Swiss Family Robinson

they; and eagerly they followed me into the shattered opening, where, to my intense satisfaction, I found everything as I could wish and the captive in no way a sufferer from the violent measures I had adopted for her deliverance.
    The boys were deeply interested in examining the effects of the explosion, and in the explanation I gave them, of the principle, and proper way to manage a petard.
    It was evident that the launch could now be effected without much trouble; I had been careful to place rollers beneath the keel, so that by means of levers and pulleys we might, with our united strength, move her forward towards the water.
    A rope was attached by which to regulate the speed of the descent, and then, all hands putting their shoulders to the work, the pinnace began to slide from the stocks, and finally slipped gently and steadily into the water, where she floated as if conscious it was her native element; while we, wild with excitement, cheered and waved enthusiastically.
    We then only remained long enough to secure our prize carefully at the most sheltered point, and went back to Tentholm , where we accounted for the explosion; saying that having blown away one side of the ship, we should be able to obtain the rest of its contents with a very few more days' work.
    These days were devoted to completing the rigging, the mounting of her two little brass guns, and all necessary arrangements about the pinnace . It was wonderful what martial ardour was awakened by the possession of a vessel armed with two real guns. The boys chattered incessantly about savages, fleets of canoes, attack, defence and final annihilation of the invaders.
    I assured them that, brilliant as their victories would doubtless be, we should have good cause to thank God if their fighting powers and new-born valour were never put to the test.
    The pinnace was fully equipped and ready to sail, while yet no idea of the surprise we were preparing for her had dawned upon my wife, and I permitted the boys, who had kept the secret so well, to fire a salute when we entered the bay.
    Casting off from the ship, and spreading the sail, our voyage began. The pinnace glided swiftly through the water, I stood at the helm, Ernest and Jack manned the guns, and Fritz gave the word of command, `Fire!' Bang! bang ! rattled out a thrilling report, which echoed and re-echoed among the cliffs, followed by our shouts and hurrahs.
    My wife and her little boy rushed hastily forward from near the tent, and we could plainly see their alarm and astonishment; but speedily recognizing us, they waved joyfully, and came quickly to the landing-place to meet us.
    By skilful management we brought the pinnace near a projection of the bank, and Fritz assisted his mother to come on board, where, breathless with haste and excitement, she exclaimed, `You dear, horrid, wonderful people, shall I scold you or praise you? You have frightened me out of my wits! To see a beautiful little ship come sailing in was startling enough, for I could not conceive who might be on board, but the report of your guns made me tremble with fear--and had I not recognized your voices directly after, I should have run away with Franz Heaven knows where!
    `But have you really done all this work yourselves?' she continued, when we had been forgiven for terrifying her with our vainglorious salute. `What a charming little yacht! I should not be afraid to sail in this myself.'
    After the pinnace had been shown off, and received the admiration she deserved, while our industry, skill, and perseverance met with boundless praise, `Now,' said my wife, `you must come with me, and see how little Franz and I have improved our time every day of your absence.'
    We all landed and, with great curiosity, followed my wife up the river towards the cascade; where, to our astonishment, we found a garden neatly laid out in beds and walks; and she continued, `We don't frighten people by firing salutes in honour of our performances; although, by and by, I too shall want fire in a peaceable form. Look at my beds of lettuce and cabbages, my rows of beans and peas! Think what delicious dinners I shall be able to cook for you, and give me credit for my diligence.'
    `My dear wife!' I exclaimed. `This is beautiful! You have done wonders! Did you not find the work too hard?'
    `The ground is light and easy to dig hereabouts,' she replied. `I have planted potatoes, and cassava-roots, there is space for sugar-canes, and the young fruit trees,