Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/331

Rh apparatus is let down from a boat, and guided to the spots where the coral is most abundant.

“The branches of the coral become entangled in the hemp and net-work; they are broken off from the rock, and are drawn to the surface of the water.

“Left undisturbed these coral insects, labouring incessantly, raise foundations, on which, in course of time, fertile islands appear, clothed with verdure, and inhabited by men.”

“Why father, here we are at the landing-place!" exclaimed Jack. “It has seemed quite easy to pull since you began to tell us such interesting things.”

“Very interesting indeed; but did you notice that the wind had changed, Jack?" remarked Ernest as he shipped his oar.

The animated recital of our adventures, the sight of the lovely shells and corals, and the proposed work for the afternoon, inspired the mother and Franz with a great wish to accompany us.

To this I gladly consented, only stipulating that we should go provided with food, water, and a compass. “For,” said I, “the sea has only just ceased from its raging, and being at the best of times of uncertain and capricious nature, we may chance to be detained on the island, or forced to land at a considerable distance from home.”

Dinner was quickly dispatched, and preparations set on foot.

The more oil we could obtain the better, for a great deal was used in the large lantern which burned day and night in the recesses of the cave; therefore all available casks and barrels were pressed into the service; many, of course, once full of pickled herrings, potted pigeons, and other winter stores, were now empty, and we took a goodly fleet of these in tow.

Knives, hatchets, and the boy's climbing buskins, were put on board, and we set forth, the labour of the oar being greater than ever, now that our freight was so much increased.