OUR HOME IN THE GIANT TREE
"I will spare you a description," said my wife, "of our first day's
occupations; truth to tell, I spent the time chiefly in anxious thought
and watching your progress and signals. I rose very early this morning,
and with the utmost joy perceiving your signal that all was right,
hastened to reply to it, and then, while my sons yet slumbered, I sat
down and began to consider how our position could be improved. 'For it
is perfectly impossible,' said I to myself, 'to live much longer where
we are now. The sun beats burningly the lifelong day on this bare, rocky
spot; our only shelter is this poor tent, beneath the canvas of which
the heat is even more oppressive than on the open shore. Why should not
I and my little boys exert ourselves as well as my husband and Fritz?
Why should not we too try to accomplish something useful? If we could
but exchange this melancholy and unwholesome abode for a pleasant, shady
dwelling place, we should all improve in health and spirits. Among those
delightful woods and groves where Fritz and his father saw so many
charming things, I feel sure there must be some little retreat where we
could establish ourselves comfortably; there must be, and I will find
it.'
"By this time the boys were up, and I observed Jack very quietly and
busily occupied with his knife about the spot where Fritz's jackal lay.
Watching his proceedings, I saw that he had cut two long, narrow strips
of the animal's skin, which he cleaned and scraped very carefully, and
then taking a handful of great nails out of his pocket, he stuck them
through the skin, points outward, after which he cut strips of canvas
sailcloth, twice as broad as the thongs, doubled them, and laid them on
the raw side of the skin, so as to cover the broad, flat nail heads. At
this point of the performance, Master Jack came to me with the agreeable
request that I would kindly stitch the canvas and (moist) skin together
for him. I gave him needles and thread, but could not think of depriving
him of the pleasure of doing it himself.
"However, when I saw how good-humoredly he persevered in the work with
his awkward, unskillful fingers, I took pity on him, and conquering the
disgust I felt, finished lining the skin dog-collars he had so
ingeniously contrived. After this, I was called upon to complete in the
same way a fine belt of skin he had made for himself. I advised him to
think of some means by which the skin might be kept from shrinking.
"Ernest, although rather treating Jack's manufacture with ridicule,
proposed a sensible enough plan, which Jack forthwith put into
execution. He nailed the skin, stretched flat, on a board, and put it in
the sun to dry.
"My scheme of a journey was agreed to joyously by my young companions.
Preparations were instantly set on foot: weapons and provisions
provided; the two elder boys carrying guns, while they gave me charge of
the water flask, and a small hatchet.
"Leaving everything in as good order as we could at the tent, we
proceeded toward the stream, accompanied by the dogs. Turk, who had
accompanied you on your first expedition, seemed immediately to
understand that we wished to pursue the same route, and proudly led the
way.
"As I looked at my two young sons, each with his gun, and considered how
much the safety of the party depended on these little fellows, I felt
grateful to you, dear husband, for having acquainted them in childhood
with the use of firearms.
"Filling our water-jar, we crossed the stream, and went on to the
height, whence, as you described, a lovely prospect is obtained, at the
sight of which a pleasurable sensation of buoyant hope, to which I had
long been a stranger, awoke within my breast.
"A pretty little wood in the distance attracted my notice particularly,
and thither we directed our course. But soon finding it impossible to
force our way through the tall, strong grass, which grew in dense
luxuriance higher than the children's heads, we turned toward the open
beach on our left, and following it, we reached a point much nearer the
little wood, when, quitting the strand, we made toward it.
"We had not entirely escaped the tall grass, however, and with the
utmost fatigue and difficulty, were struggling through the reeds, when
suddenly a great rushing noise terrified us all dreadfully. A very large
and powerful bird sprang upward on the wing. Both boys attempted to take
aim, but the bird was far away before they were ready to fire.
"'Oh, dear, what a pity!' exclaimed Ernest; 'now if I had only had my
light gun, and if the bird had not flown quite so fast, I should have
brought him down directly!'
"'Oh yes,' said I, 'no doubt you would be a capital sportsman, if only
your game would always give you time to make ready comfortably.'
"'But I had no notion that anything was going to fly up just at our feet
like that,' cried he.
"'A good shot,' I replied, 'must be prepared for surprises; neither wild
birds nor wild beasts will send you notice that they are about to fly or
to run.'
"'What sort of bird can it have been?' inquired Jack.
"'Oh, it certainly must have been an eagle,' answered little Franz, 'it
was so very big!'
"'Just as if every big bird must be an eagle!' replied Ernest, in a tone
of derision.
"'Let's see where he was sitting, at all events!' said I.
"Jack sprang toward the place, and instantly a second bird, rather
larger than the first, rushed upward into the air, with a most startling
noise.
"The boys stood staring upward, perfectly stupefied, while I laughed
heartily, saying, 'Well, you are first-rate sportsmen, to be sure! You
certainly will keep my larder famously well supplied!'
"At this, Ernest colored up, and looked inclined to cry, while Jack put
on a comical face, pulled off his cap, and with a low bow, called after
the fugitive:
"'Adieu for the present, sir! I live in hopes of another meeting!'
"On searching the ground carefully, we discovered a rude sort of nest
made untidily of dry grass. It was empty, although we perceived broken
egg shells at no great distance, and concluded that the young brood had
escaped among the grass, which, in fact, we could see was waving at a
little distance, as the little birds ran through it.
"'Now look here, Franz,' said Ernest, presently, 'just consider how this
bird could by any possibility have been an eagle. Eagles never build on
the ground, neither can their young leave the nest and run as soon as
they are out of the egg. That is a peculiarity of the gallinaceous tribe
of birds alone, to which then these must belong. The species, I think,
is indicated by the white belly and dull red color of the wing coverts
which I observed in these specimens, and I believe them to be bustards,
especially as I noticed in the largest the fine mustache-like feathers
over the beak, peculiar to the great bustard.'
"'My dear boy,' I said, 'your eyes were actively employed, I must
confess, if your fingers were unready with the gun. And after all, it is
just as well, perhaps, that we have not thrown the bustard's family into
mourning.'
"Thus chatting, we at length approached my pretty wood. Numbers of birds
fluttered and sang among the high branches, but I did not encourage the
boys in their wish to try to shoot any of the happy little creatures. We
were lost in admiration of the trees of this grove, and I cannot
describe to you how wonderful they are, nor can you form the least idea
of their enormous size without seeing them yourself. What we had been
calling a wood proved to be a group of about a dozen trees only, and,
what was strange, the roots sustained the massive trunks exalted in the
air, forming strong arches, and props and stays all around each
individual stem, which was firmly rooted in the center.
"I gave Jack some twine, and scrambling up one of the curious open-air
roots, he succeeded in measuring round the trunk itself, and made it out
to be about eighteen yards. I saw no sort of fruit, but the foliage is
thick and abundant, throwing delicious shade on the ground beneath,
which is carpeted with soft green herbage, and entirely free from
thorns, briars, or bushes of any kind. It is the most charming resting
place that ever was seen, and I and the boys enjoyed our mid-day meal
immensely in this glorious palace of the woods, so grateful to our
senses after the glare and heat of our journey thither. The dogs joined
us after a while. They had lingered behind on the seashore, and I was
surprised to see them lie down and go comfortably to sleep without
begging for food, as they do usually when we eat.
"The longer we remained in this enchanting place, the more did it charm
my fancy; and if we could but manage to live in some sort of dwelling up
among the branches of those grand, noble trees, I should feel perfectly
safe and happy. It seemed to me absurd to suppose we should ever find
another place half so lovely, so I determined to search no further, but
return to the beach and see if anything from the wreck had been cast up
by the waves, which we could carry away with us.
"Before starting, Jack persuaded me to sit quietly a little longer, and
finish making his belt and the spike-collars for the dogs, for you must
know that the child had actually been carrying the board on which these
were stretched all this time, so that they should get the full benefit
of the sun. As they were now quite dry, I completed them easily, and
Jack girded on the belt with great pride, placing his pistols in it,
and marching about in the most self-important style, while Ernest fitted
the collars on the two dogs.
"On reaching the shore, we found it strewed with many articles,
doubtless of value, but all too heavy for us to lift. We rolled some
casks, however, beyond high-water mark, and dragged a chest or two also
higher on the beach; and, while doing so, observed that our dogs were
busy among the rocks. They were carefully watching the crevices and
pools, and every now and then would pounce downward and seize something
which they swallowed with apparent relish.
"'They are eating crabs,' said Jack. 'No wonder they have not seemed
hungry lately.'
"And sure enough, they were catching the little green crabs with which
the water abounded. These, however, did not apparently entirely satisfy
them.
"Some time afterward, just as we were about to turn inland toward the
ford, we noticed that Juno was scraping in the sand, and turning up some
round substances, which she hastily devoured. Ernest went to see what
these were, and reported in his calm way that the dog had found turtles'
eggs.
"'Oh,' cried I, 'then let us by all means share in the booty!' Mrs.
Juno, however, did not at all approve of this, and it was with some
difficulty that we drove her aside while we gathered a couple of dozen
of eggs, stowing them in our provision bags.
"While thus employed, we caught sight of a sail which appeared to be
merrily approaching the shore beyond the cliffs. Ernest declared it must
be our raft. Little Franz, always having the fear of savages before his
eyes, began to look frightened, and for a moment I myself was doubtful
what to think.
"However, we hastened to the stream; and crossing it by the
stepping-stones, came in sight of the landing place, where we joyfully
met you.
"Now I hope you approve of the proceedings of your exploring party, and
that to-morrow you will do me the favor of packing everything up, and
taking us away to live among my splendid trees."
"Aye, little wife," said I; "so that is your idea of comfort and
security, is it! A tree, I do not know how many feet high, on which we
are to perch and roost like the birds? If we had but wings or a balloon,
it would, I own, be a capital plan."
"Laugh as much as you like," returned my wife, "my idea is not so absurd
as you make it out. We should be safe up there from jackals' visits
during the night. And I know I have seen at home, in Switzerland, quite
a pretty arbor, with a strong floor, up among the branches of a lime
tree, and we went up a staircase to reach it. Why could not we contrive
a place like that, where we could sleep safely at night?"
"I will consider the idea seriously, my wife," said I; "perhaps
something may come of it, after all! Meantime, as we have finished our
supper, and night is coming on, let us commend ourselves to Almighty
protection and retire to rest."
Beneath the shelter of our tent, we all slept soundly, like marmots,
until break of day; when, my wife and I awaking, took counsel together
as to future proceedings.
Referring to the task she had the previous evening proposed for me, I
remarked that to undertake it would involve so many difficulties that
it was highly necessary to look closely into the subject.
"In the first place," said I, "I am unwilling hastily to quit a spot to
which I am convinced we were providentially led as a landing place. See
how secure it is; guarded on all sides by these high cliffs, and
accessible only by the narrow passage to the ford, while from this point
it is so easy to reach the ship that the whole of its valuable cargo is
at our disposal. Suppose we decide to stay patiently here for the
present--until, at least, we have brought on shore everything we
possibly can?"
"I agree with you to a certain extent, dear husband," replied she; "but
you do not know how dreadfully the heat among the rocks tries me. It is
almost intolerable to us who remain here all day, while you and Fritz
are away out at sea or wandering among the shady woods, where cool
fruits refresh, and fair scenes delight you. As to the contents of the
ship, an immense deal has been cast ashore, and I would much rather give
up all the remainder, and be spared the painful anxiety it gives me when
you even talk of venturing again on the faithless deep."
"Well, I must admit that there is much right on your side," I continued;
"suppose we were to remove to your chosen abode, and make this rocky
fastness our magazine and place of retreat in case of danger. I could
easily render it still more secure, by blasting portions of the rock
with gunpowder. But a bridge must be constructed in the first place, to
enable us to cross bag and baggage."
"Oh, I shall be parched to death before we can leave this place if a
bridge has to be made," cried my wife impatiently. "Why not just take
our things on our backs and wade across, as we have done already? The
cow and the donkey could carry a great deal."
"That they will have to do, in whatever fashion we make the move," said
I; "but bags and baskets we must have, to put things in, and if you will
turn your attention to providing those, I will set about the bridge at
once. It will be wanted not once but continually; the stream will
probably swell and be impassable at times, and even as it is, an
accident might happen."
"Well, well," cried my wife, "I submit to your opinion; only pray set
about it without delay, for I long to be off. It is an excellent idea to
make a strong place among the cliffs here; the gunpowder especially, I
shall be delighted to see stored here when we go away, for it is
frightfully dangerous to keep so much as we have close to our
habitation."
"Gunpowder is indeed the most dangerous and at the same time the most
useful thing we have," said I, "and for both these reasons we must be
especially careful of it. In time I will hollow out a place in the rock
where we can store it safe from either fire or damp."
By this morning's consultation we had settled the weighty question of
our change of abode, and also chalked out work for the day.
When the children heard of the proposed move their joy was boundless;
they began at once to talk of it as our "journey to the Promised Land,"
and only regretted that time must be "wasted," as they said, in
bridge-building before it could be undertaken.
Everyone being impatient for breakfast that work might be begun at once,
the cow and goats were milked, and, having enjoyed a comfortable meal of
biscuit boiled in milk, I prepared to start for the wreck, in order to
obtain planks for the proposed bridge. Ernest, as well as Fritz,
accompanied me, and we were soon within the influence of the current,
and were carried swiftly out to sea. Fritz was steering, and we had no
sooner passed beyond the islet at the entrance of the bay, so as to come
in sight of its seaward beach, than we were astonished to see a
countless multitude of sea birds, gulls, and others, which rose like a
cloud into the air, disturbed by our approach, and deafened us by their
wild and screaming cries. Fritz caught up his gun, and would have sent a
shot among them had I permitted it. I was very curious to find out what
could be the great attraction for all this swarm of feathered fowl; and,
availing myself of a fresh breeze from the sea, I set the sail and
directed our course toward the island.
The swelling sail and flying pennant charmed Ernest, while Fritz bent
his keen eyes eagerly toward the sandy shore, where the flocks of birds
were again settling.
Presently he shouted: "Aha! now I see what they are after! They have a
huge monster of a fish there, and a proper feast they are making! Let's
have a nearer look at it, father!"
We could not take our boat very close in, but we managed to effect a
landing at a short distance from the festive scene; and, securing the
raft by casting a rope round a large stone, we cautiously drew near the
object of interest. It proved to be a monstrous fish on whose flesh
these multitudes of birds were ravenously feeding; and it was
extraordinary to watch the ferocity, the envy, the gluttony, and all
manner of evil passions, exhibited among the guests at this banquet.
"There was nothing on this sandy beach when we passed yesterday, I am
certain, father," said Fritz. "It seems strange to see this creature
stranded here."
"Why, Fritz!" cried Ernest, "it must be the shark! your shark, you know!
I believe I can see where you hit him in the head."
"You are right, I do believe, Ernest," said I, "though I think your
imagination only can distinguish the gunshot wounds among all the
pecking and tearing of the voracious birds there. Just look, boys, at
those terrific jaws, beneath the strangely projecting snout. See the
rows upon rows of murderous teeth, and thank God we were delivered from
them! Let us try if we can induce these greedy birds to spare us a bit
of the shark's skin; it is extremely rough, and when dry may be used
like a file."
Ernest drew the ramrod from his gun, and charged so manfully into the
crowd that, striking right and left, he speedily killed several, while
most of the others took to flight. Fritz detached some broad strips of
skin with his knife, and we returned toward the boat.
Perceiving with satisfaction that the shore was strewn with just the
sort of boards and planks I wanted, I lost no time in collecting them;
and, forming a raft to tow after us, we were in a short time able to
direct our course homeward, without visiting the wreck at all. As we
sailed along, extremely well pleased with our good fortune, Fritz, by my
direction, nailed part of the shark's skin flat on boards to dry in the
sun, and the rest on the rounded mast.
"Will that be a good plan, father?" inquired he, "it will be quite bent
and crooked when it hardens."
"That it just what I want it to be," said I; "we may happen to find it
useful in that form as well as flat. It would be beautiful shagreen if
we could smooth and polish it."
"I thought," remarked Ernest, "that shagreen was made from asses' hide."
"And you thought rightly," said I. "The best shagreen is prepared in
Turkey, Persia, and Tartary, from the skins of horses and asses. In
these skins the roughness is produced artificially; while the skin is
newly flayed and still soft, hard grains of corn are spread on the under
surface, and pressed into it as it dries. These grains are afterward
removed, and the roughness imparted to the appearance of the skin
remains indelibly; shagreen is useful in polishing joiners' work, and it
is made in France from the rough skin of a hideous creature called the
angel-fish."
"Angel-fish!" exclaimed Fritz; "what a name to give to anything
'hideous,' father!"
"There are bad angels as well as good ones," observed Ernest, in his
dry, quiet way; "it is better to leave people to see for themselves
which is meant."
By this time we were close in shore; and lowering the sail, we soon had
our craft, with the raft in tow, safely moored to the bank.
No one was in sight, not a sound to be heard, so with united voice we
gave a loud, cheery halloo, which after a while was answered in shrill
tones, and the mother, with her two boys, came running from behind the
rocks between us and the stream, each carrying a small bundle in a
handkerchief, while little Franz held aloft a landing net.
Our return so soon was quite unexpected, and they anxiously inquired
the reason, which we soon explained; and then the mysterious bundles
were opened, and a great number of fine crawfish displayed; whose
efforts to escape by scuttling away in every direction, directly they
were placed in a heap on the ground, caused immense fun and laughter as
the boys pursued and brought them back, only to find others scrambling
off in a dozen different ways.
"Now, father, have we not done well to-day!" cried Jack, "did you ever
see such splendid crawfish? Oh, there were thousands of them, and I am
sure we have got two hundred here at least. Just look at their claws!"
"No doubt you were the discoverer of these fine crabs, eh, Jack?" said
I.
"No! fancy young Franz being the lucky man!" answered he. "He and I went
toward the stream while mother was busy, just to look for a good place
for the bridge. Franz was picking up pebbles and alabasters, some
because they were so pretty, some to strike sparks in the dark, and
some, he insisted, were 'gold.' 'Jack!' 'Jack!' cried he presently,
'come and see the crabs on Fritz's jackal!' You know we threw it away
there, and to be sure it was swarming with these creatures. Are you glad
we have found them, father? Will they be good to eat?"
"Very excellent, my boy, and we may be thankful that food for our wants
is thus provided day by day."
When each party had related the day's adventures, and while the mother
was cooking the crawfish, we went to bring our store of planks to land.
Even this apparently simple operation required thought, and I had to
improvise rope-harness for the cow and the donkey, by which we could
make them drag each board separately from the water's edge to the margin
of the stream.
Jack showed me where he thought the bridge should be, and I certainly
saw no better place, as the banks were at that point tolerably close to
one another, steep, and of about equal height.
"How shall we find out if our planks are long enough to reach across?"
said I. "A surveyor's table would be useful now."
"What do you say to a ball of string, father?" said Ernest. "Tie one end
to a stone, throw it across, then draw it back and measure the line!"
Adopting my son's idea, we speedily ascertained the distance across to
be eighteen feet. Then allowing three feet more at each side, I
calculated twenty-four feet as the necessary length of the boards.
The question as to how the planks were to be laid across was a difficult
one. We resolved to discuss it during dinner, to which we were now
summoned. And my wife, as we sat resting, displayed to me her
needlework. With hard labor she had made two large canvas bags for the
ass to carry. Having no suitable needle, she had been obliged to bore
the hole for each stitch with a nail, and gained great praise for her
ingenuity and patience.
Dinner was quickly dispatched, as we were all eager to continue our
engineering work. A scheme had occurred to me for conveying one end of a
plank across the water, and I set about it in this way. There
fortunately were one or two trees close to the stream on either side. I
attached a rope pretty near one end of a beam, and slung it loosely to
the tree beside us; then, fastening a long rope to the other end, I
crossed with it by means of broken rocks and stones, and having a pulley
and block, I soon arranged the rope on a strong limb of the opposite
tree, again returning with the end to our own side.
Now putting my idea to the proof, I brought the ass and the cow, and
fastening this rope to the harness I had previously contrived for them,
I drove them steadily away from the bank. To my great satisfaction, and
the surprise and delight of the boys, the end of the plank which had
been laid alongside the stream began gently to move, rose higher,
turned, and soon projecting over the water, continued to advance, until,
having described the segment of a circle, it reached the opposite bank;
I stopped my team, the plank rested on the ground, the bridge was made!
So at least thought Fritz and Jack, who in a moment were lightly running
across the narrow way, shouting joyfully as they sprang to the other
side.
Our work was now comparatively easy. A second and third plank were laid
beside the first; and when these were carefully secured at each end to
the ground and to the trees, we very quickly laid short boards side by
side across the beams, the boys nailing them lightly down as I sawed
them in lengths; and when this was done, our bridge was pronounced
complete. Nothing could exceed the excitement of the children. They
danced to and fro on the wonderful structure, singing, shouting, and
cutting the wildest capers. I must confess I heartily sympathized with
their triumphant feelings.
Now that the work was done, we began to feel how much we were fatigued,
and gladly returned to our tent for refreshment and repose.
Next morning, while we breakfasted, I made a little speech to my sons on
the subject of the important move we were about to make, wishing to
impress them with a sense of the absolute necessity of great caution.
"Remember," said I, "that, although you all begin to feel very much at
your ease here, we are yet complete strangers to a variety of dangers
which may surprise us unawares. I charge you, therefore, to maintain
good order, and keep together on the march. No darting off into by-ways,
Jack. No lingering behind to philosophize, Ernest. And now all hands to
work."
The greatest activity instantly prevailed in our camp. Some collected
provisions, others packed kitchen utensils, tools, ropes, and hammocks,
arranging them as burdens for the cow and ass. My wife pleaded for a
seat on the latter for her little Franz, and assuring me likewise that
she could not possibly leave the poultry even for a night, nor exist an
hour without her magic bag, I agreed to do my best to please her,
without downright cruelty to animals.
Away ran the children to catch the cocks and hens. Great chasing,
fluttering, and cackling ensued; but with no success whatever, until the
mother recalled her panting sons, and scattering some handfuls of grain
within the open tent, soon decoyed the fowls and pigeons into the
enclosure; where, when the curtain was dropped, they were easily caught,
tied together, and placed on the cow. This amiable and phlegmatic animal
had stood calmly chewing the cud, while package after package was
disposed on her broad back, nor did she now object even to this noisy
addition to her load. I placed a couple of half-hoops over all; and,
spreading sailcloth on them, put the fowls in darkness, and they rapidly
became quiet; and the cow, with the appearance of having a small wagon
on her back, was ready to start.
Franz was firmly seated on the ass, amidst bags and bundles of all sorts
and sizes; they rose about him like cushions and pillows, and his curly
head rested on the precious magic bag, which surmounted all the rest.
Having filled the tent with the things we left behind, closing it
carefully, and ranging chests and casks around it, we were finally ready
to be off, each well equipped and in the highest spirits.
Fritz and his mother led the van.
Franz (the young cavalier) and the sober-minded cow followed them
closely.
Jack conducted the goats; one of these had also a rider, for Knips,[1]
the monkey, was seated on his foster-mother, whose patience was sorely
tried by his restlessness and playful tricks.
[Footnote 1: German, Knipps, a mannikin.]
The sheep were under Ernest's care, and I brought up the rear of this
patriarchal band, while the two dogs kept constantly running backward
and forward in the character of aids-de-camp.
"We seem delightfully like those simple and pastoral tribes I have read
of," said Ernest, as we proceeded, "whose whole lives are spent in
shifting from place to place, without any wish to settle."
"Yes," said I. "Among the Arabs, Tartars, and some other eastern
nations, this mode of life is natural. They for that reason are called
Nomads.
"These tribes are amply provided with camels and horses, and effect
their journeys more quickly and conveniently than we are likely to do
with these deliberate quadrupeds of ours. Whatever you young folks may
think, I suspect your mother and I will be quite satisfied with one such
undertaking. At least I hope she will be contented with the nest she
intends me to build for her up in her wonderful trees."
With honest pride I introduced my wife to my bridge, and after receiving
from her what I considered well-merited praise for my skill in its
construction, we passed over it in grand procession, re-enforced
unexpectedly on the opposite side by the arrival of our cross-grained
old sow. The perverse creature had obstinately resisted our attempts to
bring her with us, but finding herself deserted, had followed of her own
accord, testifying in the most unmistakable manner, by angry grunts and
squeals, her entire disapproval of our proceedings.
I soon found we must, as before, turn down to the sea beach, for not
only did the rank grass impede our progress, but it also tempted the
animals to break away from us, and, but for our watchful dogs, we might
have lost several of them.
On the firm open sands we were making good way when, to my annoyance,
both our dogs suddenly left us, and springing into the thick cover to
our right, commenced a furious barking, followed by howling as if in
fear and violent pain.
Not for a moment doubting that some dangerous animal was at hand, I
hastened to the spot, remarking as I went the characteristic behavior of
my three sons.
Fritz cocked his gun and advanced boldly, but with caution.
Ernest looked disconcerted, and drew back, but got ready to fire.
While Jack hurried after Fritz without so much as unslinging his gun
from his shoulders.
Before I could come up with them, I heard Jack shouting excitedly,
"Father! father! come quickly! a huge porcupine! a most enormous
porcupine!"
Sure enough, the dogs were rushing round and round a porcupine, and
having attempted to seize it, were already severely wounded by its
quills. Each time they came near, the creature, with a rattling noise,
bristled up its spines.
Somewhat to my amusement, while we were looking at the curious defense
this creature was making, little Jack stepped close up to it, with a
pocket pistol in his hand, and shot it dead, making sure of it by a
couple of hearty raps on the head, and then giving way to a burst of
boyish exultation, he called upon us to help convey his prize to his
mother. This it was not by any means easy to do. Sundry attempts
resulted in bloody fingers, till Jack, taking his pocket handkerchief
and fastening one corner round its neck, ran off, dragging it after him
to where his mother awaited us.
"Hullo, mother! here's a jolly beast, isn't it? I shot it, and it's good
to eat! Father says so! I only wish you had seen how it terrified the
dogs, and heard the rattling and rustling of its spines. Oh, it is a
fearful creature!"
Ernest, examining it carefully, pronounced its incisor teeth, its ears
and feet, to resemble those of the human race, and pointed out the
curious crest of stiff hairs on its head and neck.
"I have read of another species," said he, "called the tuft-tailed
porcupine, which must be even more curious looking than this is. It has
short, flat quills, and a scaly tail ending in an extraordinary tuft,
like a bunch of narrow strips of parchment. It cannot be such a
disagreeable enemy to encounter as this fellow."
"Were you not afraid, Jack," asked I, "lest the porcupine should cast
some of his quills like darts at you?"
"Of course not," returned he, "I know well enough that is nothing but a
fable!"
"A fable!" said I; "why, look at your mother! she is drawing five or six
spines out of each of the dogs!"
"Ah, those stuck into them when they so fiercely fell upon it in their
attack. Those are the shortest quills, and seem very slightly fixed in
its skin. The long quills bent aside when Juno pressed against them."
"You are perfectly right, my boy," said I; "there is no truth in the old
idea of shooting out the spines. But now, shall we leave this prickly
booty of yours, or attempt to take it with us?"
"Oh, please, father, let us take it! Why, it is good to eat!"
Smiling at the child's eagerness, and willing to please him, I made a
somewhat awkward bundle of the porcupine, wrapping it in several folds
of cloth, and added it to the donkey's load. We had scarcely started
when the porcupine quills entered the donkey's back, causing it to kick
and plunge. This I soon altered, and our party then resumed the march,
which, with little interruption, was continued steadily, until we came
in sight of our future place of residence.
The wonderful appearance of the enormous trees, and the calm beauty of
the spot altogether, fully came up to the enthusiastic description
which had been given me. And my wife gladly heard me say that, if an
abode could be contrived among the branches, it would be the safest and
most charming home in the world.
We hastily unloaded the ass and cow, securing them, as well as the sheep
and goats, by tying their fore-feet loosely together. The doves and
poultry were set at liberty, and we sat down to rest among the soft
herbage while we laid our plans for the night.
Fritz soon left us, but presently two shots were fired, and he appeared
holding a fine tiger cat by the hind legs, which, with the intensest
delight, he exhibited to each in turn.
"Well done, Fritz!" cried I. "Our cocks and hens would have had an
unfortunate night of it but for this lucky shot of yours. It is to be
hoped he has left no companion near at hand. You must be on the
lookout."
"How curious it seems," remarked Ernest, "that God should create hurtful
animals like this."
"To our feeble and narrow vision many of the ways of the Infinite and
Eternal Mind are incomprehensible," I replied. "What our limited reason
cannot grasp, let us be content to acknowledge as the workings of
Almighty power and wisdom, and thankfully trust in that 'Rock,' which,
were it not higher than we, would afford no sense of security to the
immortal soul. That animals should prey upon one another is a means of
preserving a due balance in the world of nature, and in many ways these
beasts of prey are also useful to man. What beautiful and warm furs are
procured by hunters just in those countries where no other covering
would defend the inhabitants from the wintry cold!--as, for instance,
the skins of bears, wolverines, and arctic foxes, wild cats, and many
others."
"The skin of the seal, or sea dog, is also valuable," said Ernest.
"It is," I replied, "and in its own element that creature preys on fish
as the dog did on land animals before his race became domesticated by
man. But now, Fritz, tell us how you obtained your prize."
"Observing that something moved among the branches," said he, "I went
softly around the tree with my gun, and making sure the creature was a
wild cat, I fired and brought it down. It was severely wounded, but,
rising in a fury, it attempted to climb the tree, when I, luckily having
a loaded pistol, gave it a quietus. And do tell me, father, what sort of
a cat it is."
"It is a mercy the brute did not fly at your throat instead of
attempting to escape," said I. "It belongs to a fierce and blood-thirsty
race--that of the ocelots or tiger cats, natives of the tropical parts
of America. I should say this was a margay, and it would have proved a
cruel foe, not only of our poultry, but also of our sheep and goats. I
am well pleased that you have rid us of it."
"May I have the beautiful skin, father? And will you tell me what will
be the best use to make of it?"
"I advise you to skin the animal very carefully, and of the handsome
black and yellow tail make a hunting-belt for yourself. The paws--let me
see--why, I fancy the paws might be made into famous cases for knife,
fork, and spoon, and look well hanging from the belt. The skin of the
body you had better preserve until you find some suitable use for it."
"Oh, father, what a splendid plan!" cried Jack; "do tell me some good
use for my porcupine."
"I think its feet may make cases also; at least, you may try. The
quills, I am sure, may be used for packing needles, and for tipping
arrows, and I should try to make defensive armor for the dogs out of the
rest. They may fall in with foes more dangerous than any we have yet
seen."
"To be sure, father, the very thing!" shouted Jack in high glee. "I have
seen pictures of boar hunts, in which the dogs were protected by a sort
of leather coat of mail. That will be grand!"
After giving this advice, I got no peace until I had shown my boys how
to act upon it, and in a short time each had his prize fastened up by
the hind legs, and carefully slitting the skin, was stripping it from
the carcass.
Ernest, meanwhile, was fetching large flat stones in order to form a
fireplace, while Franz gathered sticks, as his mother was anxious to
prepare some food.
"What sort of a tree do you suppose this to be, father?" inquired
Ernest, seeing me examining that under which we were encamping. "Is not
the leaf something like a walnut?"
"There is a resemblance, but in my opinion these gigantic trees must be
mangroves or wild figs. I have heard their enormous height described,
and also the peculiarity of the arching roots supporting the main trunk
raised above the soil."
Just then little Franz came up with a large bundle of sticks, and his
mouth full of something he was eating with evident satisfaction.
"Oh, mother!" cried he, "this is so good! So delicious!"
"Greedy little boy!" exclaimed she in a fright. "What have you got
there? Don't swallow it, whatever you do. Very likely it is poisonous!
Spit it all out this minute!" And the anxious mother quickly extracted
from the rosy little mouth the remains of a small fig.
"Where did you find this?" said I.
"There are thousands lying among the grass yonder," replied the little
boy. "They taste very nice. I thought poison was nasty. Do you think
they will hurt me? The pigeons and the hens are gobbling them up with
all their might and main, papa!"
"I think you have no cause for alarm, dear wife," I said. "The trees
seem to be the fig-bearing mangrove of the Antilles. But remember,
Franz, you must never eat anything without first showing it to me, never
mind how good it seems. If birds and monkeys eat a fruit or vegetable,
it is usually safe to believe it wholesome," added I, turning to the
other boys, who, instantly taking the hint, coaxed Franz to give them
the figs he still had in his pocket, and ran to offer them to Knips, who
was closely watching the skinning of the tiger cat and porcupine,
apparently giving his opinion on the subject with much chattering and
gesticulation.
"Here, Knips, allow me to present you with a fig!" cried Jack, holding
one out to the funny little creature.
Knips took it readily, and after turning it about, and sniffing and
smelling it, he popped it into his mouth, with such a droll grimace of
delight and satisfaction that the boys all laughed and clapped their
hands, crying, "Bravo, Knips! you know a good thing when you see it,
don't you, old fellow! Hurrah!"
My wife, with her mind set at rest on the question of the figs, now
continued her preparations for dinner.
The flesh of the margay was given to the dogs, but part of the porcupine
was put on the fire to boil, while we reserved the rest for roasting.
I employed myself in contriving needles for my wife's work, by boring
holes at one end of the quills, which I did by means of a red hot nail,
and I soon had a nice packet of various sizes, which pleased her
immensely. I also laid plans for making proper harness for our beasts of
burden, but could not attempt to begin that while so many wants more
pressing demanded attention.
We examined the different trees, and chose one which seemed most suited
to our purpose. The branches spread at a great height above us, and I
made the boys try if it were possible to throw sticks or stones over one
of these, my intention being to construct a rope ladder if we could once
succeed in getting a string across a strong bough.
Finding we could not succeed in that way, I revolved other schemes in my
mind, and meantime went with Jack and Fritz to a small brook close by,
where I showed them how to place the skins to steep and soften in the
water, with stones placed on them to keep them beneath the surface.
When dinner was over, I prepared our night quarters. I first slung our
hammocks from the roots of the tree, which, meeting above us, formed an
arched roof, then covering the whole with sailcloth, we made a temporary
tent, which would at least keep off the night damps and noxious insects.
Leaving my wife engaged in making a set of harness for the ass and cow,
whose strength I intended to employ the following day in drawing the
beams up to our tree, I walked down with Fritz and Ernest to the beach
to look for wood suitable for building our new abode, and also to
discover, if possible, some light rods to form a ladder. For some time
we hunted in vain; nothing but rough drift wood was to be seen, utterly
unfit for our purpose. Ernest at length pointed out a quantity of
bamboos, half buried in the sand. These were exactly what I wanted, and
stripping them of their leaves I cut them into lengths of about five
feet each; these I bound in bundles to carry to the tree, and then began
to look about for some slight reeds to serve as arrows.
I presently saw what I required in a copse at a little distance. We
advanced cautiously lest the thicket should contain some wild beast or
venomous serpent. Juno rushed ahead; as she did so a flock of
flamingoes, which had been quietly feeding, rose in the air. Fritz,
instantly firing, brought a couple of the birds to the ground, the rest
of the squadron sailing away in perfect order, their plumage continually
changing, as they flew, from beautiful rose to pure white, as
alternately their snowy wings and rosy breasts were visible. One of
those which fell was perfectly dead, but the other appeared only
slightly wounded in the wing, for it made off across the swampy ground.
I attempted to follow, but soon found that progress was impossible on
the marsh; Juno, however, chased the bird and, seizing it, speedily
brought it to my feet. Fritz and Ernest were delighted at the sight of
our prize.
"What a handsome bird!" exclaimed they. "Is it much hurt? Let us tame it
and let it run about with the fowls."
"Its plumage is much more brilliant than that of the dead one," remarked
Fritz.
"Yes," said Ernest, "this is a full grown bird, while yours is younger;
it is some years before they reach perfection. See what long active legs
it has, like those of a stork, while with its great webbed feet it can
swim faster than a goose. Earth, air, or water is all the same to the
flamingo; it is equally at home in any one of the three."
"Well," said Fritz, "let us take the dead one to mother and get her to
introduce it to the other element, and see what it will make of that; if
it is young and tender, as you say, it should make a delicious roast."
Fritz and Ernest then carried the birds and bamboos to the tree, while I
proceeded to cut my reeds. I chose those which had flowered, knowing
that they were harder, and having cut a sufficient quantity of these, I
selected one or two of the tallest canes I could find to assist me in
measuring the height of the tree. I then bound them together and
returned to my family.
"Do you mean to keep this great hungry bird Fritz has brought?" said my
wife, "it is another mouth to feed, remember, and provisions are still
scarce."
"Luckily," I replied, "the flamingo will not eat grain like our poultry,
but will be quite satisfied with insects, fish, and little crabs, which
it will pick up for itself. Pray reassure yourself, therefore, and let
me see to the poor bird's wound."
So saying, I procured some wine and butter and anointed the wing, which
though hurt was not broken. I bound it up, and then took the bird to the
stream, where I fastened it by a long cord to a stake and left it to
shift for itself. In a few days the wound was healed, and the bird,
subdued by kind treatment, became rapidly tame.
While I was thus employed my sons were endeavoring to ascertain the
height of the lowest branch of the tree from the ground. They had
fastened together the long reeds I had brought, and were trying to
measure the distance with them, but in vain; they soon found that were
the rods ten times their length they could not touch the branch.
"Hullo, my boys," I said, when I discovered what they were about, "that
is not the way to set to work. Geometry will simplify the operation
considerably; with its help the altitude of the highest mountains are
ascertained. We may, therefore, easily find the height of the branch."
So saying, I measured out a certain distance from the base of the tree
and marked the spot, and then by means of a rod whose length I knew, and
imaginary lines, I calculated the angle subtended by the trunk of the
tree from the ground to the root of the branch. This done, I was able to
discover the height required, and, to the astonishment of the younger
children, announced that we should henceforth live thirty feet above the
ground. This I wanted to know, that I might construct a ladder of the
necessary length.
Telling Fritz to collect all our cord, and the others to roll all the
twine into a ball, I sat down, and taking the reeds, speedily
manufactured half a dozen arrows and feathered them from the dead
flamingo. I then took a strong bamboo, bent it, and strung it so as to
form a bow. When the boys saw what I had done they were delighted, and
begged to have the pleasure of firing the first shot.
"No, no!" said I, "I did not make this for mere pleasure, nor is it even
intended as a weapon; the arrows are pointless. Elizabeth," I continued
to my wife, "can you supply me with a ball of stout thread from your
wonderful bag?"
"Certainly," replied she, "I think a ball of thread was the first thing
to enter the bag," and diving her hand deep in, she drew out the very
thing I wanted.
"Now, boys," I said, "I am going to fire the first shot," and I fastened
one end of the thread to one of my arrows and aimed at a large branch
above me. The arrow flew upward and bore the thread over the branch and
fell at our feet. Thus was the first step in our undertaking
accomplished. Now for the rope ladder!
Fritz had obtained two coils of cord, each about forty feet in length;
these we stretched on the ground side by side; then Fritz cut the
bamboos into pieces of two feet for the steps of the ladder, and as he
handed them to me, I passed them through knots which I had prepared in
the ropes, while Jack fixed each end with a nail driven through the
wood. When the ladder was finished, I carried over the bough a rope by
which it might be hauled up. This done, I fixed the lower end of the
ladder firmly to the ground by means of stakes, and all was ready for an
ascent. The boys, who had been watching me with intense interest, were
each eager to be first.
"Jack shall have the honor," said I, "as he is the lightest; so up with
you, my boy, and do not break your neck."
Jack, who was as active as a monkey, sprang up the ladder and quickly
gained the top.
"Three cheers for the nest!" he exclaimed, waving his cap. "Hurrah,
hurrah, hurrah for our jolly nest! What a grand house we will have up
here; come along, Fritz!"
His brother was soon by his side, and with a hammer and nails secured
the ladder yet more securely. I followed with an ax, and took a survey
of the tree. It was admirably suited to our purpose; the branches were
very strong and so closely interwoven that no beams would be required to
form a flooring, but when some of the boughs were lopped and cleared
away, a few planks would be quite sufficient.
I now called for a pulley, which my wife fastened to the cord hanging
beside the ladder. I hauled it up, and finding the boys rather in my
way, told them to go down, while I proceeded to fasten the pulley to a
stout branch above me, that we might be able to haul up the beams we
should require the next day. I then made other preparations, that there
might be no delay on the morrow, and a bright moon having arisen, I by
its light continued working until I was quite worn out, and then at
length descended. I reached the ground, but to my surprise found that
the two boys were not there. They had not been seen.
A moment afterward, however, all anxiety was dispelled, for among the
topmost boughs I heard their young voices raised in the evening hymn.
Instead of descending, they had, while I was busy, climbed upward, and
had been sitting in silent admiration of the moonlight scene, high above
me. They now joined us, and my wife showed me the results of her labor.
She had made two complete sets of harness. I congratulated her upon her
success, and we then sat down to supper. On a cloth spread out upon the
grass were arranged a roast shoulder of porcupine, a delicious bowl of
soup made from a piece of the same animal, cheese, butter, and biscuits,
forming a most tempting repast. Having done this ample justice, we
collected our cattle, and the pigeons and fowls having retired to roost
on the neighboring trees, and on the steps of our ladder, we made up a
glorious fire to keep off any prowling wild beasts, and ourselves lay
down. The children, in spite of the novelty of the hammocks, were
quickly asleep. In vain I tried to follow their example; a thousand
anxious thoughts presented themselves, and as quickly as I dispelled
them others rose in their place. The night wore on, and I was still
awake; the fire burned low, and I rose and replenished it with dry fuel.
Then again I climbed into my hammock, and toward morning fell asleep.
Early next morning we were astir, and dispersed to our various
occupations. My wife milked the goats and cow, while we gave the animals
their food, after which we went down to the beach to collect more wood
for our building operations. To the larger beams we harnessed the cow
and ass, while we ourselves dragged up the remainder. Fritz and I then
ascended the tree, and finished the preparations I had begun the night
before; all useless boughs we lopped off, leaving a few about six feet
from the floor, from which we might sling our hammocks, and others still
higher, to support a temporary roof of sailcloth. My wife made fast the
planks to a rope passed through the block I had fixed to the boughs
above us, and by this means Fritz and I hauled them up. These we
arranged side by side on the foundation of boughs, so as to form a
smooth solid floor, and round this platform built a bulwark of planks,
and then throwing the sailcloth over the higher branches, we drew it
down and firmly nailed it.
Our house was thus enclosed on three sides, for behind the great trunk
protected us, while the front was left open to admit the fresh sea
breeze which blew directly in. We then hauled up our hammocks and
bedding and slung them from the branches we had left for that purpose. A
few hours of daylight still remaining, we cleared the floor of leaves
and chips, and then descended to fashion a table and a few benches from
the remainder of the wood. After working like slaves all day, Fritz and
I flung ourselves on the grass, while my wife arranged supper on the
table we had made.
"Come," said she at length, "come and taste flamingo stew, and tell me
how you like it. Ernest assured me that it would be much better stewed
than roasted, and I have been following his directions."
Laughing at the idea of Ernest turning scientific cook, we sat down. The
fowls gathered round us to pick up the crumbs, and the tame flamingo
joined them, while Master Knips skipped about from one to the other,
chattering and mimicking our gestures continually. To my wife's joy, the
sow appeared shortly after, and was presented with all the milk that
remained from the day's stock that she might be persuaded to return
every night.
"For," said my wife, "this surplus milk is really of no use to us, as
it will be sour before the morning in this hot climate."
"You are quite right," I replied, "but we must contrive to make it of
use. The next time Fritz and I return to the wreck we will bring off a
churn among the other things we require."
"Must you really go again to that dreadful wreck?" said my wife
shuddering. "You have no idea how anxious I am when you are away there."
"Go we must, I am afraid," I replied, "but not for a day or two yet.
Come, it is getting late. We and the chickens must go to roost."
We lit our watch-fire, and, leaving the dogs on guard below, ascended
the ladder. Fritz, Ernest, and Jack were up in a moment. Their mother
followed very cautiously, for though she had originated the idea of
building a nest, she yet hesitated to entrust herself at such a terrific
height from the ground. When she was safely landed in the house, taking
little Franz on my back, I let go the fastenings which secured the lower
end of the ladder to the ground, and swinging to and fro, slowly
ascended.
Then for the first time we stood all together in our new home. I drew up
the ladder, and, with a greater sense of security than I had enjoyed
since we landed on the island, offered up our evening prayer, and
retired for the night.