus encouraged by his brother, Ernest, with the blush of a modest author, began:
`Beneath this stone poor Grizzle's bones are laid,
`A faithful ass he was, and loved by all.
`At length, his master's voice he disobeyed,
`A monstrous serpent, springing from the grass,
`Seized, crushed, and swallowed him before our eyes.
`But we, though yet we mourn our honest ass,
`Are grateful; for he thereby saved the lives
`Of all the human beings on this shore—
`A father, mother, and their children four.'
`Hurrah for the epitaph! Well done, Ernest!' resounded207 on all sides, and taking out a large red pencil I used for marking wood, the lines were forthwith inscribed208 on a great flat stone, being, as I told the boy, the very best poetry that had ever been written on our coast.
We then had dinner, and afterwards went to work with the serpent. The first operation was to recover the mangled209 remains210 of the ass, which being effected, he was buried in the soft marshy211 ground close by, and the hole filled up with fragments of rock.
Then we yoked212 Storm and Grumble to the serpent, and dragged it to a convenient distance from Rockburg, where the process of skinning, stuffing, and sewing up again afforded occupation of the deepest interest to the boys for several days.
We took great pains to coil it round a pole in the museum, arranging the head with the jaws wide open, so as to look as alarming as possible, and contriving213 to make eyes and tongue which were quite sufficient to represent nature; in fact, our dogs never passed the monster without growling214, and must have wondered at our taste in keeping such a pet.
Over the entrance leading to the museum and library were inscribed these words:
The double meaning of this sentence pleased us all immensely.
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1
overflowed
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| 溢出的 | |
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2
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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3
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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4
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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5
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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7
oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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8
intestines
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| n.肠( intestine的名词复数 ) | |
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9
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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10
purging
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| 清洗； 清除； 净化； 洗炉 | |
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11
recurring
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| adj.往复的，再次发生的 | |
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12
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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13
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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14
nave
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| n.教堂的中部；本堂 | |
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15
spokes
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| n.（车轮的）辐条( spoke的名词复数 )；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 | |
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16
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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17
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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18
obliquely
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| adv.斜； 倾斜； 间接； 不光明正大 | |
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19
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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20
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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21
revolve
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| vi.(使)旋转；循环出现 | |
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22
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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23
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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24
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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25
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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26
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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27
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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28
plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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29
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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30
panorama
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| n.全景，全景画，全景摄影，全景照片[装置] | |
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31
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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32
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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33
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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34
progeny
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| n.后代，子孙；结果 | |
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35
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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36
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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37
ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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38
flasks
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| n.瓶，长颈瓶， 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
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39
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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40
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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41
enticed
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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43
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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44
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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45
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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46
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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47
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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48
promontory
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| n.海角；岬 | |
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49
espying
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| v.看到( espy的现在分词 ) | |
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50
mammoth
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| n.长毛象；adj.长毛象似的，巨大的 | |
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51
waddling
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| v.（像鸭子一样）摇摇摆摆地走( waddle的现在分词 ) | |
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52
scrambling
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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53
valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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54
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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55
sprawling
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| adj.蔓生的，不规则地伸展的v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的现在分词 )；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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56
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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57
jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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58
hacked
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| 生气 | |
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59
antediluvian
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| adj.史前的，陈旧的 | |
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60
hoofed
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| adj.有蹄的，蹄形状的，装蹄的v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
sloth
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| n.[动]树懒；懒惰，懒散 | |
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62
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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63
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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64
glands
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| n.腺( gland的名词复数 ) | |
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65
secreting
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| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的现在分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
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66
conspicuously
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| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
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67
ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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68
bleach
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| vt.使漂白；vi.变白；n.漂白剂 | |
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69
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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70
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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71
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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72
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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73
diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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74
Neptune
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| n.海王星 | |
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75
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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76
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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77
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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78
yoke
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| n.轭；支配；v.给...上轭，连接，使成配偶 | |
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79
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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80
loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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81
weavers
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| 织工，编织者( weaver的名词复数 ) | |
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82
smear
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| v.涂抹；诽谤，玷污；n.污点；诽谤，污蔑 | |
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83
warp
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| vt.弄歪，使翘曲，使不正常，歪曲，使有偏见 | |
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84
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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85
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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86
persevere
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| v.坚持，坚忍，不屈不挠 | |
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87
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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88
lichen
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| n.地衣, 青苔 | |
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89
bridles
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| 约束( bridle的名词复数 )； 限动器； 马笼头； 系带 | |
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90
yokes
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| 轭( yoke的名词复数 )； 奴役； 轭形扁担； 上衣抵肩 | |
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91
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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92
perseverance
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| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
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93
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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94
jolting
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| adj.令人震惊的 | |
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95
rim
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| n.(圆物的)边，轮缘；边界 | |
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96
buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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97
grumble
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| vi.抱怨；咕哝；n.抱怨，牢骚；咕哝，隆隆声 | |
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98
docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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99
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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100
soothingly
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| adv.抚慰地，安慰地；镇痛地 | |
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101
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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102
jolted
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| （使）摇动， （使）震惊( jolt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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104
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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105
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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106
barley
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| n.大麦，大麦粒 | |
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107
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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108
fixedly
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| adv.固定地；不屈地，坚定不移地 | |
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109
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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110
tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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111
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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112
unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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113
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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114
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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115
reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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116
writhing
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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117
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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118
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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119
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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120
trepidation
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| n.惊恐，惶恐 | |
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121
allay
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| v.消除，减轻(恐惧、怀疑等) | |
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122
barricading
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| 设路障于，以障碍物阻塞( barricade的现在分词 )； 设路障[防御工事]保卫或固守 | |
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123
gliding
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| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
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124
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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125
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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126
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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127
syllable
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| n.音节；vt.分音节 | |
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128
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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129
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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130
cleft
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| n.裂缝；adj.裂开的 | |
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131
chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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132
lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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133
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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134
quandary
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| n.困惑，进迟两难之境 | |
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135
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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136
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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137
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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138
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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139
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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140
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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141
fodder
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| n.草料；炮灰 | |
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142
Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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143
frolicsome
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| adj.嬉戏的，闹着玩的 | |
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144
capers
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| n.开玩笑( caper的名词复数 )；刺山柑v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的第三人称单数 ) | |
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145
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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146
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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147
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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148
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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149
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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150
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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151
discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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152
bray
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| n.驴叫声, 喇叭声；v.驴叫 | |
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153
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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154
entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
agonized
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| v.使（极度）痛苦，折磨( agonize的过去式和过去分词 )；苦斗；苦苦思索；感到极度痛苦 | |
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156
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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157
gorged
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| v.（用食物把自己）塞饱，填饱( gorge的过去式和过去分词 )；作呕 | |
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158
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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159
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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160
rending
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| v.撕碎( rend的现在分词 )；分裂；（因愤怒、痛苦等而）揪扯（衣服或头发等）；（声音等）刺破 | |
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161
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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162
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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163
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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164
distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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165
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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166
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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167
saliva
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| n.唾液，口水 | |
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168
implement
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| n.(pl.)工具，器具；vt.实行，实施，执行 | |
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169
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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170
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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171
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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172
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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173
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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174
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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175
writhed
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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176
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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177
circumspection
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| n.细心，慎重 | |
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178
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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179
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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180
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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181
abounding
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| adj.丰富的，大量的v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的现在分词 ) | |
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182
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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183
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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184
disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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185
lizards
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| n.蜥蜴( lizard的名词复数 ) | |
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186
toads
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| n.蟾蜍，癞蛤蟆( toad的名词复数 ) | |
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187
ravenous
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| adj.极饿的，贪婪的 | |
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188
reptiles
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| n.爬行动物，爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
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189
extermination
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| n.消灭，根绝 | |
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190
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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191
venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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192
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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193
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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194
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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195
twine
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| v.搓，织，编饰；（使）缠绕 | |
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196
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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197
inflicting
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的现在分词 ) | |
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198
caustic
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| adj.刻薄的，腐蚀性的 | |
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199
plentifully
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| adv. 许多地，丰饶地 | |
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200
puncture
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| n.刺孔，穿孔；v.刺穿，刺破 | |
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201
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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202
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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203
poetic
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| adj.富有诗意的，有诗人气质的，善于抒情的 | |
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204
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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205
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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206
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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207
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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208
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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209
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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210
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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211
marshy
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| adj.沼泽的 | |
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212
yoked
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| 结合（yoke的过去式形式） | |
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213
contriving
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| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的现在分词 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
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214
growling
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| n.吠声, 咆哮声 v.怒吠, 咆哮, 吼 | |
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215
asses
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| n. 驴，愚蠢的人，臀部 adv. (常用作后置)用于贬损或骂人 | |
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