Sportsman," said Jack, "you got enough of them, and that's the
reason you don't wish to try them again. For my part, I love the waves,
and I sing, 'The sea! the sea! it was the sea that brought us here!'"
"What a boaster you are," said Fritz: "it was only yesterday you said to
me, 'I will guide you; I know the way by the rocks; I got my buffalo
there, and I intend to have another.' Was it in the pinnace you intended
to pass the defile, and pursue buffaloes?"
"No, no! I meant on foot," said Jack; "but I thought we should be only
two then. But, as we are four--papa at the helm, and three bold rowers,
why should we fatigue ourselves in making the tour of the island on our
legs, when we have a good vessel to carry us? What says Mr. Philosopher,
the prince of idlers, to it?"
"For my part," said Ernest, quietly, "I am quite indifferent whether I
use my legs in walking, or my arms in rowing, it is equally fatiguing;
but walking gives me more chance of filling my plant-box and my
game-bag."
"And does he think," added Fritz, "that the mulberry and bread-fruit
trees, which we shall certainly find on the other side, grow on the sea?
without naming my gazelle, which does not run over the waves."
"No, it is waiting, without moving, for you to shoot it," said Jack;
"and Ernest, perhaps you may find on the sea some of those curious
things half plants, half animals, which you were showing me in a book.
Pages:
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336