Swiss Family Robinson | Page 2

vessel, the Adventurer, had visited them, and
the father had sent the first part of his journal by Lieut. Bell to the captain, who remained
in the vessel. A violent tempest arose, which continued some days, and drove the
Adventurer from the coast. The family concluded the ship was lost; but this was not the
case, as will be seen in the conclusion.

* * * * *
CHAPTER I.
The tempest had raged for six days, and on the seventh seemed to increase. The ship had
been so far driven from its course, that no one on board knew where we were. Every one
was exhausted with fatigue and watching. The shattered vessel began to leak in many
places, the oaths of the sailors were changed to prayers, and each thought only how to
save his own life. "Children," said I, to my terrified boys, who were clinging round me,
"God can save us if he will. To him nothing is impossible; but if he thinks it good to call
us to him, let us not murmur; we shall not be separated." My excellent wife dried her
tears, and from that moment became more tranquil. We knelt down to pray for the help of
our Heavenly Father; and the fervour and emotion of my innocent boys proved to me that
even children can pray, and find in prayer consolation and peace.

We rose from our knees strengthened to bear the afflictions that hung over us. Suddenly
we heard amid the roaring of the waves the cry of "Land! land!" At that moment the ship
struck on a rock; the concussion threw us down. We heard a loud cracking, as if the
vessel was parting asunder; we felt that we were aground, and heard the captain cry, in a
tone of despair, "We are lost! Launch the boats!" These words were a dagger to my heart,
and the lamentations of my children were louder than ever. I then recollected myself, and
said, "Courage, my darlings, we are still, above water, and the land is near. God helps
those who trust in him. Remain here, and I will endeavour to save us."
I went on deck, and was instantly thrown down, and wet through by a huge sea; a second
followed. I struggled boldly with the waves, and succeeded in keeping myself up, when I
saw, with terror, the extent of our wretchedness. The shattered vessel was almost in two;
the crew had crowded into the boats, and the last sailor was cutting the rope. I cried out,
and prayed them to take us with them; but my voice was drowned in the roar of the
tempest, nor could they have returned for us through waves that ran mountains high. All
hope from their assistance was lost; but I was consoled by observing that the water did
not enter the ship above a certain height. The stern, under which lay the cabin which
contained all that was dear to me on earth, was immovably fixed between two rocks. At
the same time I observed, towards the south, traces of land, which, though wild and
barren, was now the haven of my almost expiring hopes; no longer being able to depend
on any human aid. I returned to my family, and endeavoured to appear calm. "Take
courage," cried I, "there is yet hope for us; the vessel, in striking between the rocks, is
fixed in a position which protects our cabin above the water, and if the wind should settle
to-morrow, we may possibly reach the land."
This assurance calmed my children, and as usual, they depended on all I told them; they
rejoiced that the heaving of the vessel had ceased, as, while it lasted, they were
continually thrown against each other. My wife, more accustomed to read my
countenance, discovered my uneasiness; and by a sign, I explained to her that I had lost
all hope. I felt great consolation in seeing that she supported our misfortune with truly
Christian resignation.
"Let us take some food," said she; "with the body, the mind is strengthened; this must be
a night of trial."
Night came, and the tempest continued its fury; tearing away the planks from the devoted
vessel with a fearful crashing. It appeared absolutely impossible that the boats could have
out-lived the storm.
My wife had prepared some refreshment, of which the children partook with an appetite
that we could not feel. The three younger ones retired to their beds, and soon slept
soundly. Fritz, the eldest, watched with me. "I have been considering," said he, "how we
could save ourselves. If we only had some cork jackets, or bladders, for mamma and my
brothers, you and I don't need them, we could then swim to land."
"A good