This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Swiss Family Robinson, or Adventures in a Desert Island, by Johann David Wiss. Introduction. It is very well known that, some years ago, Counselor Horner of Swiss made a voyage round the world in the Russian vessel La Podesta, commanded by Captain Kruisenstern. They discovered many islands, and amongst others, one very large and fertile, till then unknown to navigators, to the southwest of Java, near the coast of New Guinea. They landed here, and to the great surprise of Mr. Horner, he was received by a family who spoke to him in German. They were a father and mother, and four robust and hearty sons. Their history was very interesting. The father was a Swiss clergyman, who, in the Revolution of 1798, had lost all his fortune, and had determined to emigrate in order to seek elsewhere the means of supporting his family. He went first to England, with his wife and children, consisting of four sons, between the ages of twelve and five. He there undertook the office of missionary to Otahaita. Not that he intended to remain on that uncivilized island, but he wished to proceed from thence to Port Jackson as a free colonist. He invested his little capital in seeds of every description and some cattle to take out with him. They had a prosperous voyage till they were near the coast of New Guinea, when they were overtaken by a frightful storm. At this period he commenced his journal, which he afterwards committed to the care of Mr. Horner, to be forwarded to his friends in Switzerland. Some time before, a boat from an English vessel, the adventurer, had visited them, and the father had sent the first part of his journal by Lieutenant Bell to the captain, who remained in the vessel. A violent tempest arose, which continued some days, and drove the adventurer from the coast. The family concluded the ship was lost, but this was not the case, as will be seen in the conclusion. Chapter 1 The tempest had raged for six days, and on the seventh seemed to increase. The ship had been so far driven from its course, no one on board knew where they were. Everyone was exhausted with fatigue and watching. The shattered vessel began to leak in many places, the oaths of the sailors were changed to prayers, and each thought only how to save his own life. Children, said I, to my terrified boys who were clinging round me, God can save us, if He will. To Him nothing is impossible, but if He thinks it good to call us to Him, let us not murmur, we shall not be separated. Excellent wife dried her tears, and from that moment became more tranquil. We knelt down to pray for the help of our Heavenly Father, and the fervor and emotion of my innocent boys proved to me that even children can pray and find in prayer consolation and peace. We rose from our knees strengthened to bear the afflictions that hung over us. Suddenly we heard amid the roaring of the waves the cry of, Land, Land! At that moment the ship struck on a rock, the concussion threw us down. We heard a loud cracking as if the vessel were parting asunder. We felt that we were aground and heard the captain cry in a tone of despair, We are lost! Launch the boats! These words were a dagger to my heart, and the lamentations of my children were louder than ever. I then recollected myself and said, Courage, my darlings, we are still above water, and the land is near. God helps those who trust in Him remain here and I will endeavor to save us. I went on deck and was instantly thrown down and went through by a huge sea, a second followed. I struggled boldly with the waves and succeeded in keeping myself up when I saw with terror the extent of our wretchedness. The shattered vessel was almost in two. The crew had crowded into the boats and the last sailor was cutting the rope. I cried out and prayed them to take us with them, but my voice was drowned in the roar of the tempest, nor could they have returned for us through waves that ran mountains high. All hope from their assistance was lost, but I was consoled by observing that the water did not enter the ship above a certain height. The stern, under which lay the cabin which contained all that was dear to me on earth, was immovably fixed between two rocks. At the same time I observed towards the south traces of land which, though wild and barren, were now the haven of my almost-expiring hopes. No longer being able to depend on any human aid. I returned to my family and endeavored to appear calm. Take courage, cried I. There is yet hope for us. The vessel and striking between the rocks is fixed in a position which protects our cabin above the water, and if the wind should settle tomorrow we may possibly reach the land. This assurance called my children, and as usual they depended on all I told them. They rejoiced that the heaving of the vessel had seized as, while it lasted, they were continually thrown against each other. My wife, more accustomed to read my countenance, discovered my uneasiness, and by a sign I explained to her that I had lost all hope. I felt great consolation in seeing that she supported our misfortune with truly Christian resignation. Let us take some food, said she, with the body the mind is strengthened. This must be a night of trial. Night came, and the tempest continued its fury, tearing away the planks from the devoted vessel with a fearful crashing. It appeared absolutely impossible that the boats could about live the storm. My wife had prepared some refreshment, of which the children partook with an appetite that we would not feel. Three younger ones retired to their beds, and soon slept soundly. Fritz the eldest watched with me. I have been considering, said he, how we could save ourselves. If we only had some cork jackets or bladders for Mama and my brothers, you and I don't need them, we could then swim to land. A good thought, said I, I will try during the night to contrive some expedient to secure our safety. We found some small empty barrels in the cabin, which we tied two together with our handkerchiefs, leaving a space between for each child, and fastened this new swimming apparatus under our arms. My wife prepared the same for herself. We then collected some knives, string, tinder-box, and such little necessaries as we could put in our pockets. Thus, in case the vessel should fall to pieces during the night, we hoped we might be enabled to reach land. At length Fritz, overcome with fatigue, lay down and slept with his brothers. My wife and I, too anxious to rest, spent that dreadful night in prayer and in arranging various plans. How gladly we welcomed the light of day shining through an opening. The wind was subsiding, the sky serene, and I watched the sun rise with renewed hope. I called my wife and children on deck. The younger ones were surprised to find we were alone. They inquired what had become of the sailors and how we should manage the ship alone. Children, said I, one more powerful than man has protected us till now and will still extend a saving arm to us if we do not give way to complaint and despair. Let all hands set to work. Remember that excellent maxim. God helps those who help themselves. Let us all consider what is best to do now. Let us leap into the sea, cried Fritz, and swim to the shore. Very well for you, replied Ernest, who can swim, but we should all be drowned. Would it not be better to construct a raft and go all together? That might too, added I, if we were strong enough for such a work and if a raft was not always so dangerous a conveyance. But away, boys, look about you and seek for anything that might be useful to us. We all dispersed to different parts of the vessel. For my own part I went to the provision-room to look after the casks of water and other necessaries of life. My wife visited the livestock and fed them, for they were almost famished. Fritz sought for arms and ammunition. Ernest for the carpenter's tools. Jack had opened the captain's cabin and was immediately thrown down by two large dogs who leaped on him so roughly that he cried out as if they were going to devour him. However, hunger had rendered them so docile that they licked his hands and he soon recovered his feet, seized the largest by the ears, and, mounting his back, gravely rode up to me as I was coming from the hold. I could not help laughing. I applauded his courage, but recommended him always to be prudent with animals of that kind who were often dangerous when hungry. My little troop began to assemble.  Ernest was loaded with an ax and hammer, a pair of pincers, a large pair of scissors, and an auger showed itself half out of his pocket. Francis had a large box under his arm. From which he eagerly produced what he had called little pointed hooks. His brothers left at his prize. Silence, said I. The youngest has made the most valuable addition to our stores. These are fish hooks, and may be more useful for the preservation of our lives than anything this ship contains. However, Fritz and Ernest have not done a miss. For my part, said my wife, I only contribute good news.  I fed them and hope we may preserve them. Very well, said I, to my little workman. I am satisfied with all but Master Jack, who, instead of anything useful, has contributed two great eaters who will do us more harm than good. They can help us to hunt when we get to land, said Jack. Yes, replied I. But can you devise any means of our getting there? It does not seem at all difficult, said the spirited little fellow. Put us each into a great tub, and let us float ashore. I remember sailing capitalally that way on Godpapa's great pond. That's a very good idea, Jack. Good counsel may sometimes be given even by a child. Be quick, boys. Give me the saw and auger with some nails. We will see what we can do. I remembered seeing some empty casks in the hold. We went down and found them floating. There was less difficulty in getting them upon the lower deck, which was just above the water. They were of strong wood, bound with iron hoops, and exactly suited my purpose. My sons and I therefore began to saw them through the middle. After long labor we had eight tubs all the same height. We refreshed ourselves with wine and biscuit, which we had found in some of the casks. I then contemplated with delight still to continue depressed. She looked mournfully on them. I can never venture in one of those tubs, she said. Wait a little till my work is finished, replied I, and you will see it is more to be depended on than this broken vessel. I sought out a long, flexible plank, and arranged eight tubs on it close to each other, leaving a piece at each end to form a curve upwards, like the keel of a vessel. We then nailed them firmly to the plank over. We nailed a plank at each side of the same length as the first, and succeeded in producing a sort of boat, divided into eight compartments in which it did not appear difficult to make a short voyage over a calm sea. But, unluckily, our wonderful vessel proved so heavy that our united efforts could not move it an inch. I sent Fritz to bring me the jackscrew, and in the meantime sawed a thick round pole into pieces, then raising the four part of our work by means of the powerful machine, Fritz placed one of these rollers under it. Ernest was very anxious to know how this small machine could accomplish more than our united strength. I explained to him, as well as I could, the power of the lever of Archimedes with which he had declared he could move the world if he had but a point to rest it on, and I promised my son to take the machine to pieces when we were on shore in operation. I then told them that God, to compensate for the weakness of man, had bestowed on him reason, invention, and skill in workmanship. The result of these had produced a science which, under the name of mechanics, taught us to increase and extend our limited powers incredibly by the aid of instruments. Jack remarked that the jackscrew worked very slowly. Better slowly than not at all, in mechanics, that what is gained in time is lost in power. The jack is not meant to work rapidly, but to raise heavy weights and the heavier the weight, the slower the operation. But can you tell me how we can make out for the slowness? Oh, by turning the handle quicker, to be sure. Quite wrong. That would not aid us at all. Patience and reason are the two fairies by whose potent help I hope to get our boat afloat. We succeeded to tie a strong cord to the after-part of it, and the other end to a beam in the ship, which was still firm, leaving it long enough for security. Then, introducing two more rollers underneath, and working with the jack, we succeeded in launching our bark, which passed into the water with such velocity that but for our rope it would have gone out to sea. Unfortunately, it leaned so much on one side that none of the boys would venture into it. When I suddenly remembered, it only wanted ballast to keep it in equilibrium. I hastily threw in anything I got hold of that was heavy and soon had my boat level and ready for occupation. They now contended who should enter first, but I stopped them, reflecting that these restless children might easily capsize our vessel. I remembered that savage nations made use of an outrigger to prevent their canoe over-setting, and this I determined to add to my work. I fixed two portions of a top-soul yard, one over the prowl, the other across the stern, in such a manner that they should not be in the way in pushing off our boat from the wreck. I forced the end of each yard into the bung-hole of an empty brandy cask to keep them steady during our progress. It was now necessary to clear the way for our departure. I got into the first tub and managed to get the boat into the cleft on the ship's side by way of a haven. We returned, and with the ax and saw, cut away right and left all that could obstruct our passage. Then we secured some oars to be ready for our voyage next day. The day had passed in toil, and we were compelled to spend another night on the wreck, though we knew it might not remain until morning. We took a regular meal for during the day we had scarcely had time to snatch a morsel of bread in a glass of wine. More composed than on the preceding night we retired to rest. I took the precaution to fasten the swimming apparatus across the shoulders of my three younger children and my wife for fear another storm might destroy the vessel and cast us into the sea. I also advised my wife to put on a sailor's dress as more convenient for her expected toils and trials. She reluctantly consented, and after a short absence appeared in the dress of a youth who had served as a volunteer in the vessel. She felt very timid and awkward in her new dress, but I showed her the advantage of the change, and at last she was reconciled and joined in the laughter of the children at her strange disguise. She then got into her hammock and we enjoyed a pleasant sleep to prepare us for new labours. End of chapter 1 By Yohan David Wiss Chapter 2 At break of day we were awake and ready, and after morning prayer I addressed my children thus. We are now, my dear boys, with the help of God about to attempt our deliverance. Before we go provide our poor animals with food for some days. We cannot take them with us, but if our voyage succeeds we may return for them. Are you ready? Collect what you wish to carry away, but only things absolutely necessary for our actual wants. I planned that our first cargo should consist of a barrel of powder, three falling pieces, three muskets, two pair of pocket pistols, and one pair larger, ball, shot, and lead as much as we could carry, with a bullet-mold, and I wished each of my sons, as well as their mother, should have a complete game-bag of which they were several in the officer's cabins. We then set apart a box of portable soup, another a biscuit, one pot, a fishing-rod, a chest of nails, and one of carpenter's tools, also some sail-cloth to make a tent. In fact, my boys collected so many things we were compelled to leave some behind, though I exchanged all the useless ballast for necessaries. When all was ready we implored the blessing of God on our undertaking and prepared to embark in our tubs. At this moment the cocks crowed a sort of reproachful farewell to us. We had forgotten them. They were poultry with us, geese, ducks, vows, and pigeons, for, as I observed to my wife, if we could not feed them, they would at any rate feed us. We placed our ten hens and two cocks in a covered tub, the rest we set at liberty, hoping the geese and ducks might reach the shore by water and the pigeons by flight. We waited a little for my wife, who came loaded with a large bag which she threw into the tub that contained her youngest son. We steadied him, for for a seat and made no observation of it. Here follows the order of our embarkation. In the first division sat the tender mother, the faithful and pious wife. In the second, our amiable little Francis, six years old, and of a sweet disposition. In the third, Fritz, our eldest, fourteen or fifteen years old, a curly-headed, clever, intelligent, and lively youth. In the fourth, the powder cask our provisions filled the fifth. In the sixth, our heedless Jack, ten years old, enterprising, bold, and useful. In the seventh, Ernest, twelve years of age, well-informed and rational, but somewhat selfish and indolent. In the eighth, myself, an anxious father, charged with the important duty of guiding the vessel to save my dear family. Each of us had some useful tools beside us, each held an oar, and had a swimming apparatus at hand that we were unfortunately upset. The tide was rising when we left, which I considered might assist my weak endeavors. We turned our outriggers lengthwise and thus passed from the cleft of the ship into the open sea. We rode with all our might to reach the blue land we saw at a distance, but for some time in vain as the boat kept turning round and made no progress. At last I contrived to steer it so that we went straight forward. Soon as our dogs saw us depart, they leaped into the sea and followed us. I could not let them get into the boat for fear they should upset it. I was very sorry for I hardly expected they would be able to swim to land, but by occasionally resting their forepaws on our outriggers they managed to keep up with us. Turk was an English dog and flora of a Danish breed. We proceeded slowly but safely. The nearer we approached the land, the more dreary and unpromising it appeared. The rocky coast seemed to announce to us nothing but famine and misery. The waves gently rippling against the shore were scattered over with barrels, bales and chests from the wreck. Hoping to secure some good provisions I called on Fritz for assistance. He held a cord, hammer and nails, and we managed to seize two hogshead in passing. And fastening them with cords to our vessel drew them safely after us to the shore. As we approached, we could not prove. The chain of rock was not in tire and Fritz's hawk eye made out some trees which he declared were the coconut tree. Ernest was delighted at the prospect of eating these nuts so much larger and better than any grown in Europe. I was regretting not having brought the large telescope from the captain's cabin when Jack produced from his pocket a smaller one which he offered me with no little pride. This was a valuable acquisition as I was now enabled to make decisions and direct my course. The coast before us had a wild and desert appearance. It looked better towards the left but I could not approach that part for a current which drove us towards the rocky and barren shore. At length we saw near the mouth of a rivulet a little creek between the rocks towards which our geese and ducks made serving us for guides. This opening formed a little bay of smooth water just deep enough for our boat. We finally entered it and landed at a place where the coast was about the height of our tubs and the water deep enough to let us approach. The shore spread inland forming a gentle declivity of a triangular form the point lost among the rocks and the base to the sea. All that were able leaped on shore in a moment even little Francis who had been laid down in his tub like a salted herring tried to crawl out The dogs who had preceded us in landing welcomed us in a truly friendly manner leaping playfully around us. The geese kept up a loud cackling to which the yellow-billed ducks quacked a powerful base. This with the clacking of the liberated fowls and the chattering of the boys formed a perfect babble. Mingled with these were the harsh cries of the penguins and flamingos which hovered over our heads or sat in the points of the rocks. They were in immense numbers deafened us especially as they did not accord with the harmony of our civilized fowls. However I rejoiced to see these feathered creatures already fancying them on my table if we were obliged to remain in this desert region. Our first care, when we stepped in safety on land, was to kneel down and thank God to whom we owed our lives and to resign ourselves wholly to his fatherly kindness. We then began to unload our vessel how rich we bought ourselves with the little we had saved. We sought a convenient place for our tent under the shade of the rocks. We then inserted a pole and a fissure in the rock, this resting firmly on another pole fixed in the ground formed the frame of the tent. The sailcloth was then stretched over it and fastened down at proper distances by pegs to which for greater security we added some boxes of provision. We fixed some hooks to the canvas at the opening in front that we might close to the entrance during the night. I sent my sons to seek some moss and withered grass and spread it in the sun to dry to form our beds. And while all even little Francis were busy with this, I constructed a sort of cooking place at some distance from the tent near the river which was to supply us with fresh water. It was merely a hearth of flat stones from the bed of the stream fenced round with some thick branches. I kindled a cheerful fire with some dry twigs put on the pot, filled with water and some squares of portable soup and left my wife with Francis for assistant to prepare dinner. He took the portable soup for glue and could not conceive how mama could make soup as we had no meat and there were no butcher shops here. Fritz in the meantime had loaded our guns. He took one to the side of the river, Ernest declined accompanying him as the rugged road was not to his taste. He preferred the seashore. He headed to a ridge of rocks on the left which ran towards the sea to get some mussels. I went to try and draw the two floating hogsheads on shore but could not succeed for our landing-place was too steep to get them up. Whilst I was vainly trying to find a more favorable place I heard my dear Jack uttering most alarming cries. I seized my hatchet and ran to his assistance. I found him up to the knees in a shallow pool with a large lobster holding his leg in its sharp claws. It made off at my approach but I was determined it should pay for the fright it had given me. Cautiously taking it up I brought it out followed by Jack who, now very triumphant, wished to present it himself to his mother after watching how I held it. But he had hardly got it into his hands when it gave him such a violent blow on the cheek with its tail that he let it fall and began to cry again. I could not help laughing at him and in his rage he seized a stone and put an end to his adversary. I was grieved at this and recommended him never to act in a moment of anger showing him that it was unjust in being so revengeful for if he had been bitten by the lobster it was plain he would have eaten his foe if he had conquered him. Jack promised to be more discreet and merciful in future and obtained leave to bear the prize to his mother. Mama said he proudly, a lobster! a lobster Ernest! where's Fritz? They all crowded round in astonishment. Yes, added he triumphantly. Here is the important claw that sees me but I repaid the nave.  You would have gotten differently on with the lobster if I had not come up and have you forgotten slap on the cheek which compelled you to release him? Besides he only defended himself with his natural arms but you had to take a great stone you have no reason to be proud Jack. Ernest wished to have the lobster added to the soup to improve it but his mother, with a spirit of economy, reserved it for another day. I then walked to the spot where Jack's lobster was caught and finding it favorable for my purpose drew my two hogs' heads on shore there and secured them by turning them on end. On returning I congratulated Jack on being the first to have been successful in foraging. Ernest remarked that he had seen some oysters attached to a rock but could not get at them without having his feet which he did not like. Indeed, my delicate gentleman, said I, laughing, I must trouble you to return and procure a sum. We must all unite in working for the public good, regardless of wet feet. The sun will soon dry us. I might as well bring some salt at the same time, said he. I saw plenty in the fissures of the rocks left by the sea, I should think, Papa. Doubtless Mr. Reesner, replied I, where else could it have come from? Jack was so obvious that you had better have brought a bag full than delayed to reflect about it, but if you wish to escape insipid soup be quick and procure some. He went and returned with some salt, so mixed with sand and earth, that I should have thrown it away as useless but my wife dissolved it in fresh water and, filtering it through a piece of canvas, managed to flavor our soup with it. Jack asked why we could not have used sea water and I explained to him that the bitter taste of sea water would have spoiled our dinner. My wife stirred the soup with a little stick and, tasting it, pronounced it very good, but added, we must wait for fritz and how shall we eat our soup without plates or spoons? We cannot possibly raise this large boiling pot to our heads and drink out of it. It was too true. We gazed stupefied at our pot and at last, all burst into laughter at our destitution and our folly in forgetting such useful necessaries. If we only had coconuts, said Ernest, we might split them and make basins and spoons. If, replied I, but we have none, we might as well wish for a dozen handsome silver spoons at once if wishes were of any use, but, observed he, we can use oyster shells.  Off ran Jack and was mid-legged in the water before Ernest got to him. He tore down the oysters and threw them to his idle brother, who filled his handkerchief, taking care to put a large one into his pocket for his own use and they returned with their spoil. Fritz had not yet appeared and his mother was becoming uneasy.  And he then, with great pride and satisfaction, produced his booty, which I recognized from the description of Travelers, to be the agouti common in these regions, a swift animal which burrows in the earth and lives on fruits and nuts. Its flesh, something like that of the rabbit, has an unpleasant flavor to Europeans. All were anxious to know the particulars of the chase, but I seriously reproved my son for fiction and warned him never to use the least deceit, even in jest. I then inquired where he had met with the agouti. He told me he had been on the other side of the river. A very different place to this, continued he. The shore lies low and you can have no idea of the number of cask, jest, planks and all sorts of things the sea has thrown up. Shall we go and take possession of them? And tomorrow, Father, we ought to make another trip to the vessel to look after our cattle. If we might at least bring away the cow, our biscuit would not be so hard dipped in milk. And very much nicer, added the greedy earnest. Then, continued Fritz, beyond the river there is rich grass for pastridge and a shady wood. Why should we remain in this barren wilderness? Softly, replied I, there is a time for all things, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow will have their work. But first tell me, did you see anything of our shipmates? Not a trace of man living or dead on land or sea, but I saw an animal more like a hog than this, but with feet like a hare, it leaped among the grass, sometimes sitting upright, and rubbing its mouth with its forepaws, sometimes seeking for roots and knowing them like a squirrel. If I had not been afraid it would escape me, I would have tried to take it alive, it seemed so very tame. As we were talking, Jack had been trying with many grimaces to force an oyster open with his knife. I laughed at his vain endeavours, and putting some on the fire showed him them open of themselves. I had no taste for oysters myself, but as they are everywhere accounted to delicacy, I advised my sons to try them. They all at first declined the unattractive repast, except Jack, who with great courage closed his eyes and desperately swallowed one as if it had been medicine. The rest followed his example and then all agreed with me that the oysters were not good. The shells were soon plunged into the pot to bring out some of the good soup, but, scalding their fingers, it was who could cry out the loudest. Ernest took his large shell from his pocket, cautiously filled it with a good portion of soup, and sent it down to cool, exulting in his own prudence. You have been very thoughtful, my dear Ernest, said I, but why are your thoughts always for yourself so seldom for others? As a punishment for your egotism that portion must be given to our faithful dogs, we can all dip our shells into the pot, the dogs cannot. Therefore they shall have your soup and you must wait and eat as we do. My reproach struck his heart and he placed his shell obediently on the ground, which the dogs emptied immediately. We were almost as hungry as they were and were watching anxiously till the soup began to cool when we perceived that the dogs were tearing and gnawing Fritz's agouty. The boys all cried out, but Ernest and a fury took his gun, struck the dogs, called the names through stones at them, and would have killed them if I had not held him. He had actually bent his gun with striking them.  Ernest said, I, leads to every crime. Remember Cain who killed his brother in a fit of passion? Oh, Father! said he in a voice of terror, and acknowledging his error he asked pardon and shed bitter tears. Soon after I repast, the sun set and the fowls gathered round us and picked up the scattered crumbs of biscuit.  She showed me also many other seeds of useful vegetables. I praised her prudence and begged her to be very economical as these seeds were of great value and we could bring from the vessel some spoiled biscuit for the fowls. Our pigeons now flew among the rocks, the cocks and hens perched on the frame of the tent, and the geese and ducks chose to roost in a marsh covered with bushes near the sea. We prepared for our rest, we loaded all our arms, then offered up our prayers together, thanking God for his signal mercy to us and commending ourselves to his care. When the last ray of light departed we closed our tent and lay down on our beds close together. The children had remarked how suddenly the darkness came on from which I concluded we were not far from the equator, for I explained to them the more perpendicularly the rays of the sun fall the less their refraction and consequently night comes on suddenly the reason. Once more I looked out to see if all was quiet, then carefully closing the entrance I lay down. Warm as the day had been, the night was so cold that we were obliged to crowd together for warmth. The children soon slept and when I saw their mother in her first peaceful sleep my own eyes closed and our first night on the island passed comfortably. End of chapter. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss. Chapter 3 At break of day I was waked by the crowing of the cock. I summoned my wife to council to consider on the business of the day. We agreed that our first duty was to seek for our shipmates and to examine the country beyond the river before we came to any decisive resolution. My wife saw we could not all go on this expedition and courageously agreed to remain with her three youngest sons while Fritz as the eldest and boldest should accompany me. I begged her to prepare breakfast immediately which she warned me would be scanty as no soup was provided. I asked for Jack's lobster but it was not to be found. I called the children and asking Jack for the lobster he brought it from a crevice in the rock where he had hidden it from the dogs who did not despise anything eatable. I am glad to see you profit by the misfortunes of others, said I. And now will you give up that large claw that caught your leg and which I promised you to Fritz as a provision for his journey. All were anxious to go on this journey and leaped around me like little kids but I told them we could not all go. Then with their mother, with Flora for a protector Fritz and I would take Turk with him and a loaded gun I thought we should inspire respect. I then ordered Fritz to tie up Flora and get the guns ready. Fritz blushed and tried in vain to straighten his crooked gun. I let him go on for some time and then allowed him to take another for I saw he was penitent. The dogs too snarled and would not let him approach them. He wept and begged some biscuit from his mother declaring he would give up his own breakfast to make his peace with the dogs. He fed them, caressed them and seemed to ask pardon. The dog is always grateful. Flora soon licked his hands. Turk was more unrelenting, appearing to distrust him. Give him a claw of the lobster, said Jack, for I make you a present of the whole for your journey. Don't be too uneasy about them, said Ernest. They will certainly meet with coconuts, as Robinson did. Very different food to your wretched lobster.  Pray, brother, bring me one if you find any, said Francis. We began our preparation. We each took a game bag and a hatchet. I gave Fritz a pair of pistols in addition to his gun, equipped myself in the same way and took care to carry biscuit and a flask of fresh water. The lobster proved so hard at breakfast that the boys did not object to our carrying off the remainder of the delicious. I proposed before we departed to have prayers, and my thoughtless Jack began to imitate the sound of church bells, ding dong to prayers to prayers, ding dong. I was really angry and reproved him severely for jesting about sacred things.  I was begging for forgiveness from me and from God.  I then loaded the guns I left with them and charged my wife to keep near the boat their best refuge. We took leave of our friends with many tears as we did not know what dangers might assail us in an unknown region. But the murmur of the river which we were now approaching drowned the sound of their sobs and we bet our thoughts on our journey. The river was so steep that we could only reach the bed at one little opening near the sea where we had procured our water. But here the opposite side was guarded by a ridge of lofty, perpendicular rocks. We were obliged to ascend the river to a place where it fell over some rocks. Some fragments of which having fallen made a sort of stepping stones which enabled us to cross with some hazard. We made our way with difficulty through the high grass withered by the sun directing our course towards the sea in hopes of discovering some traces of the boats or the crew. We had scarcely gone a hundred yards when we heard a loud noise and rustling in the grass which was as tall as we were. We imagined we were pursued by some wild beast and I was gratified to observe the courage of Fritz who instead of running away calmly turned around and presented its peace. What was our joy when we discovered that the formidable enemy was only our faithful Turk whom we had forgotten in our distress and our friends had doubtless dispatched him after us. I applauded my son's presence of mind. A rash act might have deprived us of this valuable friend. We continued our way. The sea lay to our left, on our right, at a short distance ran the chain of rocks which were continued from our landing-place in a line parallel to the sea the summits clothed with verdure and various trees. Between the rocks and the sea several little woods extended even to the shore to which we kept as close as possible vainly looking out on land or sea for any trace of our crew. Fritz proposed to fire his gun as a signal to them if they should be near us but I reminded him that this signal might bring the savages round us instead of our friends. He then inquired why we should search after these persons at all who so unfeelingly abandoned us on the wreck. First, said I, we must not return evil for evil. Besides, they may assist us or be in need of our assistance. Above all, remember, they could save nothing but themselves. We have got many useful things which they have as much right to as we. But we might be saving the lives of our cattle, said he. We should do our duty better by saving the life of a man, answered I. Besides, our cattle have food for some days and the sea is so calm there is no immediate danger. We proceeded and entering a little wood that extended to the sea we rested in the shade near a clear stream and took some refreshment. We were surrounded by unknown birds more remarkable for brilliant plumage than for the charm of their voice. Fritz thought he saw some monkeys among the leaves and Turk began to be restless smelling about and barking very loud. Fritz was gazing up into the trees when he fell over a large round substance which he brought to me observing that it might be a bird's nest. I thought it more likely to be a coconut. The fibrous covering had reminded him of the description he had read of the nests of certain birds, but on breaking the shell we found it was indeed a coconut but quite decayed and uneatable. Fritz was astonished where was the sweet milk that Ernest had talked of. I told him the milk was only in the half-ripe nuts that it thickened and hardened as the nut ripened, becoming a kernel. This nut had perished from remaining above ground. If it had been in the earth it would have vegetated and burst the shell. I advised my son to try if he could not find a perfect nut. After some search we found one and sat down to eat it keeping our own provision for dinner. The nut was somewhat rancid but we enjoyed it and then continued our journey. We were some time before we got through the wood, being frequently obliged to clear a road for ourselves through the entangled brushwood with our hatchets. At last we entered the open plain again and had a clear view before us. The forest still extended about a stone's throw to our right and Fritz, who was always on the lookout for discoveries, observed a remarkable tree here and there which he approached to examine and he soon called me to see this wonderful tree with pumpkins growing on the trunk. On coming up I was overjoyed to find this tree of which there were a great number that was the gourd tree which bears fruit on the trunk. Fritz asked if these were sponges. I told him to bring me one and I would explain the mystery. There's one, said he, very like a pumpkin, only harder outside. Of this shell, said I, we can make plates, dishes, basins and flasks. We call it the gourd tree. Sleep for joy. Now my dear mother will be able to serve her soup properly. I asked him if he knew why the tree bore the fruit on its trunk or on the thick branches only. He immediately replied that the smaller branches would not bear the weight of the fruit. He asked me if this fruit was eatable. Harmless, I believe, said I, but by no means delicate. Its great value to savage nations consist in the shell, which they use to contain their food Fritz could not comprehend how they could cook in the shell without burning it. I told him the shell was not placed on the fire but being filled with cold water and the fish or meat placed in it red hot stones are, by degrees, introduced into the water till it attains sufficient heat to cook the food without injuring the vessel. We then set about making our dishes and plates. I showed Fritz a better plan for dividing the gourd than with a knife. I tied a string tightly round the nut, struck it with a handle of my knife till an incision was made, then tightened it till the nut was separated into two equally sized bowls. Fritz had spoiled his gourd by cutting it irregularly with his knife. I advised him to try and make spoons of it as it would not do for basins now. I told him I had learnt my plan from books of travels. It is the practice of the savages who have no knives to use a sort of string to mark up trees for this purpose. But how can they make bottles, said he. That requires some preparation, replied I. They tie a bandage round the young gourd near the stock so that the part at liberty expands in a round form and the compressed part remains narrow. They then open the top and extract the contents by putting in pebbles and shaking it. By this means they have a complete bottle. We worked on. Fritz completed a dish and some plates to his great satisfaction. But we considered that, being so frail, we could not carry them with us. We therefore filled them with sand that the sun might not warp them and left them to dry till we returned. As we went on, Fritz amused himself with cutting spoons from the rind of the gourd, and I tried to do the same with the fragments of the coconut, but I must confess my performances were inferior to those I had seen in the museum in London, north sea islanders. We laughed at our spoons, which would have required mouths from ear to ear to eat with them. Fritz declared that the curve of the rind was the cause of that defect. If the spoons had been smaller, they would have been flat, and you might as well eat soup with an oyster shell as with a shovel. While we talked, we did not neglect looking about for our lost companions, but in vain. At last we arrived at a place long distance into the sea, on which was an elevated spot favourable for observation. We attained the summit with great labour and saw before us a magnificent prospect of land and water. But with all the aid our excellent telescope gave us, we could in no direction discover any trace of man. Nature only appeared in our greatest beauty. The shore enclosed a large bay, which terminated on the other side in a promontory. The gentle rippling of the waves, the varied verdure of the woods, and the multitude of novelties around us would have filled us with delight, but for the painful recollection of those who we now were compelled to believe were buried beneath that glittering water. We did not feel less, however, the mercy of God who had preserved us and given us a home with a prospect of subsistence and safety. We had not yet met with any dangerous animals, nor received any huts of savages. I remarked to my son that God seemed to have destined us to a solitary life in this rich country, unless some vessel should reach these shores. At His will be done, added I, it must be for the best. Now, let us return to that pretty wood to rust ourselves and eat our dinner before we return. We proceeded towards a pleasant wood of palm trees, but before reaching it had to pass through an immense number of fruits which greatly obstructed our road. We were, moreover, fearful of treading on the deadly serpents who choose such retreats. We made Turk walk before us to give notice, and I cut a long thick cane as a weapon of defence. I was surprised to see a glutinous juice oozing from the end of the cut cane. I tasted it and was convinced that we had met with a plantation of sugar canes. I sucked more of it and found myself singularly refreshed. I said nothing to Fritz that he might have the pleasure of making the discovery himself. He was walking a few paces before me and I called him to cut himself a cane like mine, which he did, and soon found out the riches it contained. He cried out in ecstasy, oh, papa, papa, serp of sugar cane, delicious! How delighted will dear mama and my brothers be when I carry some to them! He went on, sucking pieces of cane so greedily that I checked him in the morning moderation. He was then content to take some pieces to regale himself as he walked home, loading himself with a huge burden for his mother and brothers. We now entered the wood of palms to eat our dinner when suddenly a number of monkeys, alarmed by our approach, and the barking of the dog, fled like lightning to the tops of the trees and then grinned frightfully at us with loud cries of defiance. As I saw the trees were cocoa palms with five means of the monkeys, a supply of the nuts in the half-ripe state when filled with milk.  But I told him, though no patron of monkeys myself, I could not allow it. We had no right to kill any animal except in defense or as a means of supporting life. Besides, the monkeys would be of more use to us living than dead would show him. I began to throw stones at the monkeys, not being able, of course, to reach the place of their retreat, and they and their anger and in the spirit of imitation gathered the nuts and hurled them on us in such quantities that we had some difficulty in escaping from them. We had soon a large stock of coconuts. Fritz enjoyed the success of the stratagem and when the shower subsided he collected as many as he wished. We then sat down and tasted some of the milk through the small holes which we opened with our knives. We then divided some with our hatchets and quenched our thirst with a liquor, which is not, however, a very agreeable flavor. We liked best a sort of thick cream which adheres to the shells from which we scraped it with our spoons and mixing it with a juice of the sugarcane we produced a delicious dish. Turk had the rest of the lobster which we now despised with some biscuit. We then got up, I tied some nuts together by their stems and threw them over my shoulder. Fritz took his bundle of canes and we set out homewards. End of chapter. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 4 Fritz groaned heavily under the weight of his canes as we traveled on and pitied the poor Negroes who had to carry such heavy burdens of them. He then, in imitation of me, tried to refresh himself by sucking a sugarcane. But was surprised to find he failed in extracting any of the juice. At last, after some reflection he said, Ah, I remember! If there is no opening made for the air I can get nothing out. There is no remedy for this. I will make an opening, said he, above the first knot in the cane. If I draw my breath in sucking and thus make a vacuum in my mouth the outer air then forces itself through the hole I have made to fill this vacuum and carries the juice along with it. And when this division of the cane is emptied I can proceed to Pierce above the next knot. I am only afraid that going on this way we shall have nothing but empty canes to carry to our friends. None might turn the syrup sour before we got our canes home. Therefore we need not spare them. Well, at any rate, said he, I have filled my flask with the milk of the coconut to regale them. I told him I feared another disappointment. For the milk of the coconut, removed from the shell, spoiled sooner than the sugarcane juice. I warned him that the milk exposed to the sun in his tin flask was probably become vinegar. He instantly took the bottle from his shoulder and uncorked it. Water flew out with a report, foaming like champagne. I congratulated him on his new manufacture and said we must beware of intoxication. Oh, taste, papa! He said. It is delicious, not at all like vinegar, but capital new sweet sparkling wine. This will be the best treat if it remains in this state. I fear it will not be so, said I. This is the first stage of fermentation. When this is over and the liquor is cleared, it is a sort of wine or fermented liquor, more or less agreeable, according to the material used. By applying heat, a second and slower fermentation succeeds and the liquor becomes vinegar. Then comes on a third stage, which deprives it of its strength and spoils it. I fear in this burning climate you will carry home only vinegar or something still more offensive. But let us drink each other's health now, but prudently, or we shall soon feel the effects of this potent beverage. Perfectly refreshed, we went on cheerfully to the place where we had left our gourd utensils. We found them quite dry and hard as bone. We had no difficulty in carrying them in our game-bags. We had scarcely got through the little wood where we had breakfasted, when Turk darted furiously on a troop of monkeys who were sporting about and had not perceived him. He immediately sieves to female, holding a young one in her arms which impeded her flight and had killed and devoured the poor mother before we could reach him. The young one had hidden itself among the long grass when frits arrived. He had run with all his might losing his hat, bottle, and canes, but could not prevent the murder of the poor mother. The little monkey no sooner saw him that it leaped upon his shoulders fastening its paws and his curls and neither cries, threats, nor shaking could rid him of it. I ran up to him laughing for I saw the little creature could not hurt him and tried in vain to disengage it. I told him he must carry it thus. It was evident the sagacious little creature, having lost his mother, had adopted him for a father.  The mother appeared as tall as frits. I was reluctant to add another mouth to the number we had to feed, but frits earnestly begged to keep it, offering to divide his share of coconut milk with it till we had our cows. I consented, on condition that he took care of it and taught it to be obedient to him. Turk, in the meantime, was feasting on the remains of the unfortunate mother. Frits would have driven him off, but I saw we had not food sufficient to satisfy this voracious animal, and we might ourselves be in danger from his appetite. We left him therefore with his prey, the little orphan sitting on the shoulder of its protector, while I carried the canes. Turk soon overtook us and was received very coldly. We were approached him with his cruelty, but he was quite unconcerned and continued to walk after frits. The little monkey seemed uneasy at the sight of him, and crept into Frits' bosom, much to his inconvenience. But a thought struck him. He tied the monkey with a cord to Turk's back, leading the dog by another cord, as he was very rebellious at first. But our threats and caresses at last induced him to submit to his burden. Frits waited slowly, and I could not help anticipating the mirth of my little ones when they saw us approach like a pair of showmen. I advised Frits not to correct the dogs for attacking and killing unknown animals, have him bestow the dog on man as well as the horse for a friend and protector. Frits thought we were very fortunate then in having two such faithful dogs.  I wish we had him here. He is of a very fine breed and would be as useful as a horse to us. In such conversations we arrived at the banks of our river before we were aware. Flora barked to announce our approach and Turk answered so loudly that the terrified little monkey leaped from his back to the shoulder of its protector and would not come down. Turk ran off to meet his companion and our dear family soon appeared on the opposite shore shouting with joy at our happy return. We crossed at the same place as we had done in the morning and embraced each other. Then began such a noise of exclamations a monkey a real live monkey oh how delightful how glad we are how did you catch him he's very ugly said little Francis who was almost afraid of him he's prettier than you are said Jack see how he laughs how I should like to see him eat if we only had some coconuts said earnest have you found any and are they good have you had any unpleasant adventures asked my wife it was in vain to attempt replying to so many questions and exclamations at length when we had got a little peace I told them that though I brought them all sorts of good things I had unfortunately not met with any of our companions God's will be done said my wife let us thank him for saving us and again bringing us together now this day has seemed an age but put down your loads and let us hear your adventures we've not been idle but we are less fatigued than you boys assist your father and brother Jack took my gun earnest the coconuts Francis the gore grinds and my wife the game bag Fritz distributed his sugar canes and placed the monkey on Turks back to the amusement of the children he begged Ernest to carry his gun but he complained of being overloaded from him and we proceeded to the tent Fritz thought Ernest would not have relinquished the bowls if he had known what they contained and called out to tell him they were coconuts give them to me cried Ernest I will carry the mama and the gun too his mother declined giving them I can throw away these sticks said he and carry the gun in my hand I would advise you not observe Fritz for the sticks are sugar canes sugar canes cried they all surrounding Fritz to give them the history and teach them the art of sucking the canes my wife who had a proper respect for sugar in her housekeeping was much pleased with this discovery and the history of all our acquisitions which I displayed to her nothing gave her so much pleasure as our plates and dishes which were actual necessaries we went to our kitchen and were gratified to see preparations going on for a good supper my wife had planted a forked stick on each side of the hearth on these rested a long thin wand on which all sorts of fish were roasting Francis being entrusted to turn the spit on the other side was impaled a goose on another spit and a row of oyster shells form the dripping pan besides this the iron pot was on the fire from which arose the savory odor of a good soup behind the hearth stood one of the hogs heads opened and containing the finest Dutch cheeses enclosed in cases of lead all this was very tempting to hungry travelers and very unlike a supper on a desert island I could not think my family had been idle when I saw such a result of their labors I was only sorry that they had killed the goose as I wished to be economical with our poultry have no uneasiness said my wife this is not from our poultry yard it is a wild goose killed by Ernest it is a sort of penguin I believe said Ernest distinguished by the name of booby and so stupid that I knocked it down with a stick it is webfooted has a long narrow beak a little curved downwards I have preserved the head and neck for you to examine it exactly resembles the penguin of my book of natural history I pointed out to him the advantages of study and was making more inquiries about the form and habits of the bird when my wife requested me to defer my catechism of natural history Ernest has killed the bird I received it we shall eat it what more would you have tasted the coconuts very well replied I Brits must teach them how to open them and we must not forget the little monkey who has lost his mother's milk I've tried him, cried Jack he will eat nothing I had told them he had not yet learnt to eat and we must feed him with coconut milk till we could get something better Jack generously offered all his share but Ernest and Francis were anxious to taste the milk themselves but the monkey must live silently and so must we all said mother supper is ready and we will reserve the coconuts for dessert we sat down on the ground and supper was served on our gore-drine service which answered the purpose admirably my impatient boys had broken the nuts which they found excellent and they made themselves spoons of the shell Jack had taken care the monkey had his share they dipped the corner of their handkerchiefs in the milk and let him suck them I'm going to break up some more nuts after emptying them through the natural holes but I stopped them and called for a saw I carefully divided the nuts with this instrument and Sim provided us each with a neat basin for our soup to the great comfort of my dear wife who was gratified by seeing us able to eat like civilized beings Fritz begged now to enliven the rip-ass by introducing his champagne I consented requesting him however to taste it himself before he served it what was his mortification to find it vinegar but we consoled ourselves by using it as sauce to our goose a great improvement also to the fish we had now to hear the history of our supper Jack and Francis had caught the fish at the edge of the sea my active wife had performed the most laborious duty enrolling the hog's head to the place and breaking open the head the sun was going down as we finished supper and recollecting how rapidly night succeeded we hastened to our tent where we found our beds much more comfortable from the kind attention of the good mother who had collected a large addition of dried grass after prayers we all lay down the monkey between Jack and Fritz carefully covered with moss to keep him warm the fowls went to their roost as on the previous night and after our fatigue we were all soon in a profound sleep we had not slept long when a great commotion among the dogs and fowls was the presence of an enemy my wife, Fritz and I each seizing a gun rushed out by the light of the moon we saw a terrible battle going on our brave dogs were surrounded by a dozen jackals three or four were extended dead but our faithful animals were nearly overpowered by numbers when we arrived I was glad to find nothing worse than jackals Fritz and I fired on them two fell dead and the others fled slowly evidently wounded Turk and Flora pursued and completed the business and then like true dogs devoured their fallen foes regardless of the bonds of relationship all being quiet again we retired to our beds Fritz obtaining leave to drag the jackal he had killed towards the tent to save it from the dogs and to show to his brothers next morning this he accomplished with difficulty for it was as big as a large dog we all slept peacefully the remainder of the night till the crowing of the caca woke my wife and myself to a consultation on the business of the day I feel rather alarmed at all the labours I see before me a voyage to the vessel is indispensable if we wish to save our cattle and many other things that may be useful to us on the other hand I should like to have a more secure shelter for ourselves and our property than this tent with patience, order and perseverance all may be done said my good counselor and whatever uneasiness your voyage may give me I yield to the importance and utility of it let it be done today and have no care for the morrow sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof as our blessed Lord has said it was then agreed that the three youngest children should remain with my wife and Fritz the strongest and most active should accompany me I then arose and woke my children for the important duties of the day Fritz jumped up the first and ran for his jackal which had stiffened in the cold of the night he placed it on all four legs at the entrance of the tent to surprise his brothers but no sooner did the dogs see it erect than they flew at it and would have torn it to pieces if he had not soothed them and called them off however their barking effectually roused the boys who rushed out to see the cause Jack issued first with a monkey on his shoulder but no sooner did the little creature see the jackal than he sprang into the tent and hid himself among the moss till only the tip of his nose was visible all were astonished to see this large yellow animal standing Francis thought it was a wolf Jack said it was only a dead dog and Ernest in a pompous tone pronounced it to be a golden fox Fritz laughed at the learned professor who knew the agouti immediately and now called a jackal a golden fox I judged by the peculiar characteristics said Ernest, examining it carefully Oh! the characteristics said Fritz ironically Don't you think it may be a golden wolf? Pray don't be so cross, brother said Ernest with tears in his eyes perhaps it was a golden wolf Ernest with tears in his eyes perhaps you would not have known the name if Papa had not told you I reproved Fritz for his ridicule of his brother and Ernest for so easily taking offense and to reconcile all I told them that the jackal partook of the nature of the wolf, the fox, and the dog this discussion terminated I summoned them to prayers after which we thought of breakfast we had nothing but biscuit which was certainly dry and hard Fritz begged for a little cheese with it and Ernest, who was never satisfied like other people, took a survey of the unopened hog's head he soon returned crying if we only had a little butter with our biscuit it would be so good, Papa I allowed it would be good but it was no use thinking of such a thing Let us open the other cask said he, displaying a piece of butter he had extracted through a small crack on the side Your instinct for good things has been fortunate for us, said I Come boys, who wants bread and butter? We began to consider how we should come at the contents of the hog's head without exposing the perishable matter to the heat of the sun Finally, I pierced a hole in the lower part of the cask, large enough for us to draw out the butter as we wanted it by means of a little wooden shovel which I soon made We then sat down to breakfast with a coconut basin filled with good salt-dutch butter we toasted our biscuit buttered it hot and agreed it was excellent Our dogs were sleeping by us as we breakfasted and I remarked that they had bloody marks of the last night's fray in some deep and dangerous wounds especially about the neck My wife instantly dressed the wounds with butter well washed in cold water and the poor animals seemed grateful for the ease it gave them Ernest judiciously remarked that they ought to have spiked collars to defend them against any wild beasts they might encounter I will make them collars, said Jack who never hesitated at anything I was glad to employ his inventive powers and ordering my children not to leave their mother during our absence but to pray to God to bless our undertaking we began our preparations for the voyage While Fritz made ready the boat I erected a signal post with a piece of sailcloth for a flag to float as long as all was going on well but if we were wanted they were to lower the flag and fire a gun three times when we should immediately return inform my dear wife it might be necessary for us to remain on board all night and she consented to the plan on my promising to pass the night in our tubs instead of the vessel we took nothing but our guns and ammunition relying on the ship's provisions Fritz would however take the monkey that he might give it some milk from the cow we took a tender leave of each other and embarked when we rode into the middle of the bay I perceived a strong current of river which issued at a little distance which I was glad to take advantage of to spare our labor it carried us three parts of our voyage and we rode the remainder and entering the opening in the vessel we secured our boat firmly and went on board the first care of Fritz was to feed the animals who were on deck and he all saluted us after their fashion rejoiced to see their friends again as well as to have their wants supplied we put the young monkey to a goat and we walked with extraordinary grimaces to our infinite amusement we then took some refreshment ourselves and Fritz to my great surprise proposed that we should begin by adding a sail to our boat he said the current which helped us to the vessel could not carry us back but the wind which blew so strongly against us and made our rowing so fatiguing would be of great service if we had a sail I thanked my counselor for all his good advice and we immediately set to the task I selected a strong pole for a mast and a triangular sail which was fixed to a yard we made a hole in a plank to receive the mast secured the plank on our fourth tub forming a deck and then by eight of a block used to hoist and lower the sails raised our mast finally two ropes fastened by one end to the yard and by the other to each extremity of the boat enabled us to direct the sail at pleasure Fritz next ornamented the top of the mast with a little red streamer he then gave our boat the name of Deliverance and requested it might henceforth be called the Little Vessel to complete its equipment I contrived to rudder so that I could direct the boat from either end after signaling to our friends that we should not return that night we spent the rest of the day in emptying the tubs of the stones that we had used for ballast and replacing them with useful things such as a plate nails and tools of all kinds pieces of cloth above all we did not forget knives forks, spoons, and kitchen utensils including a roasting jack in the captain's cabin we found some services of silver pewter plates and dishes and a small chest filled with bottles of choice wines all these we took as well as a chest of eatables intended for the officer's table portable soup etc. also some bags of maize wheat and other seeds and some potatoes we collected all the implements of husbandry we could spare room for and at the request of Fritz some hammocks and blankets two or three handsome guns and an armful of sabers, swords, and hunting knives lastly I embarked a barrel of sulfur all the cord and string I could lay my hands on and a large roll of sail cloth the sulfur was intended to produce matches with our tubs were loaded to the edge there was barely a room left for us to sit and would have been dangerous to attempt our return if the sea had not been so calm night arrived we exchanged signals to announce security on sea and land and after prayers for the dear islanders we sought our tubs not the most luxurious of dormitories but safer than the ship Fritz slept soundly but I could not close my eyes thinking of the jackals I was, however, thankful for the protection they had in the docks End of Chapter 5 This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 6 As soon as day broke I mounted on deck to look through the telescope I saw my wife looking towards us and the flag which denoted their safety floating in the breeze Satisfied on this important point we enjoyed our breakfast of biscuit, ham, and wine and then turned our thoughts to the means of saving our cattle Even if we could contrive a raft we could never get all the animals to remain still on it we might venture the huge sow in the water but the rest of the animals we found would not be able to swim to shore at last Fritz suggested the swimming apparatus we passed two hours in constructing them for the cow and ass it was necessary to have an empty cask on each side well bound and strong sail cloth fastened by leather thongs over the back and under each animal for the rest we merely tied a piece of cork under their bodies the sow only being unruly and giving us much trouble and a cord to the horns or neck of each animal with a slip of wood at the end for a convenient handle luckily the waves had broken away part of the ship and left the opening wide enough for the passage of our troop we first launched the ass into the water by a sudden push he swam away after the first plunge very gracefully the cow, sheep, and goats followed quickly after the sow was furious and soon broke loose from us all but fortunately reached the shore long before the rest we now embarked fastening all the slips of wood to the stern of the boat thus drawing our train after us and the wind filling our sail carried us smoothly towards the shore Fritz exalted in his plan as we certainly could never have rode our boat loaded as we were I once more took out my telescope and was remarking that our party on shore seemed making ready for some excursion when a loud cry from Fritz filled me with terror we are lost see what a monstrous fish! though pale with alarm the bold boy had seized his gun and encouraged by my directions he fired two balls into the head of the monster as it was preparing to dart on the sheep it immediately made its escape leaving a long red track to prove it was severely wounded being freed from our enemy I now resumed the rudder and we lowered the sail and rode to shore the animals as soon as the water became low enough walked out at their own discretion after we had relieved them from their swimming girdles we then secured our boat as before and landed ourselves anxiously looking round for our friends we had not long to wait they came joyfully to greet us and after our first burst of pleasure we sat down to tell our adventures in a regular form my wife was overjoyed to see herself surrounded by these valuable animals and especially pleased that her son Fritz had suggested so many useful plans we next proceeded to disembark all our treasures I noticed that Jack wore a belt of yellow skin in which were placed a pair of pistols and inquired where he had got his brigand custom I manufactured it myself, said he and this is not all look at the dogs the dogs wore each a collar of the same skin as his belt bristling with long nails the points outwards a formidable defence it is my own invention, said he only mama helped me in the sewing where did you get the leather, the needle and thread, inquired I Fritz's jackal supplied the skin, said my wife and my wonderful bag, the rest there's still more to come from it only say what you want Fritz evidently felt a little vexation at his brother's unceremonious appropriation of the skin of the jackal which displayed itself in the tone in which he exclaimed, holding his nose keep at a distance, Mr. Skinner you carry an intolerable smell about with you I gave him a gentle hint of his duty in the position of eldest son and he soon recovered his good humour however, as the body as well as the skin of the jackal was becoming offensive they united in dragging it down to the sea while jack placed his belt in the sun to dry as I saw no preparation for supper I told Fritz to bring the ham and to the astonishment and joy of all he returned with a fine wasphalian ham which we had cut into in the morning I will tell you, said my wife while we have no supper prepared but first I will make you an omelette and she produced from a basket a dozen turtles eggs you see, said Ernest they have all the characteristics of those Robinson Crusoe had in his island they are white balls the skin of which resembles moistened parchment my wife promised to relate the history of the discovery after supper and set about preparing her ham and omelette while Fritz and I proceeded in unloading our cargo assisted by the useful ass supper was now ready a tablecloth was laid over the butter cask and spread with the plates and spoons from the ship the ham was in the middle and the omelette and cheese at each end and we made a good meal surrounded by our subjects the dogs, the fowls, the pigeons the sheep and the goats waiting for our notice the geese and ducks were more independent remaining in their marsh where they lived and plenty on the small crabs which abounded there after supper I sent Fritz for a bottle of the captain's canary wine and then requested my wife to give us her recital end of chapter 6 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina the Swiss family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 7 I will spare you the history of the first day said my good Elizabeth spent an anxiety about you and attending to the signals but this morning being satisfied that all was going right I sought before the boys got up a shady place to rest in but in vain I believe this barren shore has not a single tree on it then I began to consider on the necessity of searching for a more comfortable spot for our residents and determined, after a slight repast to set out with my children across the river on a journey of discovery the day before Jack had busied himself in skinning the jackal with his knife sharpened on the rock Ernest declining to assist him in his dirty work for which I reproved him sorry that any fastidiousness would deter him from a labor of benefit to society Jack proceeded to clean the skin as he was able then procured from the nail-chest some long flat-headed nails and inserted them closely through the long pieces of skin he had cut for collars he then cut some sailcloth and made a double lining over the heads of the nails and finished by giving me the delicate office of sewing them together which I could not but comply with his belt he first stretched on a plank nailing it down and exposing it to the sun lest it should shrink and drying now for our journey we took our game bags and some hunting knives the boys carried provisions and I had a large flask of water I took a small hatchet and gave Ernest a carbine which might be loaded with ball keeping his light gun for myself I carefully secured the opening of the tent with the hooks Turk went before evidently considering himself our guide and we crossed the river with some difficulty as we proceeded I could not help feeling thankful that you had so early taught the boys to use firearms properly as the defense of my youngest boy and myself now depended on the two boys of ten and twelve years of age when we attained the hill you described to us I was charmed with a smiling prospect and for the first time since our shipwreck ventured to hope for better things I had remarked a beautiful wood to which I determined to make our way for a little shade as it was through grass that was higher than the children's heads as we were struggling through it we heard a strange rustling sound among the grass and at the same moment a bird a prodigious size rose and flew away before the poor boys could get their guns ready they were much mortified and I recommended them always to have their guns in readiness for the birds would not be likely to wait till they loaded them Francis thought the bird was so large that it was illegal but Ernest ridiculed the idea and added that he thought it must be of the Bustard tribe we went forward to the spot from which it had arisen when suddenly another bird of the same kind though still larger sprung up close to our feet and was soon soaring above our heads I could not help laughing to see the look of astonishment and confusion with which the boys looked upwards after it pray Mr. Bird be kind enough to pay us another visit you will find us very good children we found the large nest they had left it was rudely formed of dry grass and empty but some fragments of eggshells were scattered near as if the young had just been recently hatched we therefore concluded that they had escaped among the grass Dr. Ernest immediately began a lecture you observe Francis these birds could not be eagles which do not form their nests on ground neither do their young run as soon as they are hatched these must be the Galanaceous tribe an order of birds such as quails partridges, turkeys, etc and from the sort of feathered mustache which I observed at the corner of the beak I should pronounce that these were Bustards and we had now reached the little wood and our learned friend had sufficient employment in scrutinizing and endeavoring to classify the immense number of beautiful birds which sung and fluttered about us apparently regardless of our intrusion we found that what we thought a wood was merely a group of a dozen trees of a height far beyond any I had ever seen and apparently belonging rather to the air than the earth the trunks springing from roots which formed a series of supporting arches Jack climbed one of the arches and measured the trunk of the wood with a piece of pack thread he found it to be 34 feet I made 32 steps round the roots between the roots and the lowest branches it seemed about 40 or 50 feet the branches are thick and strong and the leaves are of a moderate size and resemble our wallet tree a thick short smooth turf clothed the ground beneath and around the detached roots of the trees and everything combined to render this one of the most delicious spots the mind could conceive here we rested and made our noon day fast a clear rivulet ran near us and offered its agreeable waters for our refreshment our dogs soon joined us but I was astonished to find they did not crave for food but laid down to sleep at our feet for myself so safe and happy did I feel that I could not but think that if we could contrive a dwelling on the branches of one of these trees we should be in perfect peace and safety we set out on our return taking the road by the seashore in case the waves had cast up anything from the wreck of the vessel we found a quantity of timber, jests and casks but all too heavy to bring we succeeded in dragging them as well as we could out of the reach of the tide our dogs in the meantime fishing for crabs with which they regaled themselves much to their own satisfaction and to mine as I now saw they would be able to provide their own food as we rested from our rough labor I saw flora scratching in the sand and swallowing something with great relish Ernest watched and then said very quietly they are turtle sex we drove away the dog and collected about two dozen leaving her the rest as a reward for her discovery while we carefully deposited our spoil in the game bags we were astonished at the sight of a sale Ernest was certain it was papa and fritz and though Francis wasn't it should be the savages who visited Robinson Crusoe's island coming to eat us up we were soon able to calm his fears we crossed the river by leaping from stone to stone and hastening to the landing place arrived to greet you on your happy return and I understand my dear said I that you have discovered a tree 60 feet high where you wish we should perch like fowls but how are we to get up oh you must remember she the large lime tree near our native town in which was ballroom we used to ascend to it by wooden staircase could you not contrive something of the sword in one of these gigantic trees where we might sleep in peace fearing neither jackals nor any other terrible nocturnal enemy I promise to consider this plan hoping at least that we might make a commodious and shady dwelling among the roots tomorrow we were to examine it we then performed our evening devotions and retired to rest end of chapter 7 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina the Swiss family Robinson by Johann David Wiss chapter 8 now my dear Elizabeth I, waking early next morning let us talk a little on this grand project of changing our residence to which there are many objections first it seems wise to remain on the spot where Providence has cast us where we can have it once means of support drawn from the ship and security from all attacks protected by the rock the river and the sea on all sides my wife distrusted the river which could not protect us from the jackals and complained of the intolerable heat of this sandy desert of her distaste for such food as oysters and wild geese and lastly of her agony of mind when we ventured to the wreck willingly renouncing all its treasures and begging that we might rest content with the blessings we already had there is some truth in your objections said I and perhaps we may erect a dwelling under the roots of your favorite tree but among these rocks we must have a storehouse for our goods and a retreat in case of invasion I hope some pieces of the rock with powder to be able to fortify the part next the river leaving a secret passage known only to ourselves this would make it impregnable but before we proceed we must have a bridge to convey our baggage across the river a bridge said she in a tone of vexation then when shall we get from here why cannot we ford it as usual the cow and ass could carry our stores I explained to her how necessary it was for our permission and provision to be conveyed over without risk of wetting and begged her to manufacture some bags and baskets and leave the bridge to me and my boys if we succeeded it would always be useful as for fear of danger from lightning or accident I intended to make a powder magazine among the rocks the important question was now decided I called up my sons and communicated our plans to them they were greatly delighted though somewhat alarmed by the incredible project of the bridge besides the delay was vexatious they were all anxious for removal into the land of promise as they chose to call it we read prayers and then thought of breakfast the monkey sucked one of the goats as if it had been its mother my wife milked the cow and gave us boiled milk with biscuit for our breakfast part of which she put in a flask for us to take on our expedition we then prepared our boat for our voyage to the vessel to procure planks of timber for our bridge I took both earnest entrance as I foresaw our cargo would be weighty and require all our hands to bring it to shore we rode vigorously till we got into the current which soon carried us beyond the bay we had scarcely reached a little isle at the entrance when we saw a vast number of gulls and other sea birds fluttering with discordant cries over it I hoisted the sail and we approached rapidly and when near enough we saw that the birds were feasting so eagerly on the remains of a huge fish that they did not even notice our approach we might have killed numbers even with our sticks this fish was the shark which Fritz had so skillfully shot to the head the night before he found the marks of his three balls Ernest drew his ramrod from his gun and struck so vigorously right and left among the birds that he killed some and put the rest to flight we then hastily cut off some pieces of the skin of the monster which I thought might be useful and placed them in our boat but this was not the only advantage we gained by landing I perceived an immense quantity of wrecked timber lying on the shore of the island which would spare us our voyage to the ship we selected such planks as were fit for our purpose then by the aid of our jackscrew and some levers we had brought with us we extricated the planks from the sand and floated them and binding the spars and yards together with cords with the planks above them like a raft we tied them to the stern of our boat and hoisted our sail Fritz as we sailed was drying the shark's skin which I hoped to convert into files and Ernest in his usual reflective manner observed to me what a beautiful arrangement of providence it is that the mouth of the shark should be placed in such a position that he is compelled to turn on his back to seize his prey thus giving it a chance of escape excessive veracity he might depopulate the ocean at last we reached our landing place and securing our boat and calling out loudly we soon saw our friends running from the river each carried a handkerchief filled with some new acquisition and Francis had over his shoulder a small fishing net Jack reached us first and threw down before us from his handkerchief some fine crawfish they had each as many forming a provision for many days of discovery Jack related that Francis and he took a walk to find a good place for the bridge thank you Mr. Architect, said I then you must super intend the workman have you fixed on your place yes, yes, cried he, only listen when we got to the river Francis who was looking about called out Jack, Jack, Fritz's jackal is covered with crabs come, come I ran to tell Mama who brought a net that came from the ship and we caught these in a few minutes many more if you had not come I commanded them to put the smaller ones back into the river, reserving only as many as we could eat I was truly thankful to discover another means of support we now landed our timber I had looked at Jack's site for the bridge and thought my little architect very happy in his selection but it was at a great distance from the timber I recollected the simplicity the harness the lap landers used for their reindeer I tied cords to the horns of the cow as the strength of this animal is in the head and then fasten the other ends around the piece of timber we wanted moving I placed a halter around the neck of the ass and attached the cords to this we were thus enabled, by degrees to remove all our wood to the chosen spot where the sides of the river were steep in a period of equal height it was necessary to know the breadth of the river to select the proper planks and Ernest proposed to procure a ball of pack thread from his mother to tie a stone to the one end of the string and throw it across the river and to measure it after drawing it back this expedient succeeded admirably we found the breadth to be 18 feet but as I proposed to give the bridge strength by having 3 feet at least resting on each shore we chose some planks of 24 feet in length how we were to get these across the river was another question which we prepared to discuss during dinner to which my wife now summoned us our dinner consisted of a dish of crawfish and some very good rice milk but before we began we admired her work she had made a pair of bags for the ass sewed with pack thread but having no large needles she had been obliged to pierce holes with a nail a tedious and painful process well satisfied with her success we turned to our repast talking of our bridge which the boys by anticipation named the non-pariah we then went to work there happened to be an old trunk a tree standing on the shore to this I tied my main beam by a strong cord loose enough to turn round the trunk another cord was attached to the opposite end of the beam long enough to cross the river twice I took the end of my rope over the stream where we had previously fixed the block used in our boat to a tree by the hook which usually suspended it I passed my rope and returned with the end to our own side I then harnessed my cow and asked to the end of my rope forcibly from the shore the beam turned slowly round the trunk then advanced and was finally lodged over the river amidst the shouts of the boys its own weight keeping it firm Fritz and Jack leaped on it immediately to run across to my great fear we succeeded in placing four strong beams in the same way and by the aid of my sons I arranged them at a convenient distance from each other that we might have a broad and good bridge we then laid down planks close together across the beams, but not fixed as in time of danger it might be necessary rapidly to remove the bridge my wife and I were as much excited as the children and ran across with delight our bridge was at least ten feet broad thoroughly fatigued with our day of labor we returned home, supped and offered thanks to God and went to rest End of chapter This is a Leberbox recording All Leberbox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer, please visit Leberbox.org This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 9 The next morning after prayers I assembled my family We took a solemn leave of our first place of refuge I cautioned my sons to be prudent and on their guard and especially to remain together during our journey We then prepared for departure We assembled the cattle the bags were fixed across the backs of the cow and the ass and loaded with all our heavy baggage our cooking utensils and provisions consisting of biscuits, butter, cheese and portable soup our hammocks and blankets the captain's service of plate were all carefully packed in the bags equally poised on each side of the animals All was ready with their inexhaustible bag requesting a place for it neither would she consent to leave the poultry as food for the jackals Above all, Francis must have a place he could not possibly walk all the way I was amused with the exactions of the sex but consented to all and made a good place for Francis between the bags on the back of the ass The elder boys returned in despair They could not succeed in catching the fowls but the experienced mother laughed at them and said she would soon capture them If you do, said my pert little Jack I will be contented to be roasted in the place of the first chicken taken Then my poor Jack said his mother You'll soon be on the spit Remember that intellect has always more power than mere bodily exertion Look here She scattered a few handfuls of grain before the tent, calling the fowls They soon all assembled including the pigeons then throwing down more inside the tent they followed her It was now only necessary to close the entrance and they were all soon taken tied by the wings and feet and being placed in baskets covered with nets were added to the rest of our luggage on the backs of the animals Finally, we conveyed inside the tent all we could not carry away closing the entrance and barricading it with chests and casks thus confiding all our possessions to the care of God We set out on our pilgrimage each carrying a game bag and a gun led the way, followed by the heavily laden cow and ass The third division consisted of the goats driven by Jack, the little monkey seated on the back of its nurse and grimacing to our great amusement Next came Ernest with a sheep and I followed, superintending the whole Our gallant dogs acted as aid to camp and were continually passing from the front to the rear rank Our march was slow, but orderly and quite patriarchal We are now travelling across the desert as our first fathers did, said I and as the Arabs, Tartars and other nomads nations due to this day followed by their flocks and herds But these people generally have strong camels to bear their burdens instead of a poor ass and cow I hope this may be the last of our pilgrimages My wife also hoped that once under the shade of her marvellous trees we should have no temptation to travel further We now crossed our new bridge and here the party was happily augmented by a new arrival The sow had proved very mutinous at setting out and we had been compelled to leave her She now voluntarily joined us seeing we were actually departing but continued to grunt loudly her disapprobation of our proceedings After we had crossed the river we had another embarrassment The rich grass tempted our animals to stray off to feed and but for our dogs we should never have been able to master them again But for fear of further accident we headed by advance guard to take the road by the coast which offered no temptation to our troops We had scarcely left the high grass when our dogs rushed back into it barking furiously and howling as if in combat Fritz immediately prepared for action Ernest drew near his mother Jack rushed forward with his gun over his shoulder and I cautiously advanced commanding them to be discreet and cool But Jack with his usual impetuosity leaped among the high grass to the dogs staring, clapping his hands and crying out Be quick, papa, a huge porcupine with quills as long as my arm When I got up I really found a porcupine whom the dogs were warmly attacking It made a frightful noise erecting its quills so boldly that the wounded animals howled with pain after every attempt to seize it As we were looking at them Jack drew a pistol from his belt and discharged it directly into the head of the porcupine which fell dead Jack was very proud of his feet and Fritz not a little jealous suggested that such a little boy should not be trusted with pistols as he might have shot one of the dogs or even one of us I forbade any envy or jealousy among the brothers and declared that all did well who acted for the public good Mama was now summoned to see the curious animal her son's valor had destroyed Her first thought was to dress the wounds made by the quills which had stuck in the noses of the dogs during their attack In the meantime I corrected my son's notions on the power of this animal to lance it starts when in danger Nature has given it a sufficient protection in its defensive and offensive armor As Jack earnestly desired to carry his booty with him I carefully embedded the body in soft grass to preserve the quills then packed it in strong cloth and placed it on the ass behind Francis At last we arrived at the end of our journey and certainly the size of the trees surpassed anything I could have imagined Jack was certain they were gigantic walnut trees for my own part I believed them to be a species of fig tree probably the Antilles fig But all thanks were given to the kind mother who had sought out such a pleasant home for us at all events we could find a convenient shelter among the roots and if we should ever succeed in perching on the branches I told her we should be safe from all wild beasts I would defy even the bears of our time these immense matrunks totally destitute of branches We released our animals from their loads tying their forelegs together that they might not stray except the cow who as usual did her own way the fowls and pigeons we released and left to their own discretion we then sat down on the grass to consider where we should establish ourselves I wished to mount the tree that very night suddenly we heard to our no slight alarm the report of a gun but the next moment the voice of Fritz reassured us he had stolen out unnoticed and shot a beautiful tiger cat which he displayed in great triumph well done noble hunter said I you deserve the thanks of the fowls and pigeons they would most probably have all fallen to sacrifice tonight if you had not slain their deadly foe pray wage war with all his kind or we shall not have a chicken left for the pot Ernest then examined the animal with his customary attention and declared that the proper name was the Marge a fact Fritz did not dispute only requesting that Jack might not meddle with the skin as he wished to preserve it for a belt I recommended them to skin it immediately and give the flesh to the dogs Jack at the same time determined to skin his porcupine to make dog collars part of its flesh went into the soup kettle and the rest was salted for the next day we then sought for some flat stones in the bed of the charming little river and set a little distance from us and set about constructing a cooking place Francis collected dry wood for the fire and while my wife was occupied in preparing our supper I amused myself by making some pecking needles for her rude work from the quills of the porcupine I held a large nail in the fire till it was red hot then holding the head in wet linen I pierced the quills and made several needles of various sizes to the great contentment of our indefatigable workwoman still occupied with the idea of our castle in the air I thought of making a ladder of ropes but this would be useless if we did not succeed in getting a cord over the lower branches to draw it up neither my sons nor myself could throw a stone to which I had vastened a cord over these branches which were 30 feet above us it was necessary to think of some other expedient in the meantime dinner was ready the porcupine made excellent soup and the flesh was well tasted though rather hard my wife could not make up her mind to taste it but contended herself with a slice of ham and some cheese End of chapter This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 10 After dinner, as I found we could not ascend it present I suspended our hammocks under the arched roots of our tree and covering the hole with sailcloth we had a shelter from the dew and the insects While my wife was employed making harness for the cow and ass I went with my sons to the shore to look for wood fit for our use next day We saw a great quantity of wreck but none fit for our purpose Till Ernest met with a heap of bamboo canes half buried in sand and mud These were exactly what I wanted I drew them out of the sand, stripped them of their leaves, and cut them in pieces of about four or five feet long and my sons each made up a bundle to carry home I then set out to make some slender stalks to make arrows which I should need in my project We went towards a thick grove which appeared likely to contain something for my purpose We were very cautious for fear of reptiles or other dangerous animals allowing Flora to precede us When we got near she darted furiously among the bushes Mount flew a troop of beautiful flamingos and soared into the air Fritz always ready fired at them Two fell, one quite dead the other slightly wounded in the wing made use of its long legs so well that it would have escaped if Flora had not seized it and held it till I came up to take possession The joy of Fritz was extreme to have this beautiful creature alive He thought it wants of curing its wound and domesticating it with our own poultry What splendid plumage said Ernest and you see he is webfooted like the goose and has long legs like the stork thus he can run as fast on land as he can swim in the water Yes said I and flies quickly in the air These birds are remarkable for the power and strength of their wings few birds have so many advantages My boys occupied themselves captive and dressing his wound while I sought some of the canes which had done flowering to cut off the hard ends to point my arrows These are used by the savages of the antilles I then selected the highest canes I could meet with to assist me in measuring by a geometrical process the height of the tree Ernest took the canes I had the wounded flamingo and Fritz carried his own game Very loud were the cries of joy and astonishment at our approach I all hoped the flamingo might be tamed of which I felt no doubt but my wife was uneasy lest it should require more food than she could spare However I assured her our new guest would need no attention as he would provide for himself at the river side feeding on small fishes worms and insects His wounds I dressed and found they would soon be healed I then tied him to a stake near the river by a cord long enough to allow him to fish at his pleasure In a few days he learned to know us and was quite domesticated Meantime my boys had been trying to measure the tree with the long canes I had brought and came laughing to report to me that I ought to have got them ten times as long to reach even the lowest branches There is a simpler mode than that said I, which geometry teaches us and by which the highest mountains can be measured I then showed the method of measuring heights by triangles and imaginary lines using canes of different lengths of cords instead of mathematical instruments My result was 30 feet to the lowest branches This experiment filled the boys with wonder and desired to become acquainted with this useful exact science which happily I was able to teach them fully I now ordered frits to measure our strong cord and the little ones to collect all the small string and wind it I then took a strong bamboo and made a bow of it and some arrows of the slender canes filling them weight and feathering them from the dead flamingo As soon as my work was completed the boys crowded round me all begging to drive the bow and arrows I begged them to be patient and asked my wife to supply me with a ball of thick strong thread The enchanted bag did not fail us The very ball I wanted appeared at her summons This my little ones declared must be magic but I explained to them that prudence, foresight and presence of mine in danger such as their good mother had displayed produced more miracles than magic I then tied the end of the ball of thread to one of my arrows fixed it in my bow and sent it directly over one of the thickest of the lower branches of the tree and falling to the ground it drew the thread after it Charmed with this result I hastened to complete my ladder Frits had measured our ropes and found two of 40 feet each exactly what I wanted These I stretched on the ground about one foot distance from each other Frits cut pieces of cane two feet long, which Ernest passed to me I placed these in knots which I had made in the cords at about a foot distance from each other and Jack fastened each end with a long nail to prevent it slipping In a very short time our ladder was completed and tying it to the end of the cord which went over the branch we drew it up without difficulty All the boys were anxious to ascend back as the lightest and most active Recordingly he ascended while his brothers and myself held the ladder firm by the end of the cord Frits followed him, conveying a bag with nails and hammer. They were soon perched on the branches, huzzying to us Frits secured the ladder so firmly to the branch that I had no hesitation in ascending myself I carried with me a large pulley fixed to the end of a rope, which I attached to a branch above us to enable us to raise the planks necessary for the groundwork of our habitation I smoothed the branches a little by eight of my axe, sending the boys down to be out of my way After completing my day's work I descended by the light of the moon and was alarmed to find that Frits and Jack were not below, and still more so when I heard their clear, sweet voices at the summit of the tree singing the evening hymn as if to sanctify our future abode They climbed the tree instead of descending and with wonder and reference at the sublime view below had burst out into the hymn of thanksgiving to God I could not scold my dear boys when they descended but directed them to assemble the animals and to collect wood to keep up fires during the night in order to drive away any wild beasts that might be near My wife then displayed her work complete harness for her two beasts of burden, and in return I promised her we would establish ourselves next day in the tree The fire was now ready one piece of the porcupine was roasted by the fire smelling deliciously another piece formed a rich soup a cloth was spread on the turf the ham, cheese, butter, and biscuits were placed upon it My wife first assembled the fowls by throwing some grain to them to accustom them to the place We soon saw the pigeons fly to roost on the higher branches of the trees while the fowls perched on the ladder the beasts we tied to the roots close to us Now that our cares were over we sat down to a merry and excellent rip-ass by moonlight Then after the prayers of the evening I kindled our watchfires and we all lay down to rest in our hammocks The boys were rather discontented and complained of their cramped position longing for the freedom of their beds of moss but I instructed them to lie as sailors do, diagonally and swinging the hammock and told them that brave Swiss boys might sleep as the sailors of all nations were compelled to sleep After some stifled sighs and groans all sank to rest except myself kept awake by anxiety for the safety of the rest End of chapter This is a Levervox recording All Levervox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit Levervox.org This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 11 My anxiety kept me awake till near morning when, after a short sleep I rose and we were soon all at work My wife, after milking the cow and goats harnessed the cow and ass and set out to search for driftwood for our use In the meantime I mounted the ladder with Brits and we set to work stoutly with ax and saw to rid ourselves of all useless branches Saw him about six feet above our foundation I left to suspend our hammocks from and others a little higher to support the roof which at present was to be merely sailcloth My wife succeeded in collecting us some boards and planks which, with her assistance and the aid of the pulley, we hoisted up We then arranged them on the level branches close to each other in such a manner as to form a smooth and solid floor I made a sort of parapet round to prevent accidents By degrees our dwelling began to assume a distinct form The sailcloth was raised over the high branches forming a roof and being brought down on each side was nailed to the parapet The immense trunk protected the back of our apartment and the front was open to admit the breeze from the sea which was visible from this elevation We hoisted our hammocks in blankets by the pulley and suspended them My son and I then descended and as our day was not yet exhausted we set about constructing a root table and some benches from the remainder of the wood which we placed beneath the roots of the tree hence forward to be our dining room The little boys collected the chips and pieces of wood for firewood while their mama prepared supper which we needed much after the extraordinary fatigues of this day The next day however being Sunday we looked forward to as a day of rest of recreation and thanksgiving to the great god who had preserved us supper was now ready My wife took a large earthen pot from the fire which contained a good stew made of the flamingo which Ernest had told her was an old bird and would not be eatable if dressed any other way His brothers laughed heartily and called him the cook He was however quite right the stew well seasoned was excellent and we picked the very bones Whilst we were thus occupied the living flamingo, accompanying the rest of the vows and free from bonds came in quite tame to claim his share of the repast Evidently quite unsuspicious that we were devouring his mate He did not seem at all inclined to quit us The little monkey too was quite at home with the boys leaping from one to another for food which he took in his for-pause and ate with such absurd mimicry of their actions that he kept us in continual convulsions of laughter To augment our satisfaction our great sow who had deserted us for two days returned of her own accord grunting her joy at our reunion My wife welcomed her with particular distinction treating her with all the milk we had to spare for as she had no dairy utensils to make cheese and butter it was best thus to dispose of our superfluity I promised her on our next voyage to the chip to procure all these necessaries this she could not however hear of without shattering The boys now lighted the fires for the night The dogs were tied to the roots of the tree as a protection against invaders and we commenced our ascent My three eldest sons soon ran up the ladder My wife followed with more deliberation but arrived safely My own journey was more difficult as besides having to carry Francis on my back I had detached the lower part of the ladder from the roots where it was nailed in order to be able to draw it up during the night We were thus as safe in our castle as the knights of old when their drawbridge was raised We retired to our hammocks free from care and did not wake till the sun shone brightly in upon us End of chapter Chapter 12 Next morning all awoken good spirits I told them that on this the Lord's day we would do no work that it was appointed not only for a day of rest but a day when we must as much as possible turn our hearts from the vanities of the world to God himself thank him, worship him and serve him Jack thought we could not do this without a church and a priest but Ernest believed that God would hear our prayers under his own sky and papa could give them a sermon Francis wished to know if God would like to hear them sing the beautiful hymns mama had taught them without an organ accompaniment Yes, my dear children, said I God is everywhere and to bless him, to praise him in all his works to submit to his holy will and to obey him is to serve him but everything in its time let us first attend to the wants of our animals and breakfast and we will then begin the services of the day by him we descended and breakfasted on warm milk fed our animals and then my children and their mother seated on the turf I placed myself on a little eminence before them and after the service of the day which I knew by heart and singing some portions of the 119th Psalm I told them a little allegory there was once on a time a great king whose kingdom was called the land of light and reality because there reigned their constant light and incessant activity on the most remote frontier of this kingdom towards the north there was another large kingdom equally subject to his rule and of which none but himself knew the immense extent from time immemorial an exact plan of this kingdom had been preserved in the archives it was called the land of obscurity or night because everything in it was dark and inactive in the most fertile and agreeable part of the empire of reality the king had a magnificent residence called the heavenly city where he held his brilliant court millions of servants executed his wishes still more were ready to receive his orders the first were clothed in glittering robes wider than snow for white was the color of the great king as the emblem of purity others were clothed in armor shining like the colors of the rainbow and carried flaming swords in their hands each at his master's nod flew like lightning to accomplish his will all his servants, faithful, vigilant, bold and ardent were united in friendship and could imagine no happiness greater than the favor of their master there were some less elevated who were still good, rich and happy in the favors of their sovereign to whom all his subjects were alike and were treated by him as his children not far from the frontiers the great king possessed a desert island which he desired to people and cultivate in order to make it, for time, the abode of those of his subjects whom he intended to admit by degrees into his heavenly city a favor he wished to bestow on the greatest number possible this island was called Earthly Abode and he who had passed some time there, worthily was to be received into all the happiness of the heavenly city to attain this the great king equipped a fleet to transport the colonists whom he chose from the kingdom of night to this island where he gave them light and activity advantages they had not known before think how joyful their arrival would be the land was fertile when cultivated all was prepared to make the time pass agreeably till they were admitted to their highest honors at the moment of embarkation the great king sent his own son who spoke thus to them in his name my dear children I have called you from inaction and insensibility to render you happy by feeling by action, by life never forget I am your king and obey my commands by cultivating the country I confide to you everyone will receive his portion of land and wise and learned men are appointed to explain my will to you I wish you all to acquire the knowledge of my laws and that every father should keep a copy to read daily to his children that they may never be forgotten and on the first day of the week you must all assemble as brothers in one place to hear these laws read and explained thus it will be easy for everyone to learn the best method of improving his land what to plant and how to cleanse it from the tears that might choke the good seed all may ask what they desire and every reasonable demand will be granted if it be conformable to the great end if you feel grateful for these benefits and testify it by increased activity and by occupying yourself on this day and expressing your gratitude to me I will take care this day of rest shall be a benefit and not a loss I wish that all your useful animals and even the wild beasts of the plains should on this day repose in peace he who obeys my commands and earthly abode shall receive a rich reward in the heavenly city but the idol, the negligent and the evil disposed shall be condemned to perpetual slavery or to labor in minds in the bowels of the earth from time to time I shall send ships to bring away individuals to be rewarded or punished as they have fulfilled my commands none can deceive me a magic mirror will show me the actions and thoughts of all the colonists were satisfied and eager to begin their labor the portions of land and instruments of labor were distributed to them with seeds and useful plants and fruit trees they were then left to turn these good gifts to profit but what followed? everyone did as he wished some planted their ground with groves and gardens pretty and useless others planted wild fruit instead of the good fruit the great king had commanded a third had sowed good seed but not knowing the tears from the wheat he had torn up all before they reached maturity but the most part left their land uncultivated they had lost their seeds or spoiled their implements many would not understand the orders of the great king and others tried by subtlety to evade them a few labored with courage as they had been taught rejoicing in the hope of the promise given them their greatest danger was in the disbelief of their teachers though everyone had a copy of the law few read it all were ready by some excuse to avoid this duty some asserted they knew it yet never thought on it but these the laws of past times not of the present others said the great king did not regard the action of his subjects that he had neither mines nor dungeons and that all would certainly be taken to the heavenly city they began to neglect the duties of the day dedicated to the great king few assembled and of these the most part were inattentive and did not profit by the instruction given them but the great king was faithful to his word from time to time frickets appeared bearing the name of some disease these were followed by a large vessel called the grave bearing the terrible flag of the admiral death this flag was of two colors green and black and appeared to the colonists according to their state the smiling color of hope or the gloomy hue of despair this fleet always arrived unexpectedly and was usually unwelcome the officers were sent out by the admiral to seize those he pointed out many who were unwilling were compelled to go and others whose land was prepared and even the harvest ripening were summoned but these went joyfully sure that they went to happiness the fleet being ready sailed for the heavenly city then the great king in his justice awarded the punishments and recompenses excuses were now too late the negligent and disobedient were sent to labor in the dark minds while the faithful and obedient arrayed in bright robes were received into their glorious abodes of happiness I have finished my parable my dear children reflect on it and profit by it fritz what do you think of it I am considering the goodness of the great king and the ingratitude of his people answered he and how foolish they were said earnest with a little prudence they might have kept their land in good condition and secured a pleasant life afterwards away with them to the mines cried Jack they richly deserve such a doom how much I should like said Francis to see those soldiers in their shining armor I hope you will see them some day my dear boy if you continue to be good and obedient I then explained my parable fully and applied the moral to each of my sons directly you fritz should take warning from the people who planted wild fruit and wish to make them pass for good fruit such as those who are proud of natural virtues easy to exercise such as bodily strength or physical courage and place these above the qualities which are only attained by labor impatience you earnest must remember the subjects who laid out their land in flowery gardens like those who seek the pleasures of life rather than the duties and you my thoughtless Jack and little Francis think of the fate of those who left their land untilled or heedlessly sold tears for wheat these are God's people who neither study nor reflect who cast to the winds all instruction and leave room in their minds for evil then let us all be like the good laborers of the parable constantly cultivating our ground that when death comes for us we may willingly follow him to the feet of the great king to hear these blessed words good and faithful servants enter into the joy of your Lord this made a great impression on my children we concluded by singing a hymn then my good wife produced from her unfailing bag a copy of the holy scripture from which I selected such passages as applied to our situation and explain them to my best ability my boys remained for some time thoughtful and serious and though they followed their innocent recreations during the day they did not lose sight of the useful lesson of the morning but by a more gentle and amiable manner showed that my words had taken effect the next morning Ernest had used my bow which I had given him very skillfully bringing down some dozens of small birds a sort of hortiland from the branches of our tree where they assemble to feed on the figs this induced them all to wish for such a weapon I was glad to comply with their wishes as I wished them to become skillful in the use of these arms of our forefathers which might be of great value to us when our ammunition failed I made two bows and two quivers to contain their arrows of a flexible piece of bark and attaching a strap to them I soon armed my little archers Fritz was engaging him preparing the skin of the Marguer with more care than Jack had shown with that of the jackal I showed him how to clean it by rubbing it with sand in the river till no vestige of fat or flesh was left and then applying butter to render it flexible these employments filled up the morning till dinnertime came we had Ernest's hortilands and some fried ham and eggs which made us a sumptuous repast I gave my boys leave to kill as many hortilands as they chose for I knew that half roasted and put into casks covered with butter they would keep for a length of time and prove an invaluable resource in time of need as I continued my work making arrows and a bow for Francis I intimated to my wife that the abundant supply of figs would save our grain as the poultry and pigeons would feed on them as well as the hortilands this was a great satisfaction to her and thus another day passed and we mounted to our dormitory to taste the sweet slumber that follows a day of toil End of Chapter This is the LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wiss Chapter 13 The next morning all were engaged in archery I completed the bow for Francis and at his particular request made him a quiver too The delicate bark of a tree, united by glue obtained from our portable soup formed an admirable quiver this I suspended by a string round the neck of my boy furnished with arrows then taking his bow in his hand he was as proud as a knight armed at all points After dinner I proposed that we should give names to all the parts of our island known to us in order that by a pleasing delusion we might fancy ourselves in an inhabited country My proposal was well received and then began the discussion of names Jack wished for something high sounding and difficult such as Monomotapa or Zanguibar very difficult words to puzzle anyone who visited our island but I objected to this as we were the most likely to have to use the names ourselves and we should suffer from it I rather suggested that we should give in our own language such simple names as should point out some circumstance connected with a spot I proposed we should begin with a bay where we landed and called on Fritz for his name The Bay of Oysters said he we found so many there Oh no! said Jack let it be Lobster Bay for there I was caught by the leg Then we ought to call it the Bay of Tears said Ernest to commemorate those you shed on the occasion My advice said my wife is that in gratitude to God we should name it Safety Bay We were all pleased with this name and proceeded to give the name of Tenthouse to our first abode Shark Island to the little island in the bay where we had found that animal and at Jack's Desire the marshy spot where we had cut our arrows was named Flamingo Marsh There the height from which we had vainly sought traces of our shipmates received the name of Cape Disappointment The river was to be Jackal River and the bridge Family Bridge The most difficult point was to name our present abode At last we agreed on the name of Falcon's Nest in German Falconhoist This was received with acclamations and I poured out for my young nestlings each a glass of sweet wine to drink prosperity to Falcon's Nest We thus laid the foundation of the geography of our new country promising to forward it to Europe by the first post After dinner my sons returned to their occupation as tanners Fritz to complete his belt and Jack to make a sort of cuirass of the formidable skin of the porcupine to protect the docks He finished by making a sort of helmet from the head of the animal as strange as the cuirasses The heat of the day being over we prepared to set out to walk to Tenthouse to renew our stock of provisions and endeavor to bring the geese and ducks to our new residence But instead of going by the coast we proposed to go up the river to push the chain of rocks and continue under their shade till we got to the cascade where we could cross and return by family bridge This was approved and we set out Fritz decorated with a beautiful belt of skin Jack in his porcupine helmet Each had a gun and game bag except Francis who with his pretty fair face his golden hair and his bow and quiver was a perfect cupid My wife was loaded with a large supply Turk walked before us with his coat of mail and Flora followed keeping at a respectful distance from him for fear of the darts Nips as my boys called the monkey finding this new saddle very inconvenient jumped off with many contortions but soon fixed on Flora who not being able to shake him off was compelled to become his pal free The road by the river was smooth and pleasant When we reached the end of the wood and now the boys who had been rambling about came running up out of breath Ernest was holding a plant with leaves and flowers and green apples hanging on it Potatoes said he I am certain they are potatoes God be praised said I this precious plant will secure provision for a colony Well said Jack if his superior knowledge discovered them I will be the first to dig them up and he set to work so ardently that we soon had a bag of fine ripe potatoes which we carried on to Tenthouse End of chapter Chapter 14 We have been much delighted with the new and lovely scenery of our road the prickly cactus and aloe with its white flowers the indian fig the white and yellow jasmine the fragrant vanilla throwing round its graceful festoons Above all the regal pineapple grew in profusion and we feasted on it for the first time with evidity Among the prickly stalks of the cactus and aloes I perceived a plant with large pointed leaves which I knew to be the karate I pointed out to the boys its beautiful red flowers the leaves are an excellent application to wounds and thread is made from the filaments and the pith of the stem is used by the savage tribes for tinder When I showed the boys by experiment the use of the pith they thought the tinder tree would be almost as useful as the potatoes At all events, I said it will be more useful than the pineapples your mother will be thankful for thread when her enchanted bag is exhausted How happy it is for us, said she that you have devoted yourself to reading and study In our ignorance we might have passed this treasure without suspecting its value Fritz inquired of what use and the world all the rest of these prickly plants could be which wounded everyone that came near All of these have their use, Fritz said I Some contain juices and gums which are daily made use of in medicine Others are useful in the arts or in manufactures The Indian fig, for instance, is a most interesting tree it grows in the most arid soil the fruit is said to be sweet and wholesome In a moment my little active jack was climbing the rocks to gather some of these figs but he had not remarked that they were covered with thousands of slender thorns and the finest needles which terribly wounded his fingers he returned weeping bitterly and dancing with pain having rallied him a little for his greediness I extracted the thorns and then showed him how to open the fruit by first cutting off the pointed end as it lay on the ground into this I fixed a piece of stick and then paired it with my knife The novelty of the expedient recommended it and they were soon all engaged eating the fruit was very good In the meantime, I saw Ernest examining one of the figs very attentively Oh, pa-pa! said he What a singular sight! The fig is covered with a small red insect I cannot shake them off Can they be the cocconeal? I recognized it once the precious insect of which I explained to my sons the nature and use It is with this insect, said I, that the beautiful enriched scarlet dye is made It is found in America and the Europeans give its weight in gold for it Thus, discoursing on the wonders of nature and the necessity of increasing our knowledge by observation and study, we arrived at Tenthouse and found it in the same state as we left it We all began to collect necessaries Fritz loaded himself with powder and shot I opened the butter-cask and my wife and little Francis filled the pot Ernest and Jack went to try and secure the trucks but they had become so wild that it would have been impossible if Ernest had not thought of an expedient He tied pieces of cheese for bait to threads which he floated on the water The voracious creatures immediately swallowed the cheese and were drawn out by the thread They were then securely tied and fastened to the game bags to be carried home on our backs As the bait could not be recovered the boys contented themselves with cutting off the string close to the beak to bring them to digest the rest Our bags were already loaded with potatoes but we filled up the spaces between them with salt and having relieved Turk of his armor we placed the heaviest on his back I took the butter-pot and after replacing everything and closing our tent we resumed our march with our ludicrous encumbrances The geese and duck