Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/473

Rh nothing until their return after many hours; when any uneasiness I might have felt was dissipated by their joyous appearance, and reproof always died away on my lips.

Fritz had been absent one whole day from Rockburg, and not until evening did we remark that his cajack was gone, and that he must be out at sea.

Anxious to see him return before nightfall, I went off to Shark Island with Ernest and Jack, in order to look out for him from the watch-tower there, at the same time hoisting our signal flag, and loading the gun.

Long we gazed across the expanse of ocean glittering in the level beams of the setting sun, and finally discerned a small black speck in the distance which, by the telescope, was proved to be the returning wanderer.

I remarked that the skiff sailed at a slower rate than usual towards the shore. The cannon was fired to let him know that his approach was observed, and then we joyfully hurried back to receive him at the harbour.

It was easy to see, as he drew near, what had delayed his progress. The cajack towed a large sack, besides being heavily laden.

“Welcome, Fritz!” I cried. “Welcome back, wherever you come from, and whatever you bring. You seem to have quite a cargo there!”

“Yes, and my trip has led to discoveries as well as booty,” answered he; “interesting discoveries which will tempt us again in the same direction. Come, boys, let's carry up the things, and while I rest I will relate my adventures.”

As soon as possible all assembled round him.

“I think my absence without leave deserves reproach instead of this warm reception, father, and I must apologise for it,” he began. “But ever since I possessed the cajack it has been my ambition to make a voyage of discovery along the coast, which we