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CHAPTER XLVII

We soon arrived at Family Bridge, where I had some hopes of meeting Francis, and perhaps his mother, who was beginning to walk ; but disappointed--they there Yet not uneasy, for they were neither certain hour return, nor way take I expected, however, them colonnade--they there I hastily entered the house; I called aloud, "Elizabeth ! Francis ! where ? " No one answered mortal terror seized me--and for moment move

" grotto," said Ernest

"Or garden," said Fritz

"Perhaps shore," cried Jack; "my mother likes to watch the waves, and Francis gathering shells "

These were possibilities My sons flew in all directions in search mother and brother it impossible to move, and was obliged to sit down I trembled, and my heart beat till scarcely breathe venture to dwell extent fears, or, rather, I had no distinct notion I tried to recover myself I murmured, "Yes-- grotto, or the garden-- return directly " Still, compose myself overwhelmed with sad presentiment misfortune which impended over me but too soon realized My sons returned in fear and consternation They had no occasion me the result search; it at once, and, sinking down motionless, I cried, "Alas ! there ! "

Jack returned the last, and most frightful state; he sea-shore, and, throwing himself into my arms, he sobbed out--

"The savages here, and carried away my mother and Francis; perhaps devoured them; the marks horrible feet sands, print of dear Francis's boots "

This account at once recalled me to strength and action

"Come, my children, fly to save them God will pity our sorrow, and assist us restore them Come, come ! "

They were ready in moment But distracting thought seized me Had they carried off the pinnace ? , every hope was gone Jack, distress, had never thought of remarking this; but, the instant I named it, Fritz and he ran to ascertain the important circumstance, Ernest, mean time, supporting me, and endeavouring to calm me

"Perhaps," said he, " still island Perhaps they fled to hide themselves in some wood, or amongst the reeds Even pinnace be left, it prudent to search the island from end to end before we leave it Trust Fritz and me, ; and, even if them hands enemy, recover them Whilst off expedition, preparing voyage, and search the world from one end other, every country and every sea, but we them And succeed put our whole trust in God our Father, try us beyond our strength "

I embraced my child, and flood of tears relieved my overcharged heart My eyes and hands were raised to Heaven; my silent prayers winged their flight Almighty, to him who tries us and consoles us ray of hope seemed to visit my mind, when I heard my boys cry out, approached--

"The pinnace is here ! not carried that away ! "

I fervently thanked God-- kind of miracle; pretty vessel was more tempting canoe Perhaps, as hidden in little creek rocks, it had escaped their observation; perhaps know how to manage it; or be numerous enough No matter, there, and the means recovering the beloved objects those barbarians had torn How gracious is God, to hope to sustain us afflictions ! Without hope, live; it restores and revives us, and, even if never realized below, accompanies us end life, and beyond the grave !

I imparted to my eldest son the idea brother, that concealed in some part island; but I dared not rely sweet hope Finally, ought not to run the risk of abandoning them, were still here, and perhaps power savages, I consented that my two eldest sons should go to ascertain the fact Besides, however impatient , that voyage such were undertaking into unknown seas of long duration, and necessary some preparations-- think on food, water, arms, and things situations in life which seize the heart and soul, rendering us insensible wants body--this we now experienced We had just come from painful journey, on foot, of twenty-four hours, during which we had had little rest, and no sleep Since morning we had eaten nothing but some morsels bread-fruit; natural that overcome with fatigue and hunger But we none of us had even thought own state--we were supported, if use the expression, by our despair moment that my sons were going to set out, the remembrance need of refreshment suddenly occurred , and I besought them to rest little, and take something; but they were agitated to consent Fritz bottle of Canary, and some slices of roast mutton I met with, which he put pocket They had each loaded musket, set out, taking the road along the rocks, where the most hidden retreats and most impenetrable woods lay; they promised me to fire off their pieces frequently to let their mother know they were there, if she was hidden rocks--they took also dogs Flora find, which made us conclude she had followed her mistress, she was much attached

my eldest sons had left us, Jack conduct me shore where he had seen the footmarks, that examine them, to judge number and direction many very distinct, but so mingled, come to no positive conclusion Some were near the sea, foot pointing shore; and amongst these Jack thought distinguish the boot-mark of Francis My wife wore very light boots also, which I had made for her; they rendered stockings unnecessary, and strengthened her ankles find the trace ; but I soon discovered that my poor Elizabeth here, from piece torn from an apron she wore, made of her own cotton, and dyed red I had now not the least doubt that she was canoe with her son sort of consolation they were together; but mortal fears accompanied this consolation ! Oh ! was I ever again these objects tenderest affection !

Certain now island, impatient return sons, and every preparation departure The first thing of wrecked chest, which would furnish me with means to conciliate the savages, and to ransom my loved ones I added everything likely to tempt them; utensils, stuffs, trinkets; I even took with me gold and silver coin, thrown on one side as useless, but of service occasion I wished my riches were three times were, that give all in exchange life and liberty wife and son I then turned my thoughts on those remaining : , in bags and gourds, all that we had left of cassava-bread, manioc-roots, and potatoes; barrel of salt-fish, two bottles of rum, and several jars of fresh water Jack wept as he filled them at his fountain, which he perhaps might never see again, any more than his dear Valiant, whom I set at liberty, cow, ass, buffalo, beautiful onagra These docile animals were accustomed attentions, remained in their places, surprised were neither harnessed nor mounted We opened the poultry-yard and pigeon-cote The flamingo leave us, it went and came house pinnace We took also oil, candles, fuel, and large iron pot to cook our provisions in defence, two more guns, and small barrel of powder, all we had left I added besides some changes of linen, not forgetting some dear wife, which I hoped needed The time fled rapidly while we were thus employed; night came on, and my sons returned not My grief was inconceivable; the island was so large and woody, lost themselves, or the savages returned and encountered them After twenty hours of frightful terror, I heard the report of gun--alas ! report ! it signal agreed on returned alone; two brought their mother; three if Francis also accompanied them; but I expected return alone, and still grateful I ran to meet them; they were overcome with fatigue and vexation

They begged to set out immediately, not to lose one precious moment; they were now sure the island contain those they lamented, hoped return without discovering them, for what would the island be without our loved ones ? Fritz, moment, saw his dear Lightfoot capering round him, and help sighing as he caressed him, and took leave of him

"May thee here," said he, "where I leave thee sorrow; bring back thy young master," added he, turning bull, who was also approaching him

He then begged me again to set out, moon was just rising in all her majesty