Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/128

94 tame flamingo joined them, while Master Knips skipped about from one to the other, chattering and mimicking our gestures continually. To my wife's joy, the sow appeared shortly after, and was presented with all the milk that remained from the day's stock that she might be persuaded to return every night.

“For,” said my wife, “this surplus milk is really of no use to us, as it will be sour before the morning in this hot climate.”

“You are quite right,” I replied, “but we must contrive to make it of use. The next time Fritz and I return to the wreck we will bring off a churn amongst the other things we require.”

“Must you really go again to that dreadful wreck?” said my wife shuddering. “You have no idea how anxious I am when you are away there.”

“Go we must, I am afraid,” I replied, “but not for a day or two yet. Come, it is getting late. We and the chickens must go to roost.”

We lit our watch-fires, and, leaving the dogs on guard below, ascended the ladder. Fritz, Ernest, and Jack were up in a moment. Their mother followed very cautiously, for though she had originated the idea of building a nest, she yet hesitated to entrust herself at such a terrific height from the ground. When she was safely landed in the house, taking little Franz on my back, I let go the fastenings which secured the lower end of the ladder to the ground, and swinging to and fro, slowly ascended.

Then for the first time we stood all together in our new home. I drew up the ladder, and, with a greater sense of security than I had enjoyed since we landed on the island, offered up our evening prayer, and retired for the night.