When we were about half-way, Flora left us, and, by her barking, raised singular animal, which seemed to leap instead of ran The irregular bounds animal disconcerted my aim, and, though very near, I missed it Ernest was more fortunate; he fired at it, and killed it an animal size of sheep, tail of tiger; its head and skin were like those of mouse, ears longer hare; curious pouch belly; the fore legs were short, imperfectly developed, and armed with strong claws, the hind legs long, like pair of stilts After Ernest's pride of victory was little subdued, he fell back science, and began to examine his spoil

"By its teeth," said he, "it should belong family of rodentes_, or gnawers; by its legs, jumpers_; and by its pouch, opossum tribe "

This the right clue "Then," said I, "this the animal Cook first discovered in New Holland, and called the kangaroo "

We now tied the legs animal together, and, putting stick through, carried it sledge very carefully, for Ernest was anxious to preserve the beautiful skin Our animals were heavily laden; but, giving them little rest and some fresh grass, we once more started, and in short time reached Falcon's Nest

My wife employed during our absence in washing the clothes three boys, clothing them mean time sailor's chest we had found before Their appearance was excessively ridiculous, garments neither suited their age nor size, and caused great mirth all; but my wife had preferred this disguise alternative going naked

We now began to display our riches, and relate our adventures The butter rest provisions were very welcome, the salmon still more so, but the sight kangaroo produced screams of admiration Fritz displayed little jealousy, but soon surmounted it by an exertion nobler feelings; and only the keen eye of father discovered it He congratulated Ernest warmly, but help begging to accompany me

"I promise you that," said I, "as reward conquest achieved over your jealousy of your brother But, remember, have given you greater proof confidence, than in leaving you to protect your mother and brothers noble mind finds its purest joy accomplishment duty, and willingly sacrifices its inclination But," I added, in low tone, lest distress my wife, "I propose another expedition vessel, and accompany me "

We then fed our tired animals, giving them some salt with their grass, great treat Some salmon was prepared for dinner, rest salted After dinner, I hung up the kangaroo till , when we intended to salt and smoke the flesh Evening arrived, and an excellent supper of fish, ortolans, and potatoes refreshed us; and, after thanks to God, we retired to rest

* * * * *

CHAPTER XVII

I rose early, and descended the ladder, little uneasy kangaroo, and found but just to save it, dogs had so enjoyed their repast entrails, which I had given them the night before, wished to appropriate the rest They had succeeded in tearing off the head, in their reach, and were devouring it in sort of growling partnership had no store-room provision, I decided to administer little correction, as warning gluttons them some smart strokes with cane, fled howling stable under the roots Their cries roused my wife, who came down; and, though but allow the chastisement just and prudent, she was so moved by compassion, that she consoled the poor sufferers with some remains of last night's supper

I now carefully stripped the kangaroo elegant skin, and washing myself, and changing my dress unpleasant operation, I joined my family at breakfast I then announced my plan of visiting the vessel, and ordered Fritz preparations My wife resigned herself mournfully necessity When we were ready to depart, Ernest and Jack found; their mother suspected they had gone potatoes This calmed my apprehension; but I charged her to reprimand them for going without leave We set out towards Tent House, leaving Flora to protect the household, and taking our guns as usual

We had scarcely left the wood, and were approaching Jackal River, when we heard piercing cries, and suddenly Ernest and Jack leaped from thicket, delighted, as Jack said, in having succeeded in their plan of accompanying us, and, moreover, in making us believe we were beset with savages They were, however, disappointed them severe reproof for their disobedience, and sent them home with message mother that detained all night, and begged she uneasy

They listened in great confusion, and were much mortified at their dismissal; but I begged Fritz Ernest his silver watch, that know how the time passed; and that replace it, case of watches ship This reconciled them little lot, left us We went forward to our boat, embarked, and, aided current, soon reached the vessel

My first care was to construct some more convenient transport-vessel than our boat Fritz proposed raft, similar used by savage nations, supported on skins filled with air These we ; but number of water-hogsheads, which we emptied, and closed again, and threw dozen sea, ship boat Some long planks were laid , and secured with ropes We added raised edge of planks to secure our cargo, and thus had solid raft, capable of conveying any burden This work occupied us the whole day, scarcely interrupted by eating little cold meat game-bags Exhausted by fatigue, we were glad good night's rest captain's cabin on an elastic mattress, our hammocks had made us forget the comfort Early next morning we began to load our raft

We began by entirely stripping our own cabin captain We carried away even the doors and windows The chests carpenter gunner followed There were cases of rich jewellery, and caskets of money, which at first tempted us, but were speedily relinquished for objects of real utility I preferred case of young plants of European fruits, carefully packed in moss for transportation , with delight, precious plants, apple, pear, plum, orange, apricot, peach, almond, and chesnut trees, and some young shoots of vines How I longed to plant these familiar trees of home in foreign soil We secured some bars of iron and pigs of lead, grindstones, cart-wheels ready for mounting, tongs, shovels, plough-shares, packets of copper and iron wire, sacks of maize, peas, oats, and vetches; and even small hand-mill The vessel , , laden with everything likely useful in new colony saw-mill in pieces, but marked, so easily put together difficult to select, but we took as was safe raft, adding large fishing-net ship's compass Fritz begged to harpoons, which he hung ropes over the bow boat; and I indulged his fancy We were now loaded as far as prudence would allow us; so, attaching our raft firmly boat, we hoisted our sail, and made slowly shore

* * * * *

CHAPTER XVIII

The wind was favourable, but we advanced slowly, the floating mass that we had to tug retarding us Fritz regarding large object water; me to steer little towards it, that he might see what I went rudder, and made the movement; immediately I heard the whistling cord, and felt shock; then second, followed by rapid motion boat

" going to founder ! " cried I " the matter ? "

" caught it," shouted Fritz; " harpooned it neck turtle "