Swiss Family Robinson Read Online Free Page B

harpoon.
    “I congratulate you, my boy! But you should not have gone out of the bay.”
    “I was carried along by the current,” said Fritz. “I could not help myself. Then I saw a herd of walruses. I chased them and harpooned this fellow. I should like to fasten the head, with these grand white tusks, on the kayak. I will call it the Sea Horse.”
    “We must certainly carry away the ivory tusks,” I agreed. “But hurry, a storm is brewing.”
    We cut off the head of the walrus and sliced strips of its skin. Fritz was soon skimming over the water on his kayak with its fierce figurehead. We followed at a slower rate.
    Meanwhile, black clouds had gathered. A tremendous storm came on. Fritz was out of sight.
    Ernest, Jack, and I lashed ourselves to the boat so that we would not be washed overboard.
    Wind whipped the ocean. Rain fell. Lightning flashed. The storm picked up. Then the sky began to clear as suddenly as it had darkened. I had never lost hope for us. All my fears were for Fritz—alone in hislittle boat. At last, we entered Safety Bay.
    To our surprise and delight, we saw Fritz with his mother. We gave thanks for our spared lives.

“W e spend our years as a tale that is told,” said King David.
    I thought of these words as I reviewed ten years in my journal.
    Time was passing away.
    Our sons were growing up.
    Over the years, we had discovered many interesting animals lived on the island with us—gorillas, elephants, and even kangaroos. Rockburg and Falconhurst remained ourwinter and summer homes. We had made many improvements. There were fountains, trellised verandas, and plantations around Rockburg. We had cleared and drained the swamp. It was now a large lake. Stately black swans and snow-white geese sailed on its waters. We had also built a watchtower on Shark Island.
    We had all enjoyed good health in these ten years. The boys grew into fine, handsome fellows. But my wife and I were nearing old age. And I worried about my sons’ futures. What kind of life would they have on the island with no chance for families of their own?
    The boys began to feel restless. They often went on trips to explore. One such time, Fritz had been off for a full day in his kayak. “Welcome back, Fritz!” I cried whenhe returned. We all gathered around him.
    “My trip has led to interesting discoveries,” he told us. “I left the harbor this morning. I wanted to explore farther than we have along the coast. After an hour and a half, I saw a magnificent archway in the side of a cliff. I passed through it into a huge cavern.” His eyes sparkled with excitement.
    “The water beneath me was crystal clear,” he went on. “I could see beds of shellfish in it. I hooked up several clusters. I landed on the beach and flung them on the sand. Then I went to fetch more. I supposed the sun didn’t agree with them. For when I came back, they were all wide open. I looked at them and found these pearly balls.” He held out his hands.
    “You have discovered treasure!” I exclaimed. “Why, these are pearls! They will be a source of wealth should we ever again be in the civilized world.”

    Later, Fritz drew me aside. He had not told us everything about his trip. While leaving Pearl Bay, he had been attacked by seabirds. He had struck one with the boat hook.
    “The bird fell stunned into the water,” said Fritz. “I raised it to the deck of the kayak. Then I saw a piece of rag was wound round one of its legs. To my astonishment, English words were written on it! It said, ‘Save an unfortunate Englishwoman!’” He showed me the rag.
    “My brain whirled,” continued Fritz. “Can it be that we are not alone? I tore a strip from my handkerchief. On it, I wrote, ‘Do not despair! Help is near!’ I bound it to the bird’s leg. The bird slowly revived andtook flight. Oh, Father, shall I be able to find this woman?”
    I listened to Fritz’s story with growing surprise. I could hardly believe it! “You were wise not to