The Swiss Family Robinson: A Translation from the Original GermanWyss, Johann David
General
The Swiss Family Robinson: A Translation from the Original German
Wyss, Johann David
Family life -- Fiction; Islands -- Fiction; Survival -- Fiction
As these penguins are disagreeable food, on account of their strong,
oily taste, I was sorry Jack had attacked them; but going to examine
them when we landed, some of the fallen arose from their swoon, and
began solemnly to waddle away, upon which we caught them, and tying
their feet together with long grass, laid them on the sand to wait until
we were ready to start.
The three wheel-barrows then each received a load, the live penguins,
seated gravely, were trundled along by Jack, and away we went at a great
rate.
The usual noise of our approach set the dogs barking furiously, but
discovering us, they rushed forward with such forcible demonstrations of
delight, that poor little Jack, who, as it was, could scarcely manage
his barrow, was fairly upset, penguins and all. This was too much for
his patience, and it was absurd to see how he started up and cuffed them
soundly for their boisterous behavior.
This scene, and the examination of our burdens, caused great merriment:
the tobacco-grater and iron plates evidently puzzling everybody.
I sent the boys to catch some of our geese and ducks, and bid them
fasten a penguin to each by the leg, thinking that it was worth while to
try to tame them.
My wife had exerted herself in our absence to provide a good store of
potatoes, and also of manioc root. I admired her industry, and little
Franz said, "Ah, father! I wonder what you will say when mother and I
give you some Indian corn, and melons, and pumpkins, and cucumbers!"
"Now, you little chatterbox!" cried she, "you have let out my secret! I
was to have the pleasure of surprising your father when my plants were
growing up."
"Ah, the poor disappointed little mother!" said I. "Never mind! I am
charmed to hear about it. Only do tell me where did these seeds come
from?"
"Out of my magic bag, of course!" replied she. "And each time I have
gone for potatoes, I have sown seeds in the ground which was dug up to
get them; and I have planted potatoes also."
"Well done, you wise little woman!" I exclaimed. "Why, you are a model
of prudence and industry!"
"But," continued she, "I do not half like the appearance of those
tobacco-graters you have brought. Is it possible you are going to make
snuff? Do, pray, let us make sure of abundance of food for our mouths,
before we think of our noses!"
"Make your mind easy, my wife," said I. "I have not the remotest
intention of introducing the dirty, ridiculous habit of snuffing into
your family! Please to treat my graters with respect, however, because
they are to be the means of providing you with the first fresh bread you
have seen this many a long day."
"What possible connection can there be between bread and
tobacco-graters? I cannot imagine what you mean, and to talk of bread
where there are no ovens is only tantalizing."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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