Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/160

120 rummaging the sailor's chest, and had kept them on, that Ernest I might see the masquerade. It certainly amused us, but made me regret that so little belonging to ourselves had been saved from the wreck, in consequence of which the children had scarcely a change of linen.

Turning now to our new acquisitions, we excited great interest by exhibiting each in turn; the large salmon, but more especially the kangaroo, surprised and delighted everyone.

Fritz alone wore a look expressive of dissatisfaction, and I saw that he was envious of his younger brother's success. Vexed that so noble a prize had fallen to Ernest's gun, instead of his own, he treated it rather slightingly; but I could see that he was struggling against his jealous feelings, and he, after a while, succeeded in recovering his good humour, and joined pleasantly in the conversation.

“What a famous day's sport you have had altogether!” said he, coming close up to me. “It will be my turn to go out with you next, will it not, father? Just about here there is nothing to shoot, and I have found it very dull.”

“Still you have been doing your duty, my dear boy: you were entrusted with the care of the family, and a youth of manly character will not depend for happiness on mere excitement.”

As the shades of night approached, we made haste to complete the day's work, by preparing the kangaroo, part for immediate use, and part for salting. The animals were fed, and a plentiful allowance of salt made to them. Our own supper of broiled salmon and potatoes was despatched with great appetite, and we retired, with thankful hearts, to sound and well-earned repose.