Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/478

432 “The tide was setting strongly in shore, so that I could not then attempt a passage through it, but examined the crags of the headland, thinking I might perchance discover a second vaulted archway. I saw nothing remarkable, however, but thousands of sea fowl of every sort and kind, from the gull and sea-swallow to the mighty albatross.

“My approach was evidently regarded as an invasion and trespass; for they regularly beset me, screaming and wheeling over my head, till, out of all patience, I stood up, and hit furiously about me with the boat-hook; when, rather to my surprise, one blow struck an albatross with such force, that he fell stunned into the water.

“I now once more attempted to cross the reef by the narrow channel, and happily succeeding, found myself in the open sea, and speeding homewards, joyfully saw our flag flying, and heard the welcome salute you fired.”

Here ended the narrative; but next morning Fritz drew me aside, and confided to me a most remarkable sequel, in these words—

“There was something very extraordinary about that albatross, father. I allowed you to suppose that I left it as it fell, but in reality I raised it to the deck of the canoe, and then perceived a piece of rag wound round one of its legs. This I removed, and, to my utter astonishment, saw English words written on it, which I plainly made out to be—‘Save an unfortunate Englishwoman from the smoking rock!’ ”

“This little sentence sent a thrill through every nerve: my brain seemed to whirl. I doubted the evidence of my senses.

“ ‘Is this reality, or delusion?’ thought I. ‘Can it be true, that a fellow-creature breathes with us the air of this lonely region?’ ”

“I felt stupified for some minutes: the bird began to show signs of life, which recalled me to myself; and, quickly deciding