Volume 1822
Georges Dodds'
The Ape-Man: his Kith and Kin
A collection of texts which prepared the advent of Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Presents
http://www.erbzine.com/mag18/french.htm

Author(s)

Identity of translator unknown

Link to Tarzan of the Apes

• mentioned at Feralchildren.com

Edition(s) used

• Mrs. Malle de Beaulieu. 1827. The Modern Crusoe. A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of a French Cabin Boy Who Was Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island . Boston: James Loring. (1st American edition)
• Original: Mme. Mallès de Beaulieu. 1818. Le Robinson de douze ans : histoire intéressante d'un jeune mousse français, abandonné dans une île déserte. Paris: P. Blanchard.

Text from copy I own.
• Illustrations from 1829 Blanchard ed., obtained from this site
• Original French text (image form) in an 1895 ed. here

Modifications to the text

• Chapter summaries placed in Table of Contents

The French Cabin Boy

Translator's Preface

The Authoress of the little French work, entitled "Le Robinson de Douze Ans," has addressed it to her young family, encouraged, she says, by the success attending her former Tales, which, while they contributed to afford amusement, served the higher purpose of correcting their faults, by pointing out the evils resulting from misconduct in the characters held up as beacons for their warning, and encouraging them to emulate the virtues of others, exhibited as examples for their imitation. From similar motives, and in a sincere wish that effects equally happy may be produced in the conduct of the youthful classes of our own community, has originated the endeavour to render the sentiments contained in this interesting little story accessible to those readers who are unacquainted with the original, and to make it acceptable to those who may prefer it in their native language; and should it, in its present dress, be the means of deterring any headstrong youth from setting his own will in opposition to that of an indulgent parent, or of convincing any "fair mother of our isle" of the dangerous consequences to be apprehended from slackening too much the reins of wholesome discipline, the chief end which he had in view will have been attained by the
TRANSLATOR.

F/L.
Battersea, Eng.

Chapter I

Louis Francour had for thirty years served his country with honour; his bravery and good conduct had acquired him the esteem of his officers, while his frankness and gaiety had endeared him to his comrades. Covered with wounds, and at the age of forty-six, he began to feel himself in need of repose, and his feeling heart sighed for those tender ties, which, it honouring the man with the title of husband and of father, bestow on him, in the bosom of a beloved family, all the happiness he is capable of enjoying in this world.

Louis arrived at his birth-place with the rank of sergeant. He enjoyed a pension of four hundred francs, with which the king had recompensed his services, and an income of eight hundred left him by his parents. He was received in his native village, situated a league from Brest, with joy and affection. A young and handsome peasant girl did not disdain the offer of his hand, and the laurels which covered the brows of the soldier concealed from her eyes the disparity of their years. This union was propitious. Francour, always satisfied and joyous, because his conscience was pure, wished that all around him should feel pleasure. The happiness of his wife constituted an essential part of his own. Susan was an excellent housewife, kept order and neatness in the house, provided for all the wants of her husband with a tender solicitude, listened with interest to the recital of the battles in which he had been engaged, and when the warrior painted in lively colours the dangers he had been exposed to, Susan folded him in her arms, as if to assure herself of his having escaped them. Soon a new tie was added to strengthen this happy union; the birth of a son crowned the vows of the married pair. "He shall be named Felix," said Francour, "for I hope he will be as fortunate as his father, who would not exchange his lot for that of a king." Felix never quitted the bosom of his mother, except to be received into the arms of Francour, and was lulled to sleep by the tune of a war song, which he hummed to him, while Susan softly rocked this beloved child.

How many projects did this happy couple form for the education of their dear Felix. "I will make him an honest man," said Francoeur, "a good citizen, and a brave defender of his country;" in pronouncing which, a ray of pride sparkled in the eyes of the veteran. "I," replied Susan, "desire above all things, that he should be a good Christian: that will, I hope, accord with what you propose for him." "Perfectly well, my dear wife. I will some day relate to you the history of the valiant Bayard, who was surnamed 'the Knight without fear and without reproach.' You will see whether or not he was a religious character. I think you will be satisfied with the manner of his death, which was that of a true Christian. Many others of our heroes have set us the same example. Inspire our son then with that piety which renders you so amiable, and causes you to find such pleasure in fulfilling your duties."

At five years of age Felix was sent to school; his father superintended his studies, made him every day repeat his lessons, and do, under his inspection, a page of writing: his mother also taught him to read the Evangelists, and to pray to God. His memory and capacity filled his good parents with joy; nevertheless, an extreme heedlessness and giddiness were not his only defects. He showed amongst his playfellows a quarrelsome disposition, which often procured him a beating; and, at eight years of age, he seldom returned home without a black eye or a torn ear; however, he made no complaints of any one, he had taken his revenge, and that satisfied him. Felix would have been a very bad boy if the fear of his father had not restrained him: but the sergeant brought him up with a wise severity, which was but too much counteracted by the excessive tenderness of his mother. It was at this period that an epidemic fever carried off honest Francour from his disconsolate wife, and entirely set free their son from that salutary restraint so necessary to such a disposition as his. From that time he gave himself up entirely to his love of pastime and diversion, neglected his studies, and disregarded the gentle reproofs of Susan.

The vicinity of a sea-port town had been the means of inspiring Felix with a strong inclination for a seafaring life: he often withdrew himself from home unknown to his mother, hurried to Brest, rambled over every part of the port, went on board the ships, and amused himself with climbing up the ropes. His boldness and agility attracted the observation of the officers, who encouraged him by their applause. Sometimes he passed the whole day in this favourite amusement, and night alone forced him to return home to his mother, breathless, overheated, and exhausted by hunger, not having taken any food since the morning. Poor Susan, weeping and disconsolate, told her son, that he would break her heart; but he replied, "that she would do well to accustom herself to these things, because that, as soon as he was old enough, he was determined to embark on board the first ship that would receive him."

About four years passed in this manner. The widow of Francour, fearing that her son, who was become a tall, stout lad, would quit her the first opportunity that should present itself, wrote to Captain Sinval, the youth's god father, to beg him to take him on board his ship, in order that he might be under his own protection and guidance, since she found it impossible to oppose his inclinations. His answer was favourable; he sent her money to pay the travelling expenses of Felix, who was to join him at l'Orient, where the vessel which he commanded was then lying, and which was about to sail in a short time.

Susan, in informing Felix of the steps she had taken, and the success, which had attended them, blended many tender reproofs with her maternal advice. "My son," said she, "you have by your conduct added a thousand poignant griefs to those already inflicted by the loss of your father. A spirit of disobedience has taken possession of your mind; you have braved the authority of your mother, and formed the resolution of abandoning her; but what would have become of you if I had not been careful to make proper arrangements for you? Mr. Sinval will supply the place of your father; he will watch over you, and accustom you to that subordination so necessary in every situation of life; your attention to your duty, and your obedience to your officers, may procure you success in that which you have chosen. My heart trembles at the many dangers you will there be exposed to; I pray Heaven to protect you, and to avert from you the punishment threatened to disobedient children. May God pardon you as I do, and may his blessing accompany mine."

Felix had a tender heart -- the discourse of his mother, her tears and sobs, affected him sensibly; he threw himself at her feet, tenderly kissed her hand, and testified the most bitter repentance for his past conduct. The good mother clasped him to her bosom, reminded him in a simple and touching manner of the religious principles which she had endeavoured to instil into him from his earliest infancy, and exhorted him, in whatever situation he might be cast, to rely on the care of Providence, and never to despair of its assistance.

The days following this conversation were occupied in arranging the apparel of Felix, and adding to it such articles as were necessary. Felix, on the point of separation from his mother, scarcely quitted her an instant, and seemed desirous of making amends for the pain he had occasioned her. Susan might have conceived a hope of retaining him with her, had not the boy, in the midst of his caresses, often thanked her for her condescension in permitting him to go to sea. "What a pleasure it will be, my dear mother," said he, "when I shall return to you; I shall be so much bigger and stronger, you will hardly know me again. I shall tell you all about my voyages, and will bring you home curiosities from all the countries I shall have travelled over." Susan sighed deeply. "God only knows," said she, "if I shall ever see thee again; but life will have lost all charms for me when I am bereaved of my only child."

At length the day of departure arrived; Susan accompanied her son to Brest, paid his fare in the Diligence to l'Orient, and recommended him to the care of the conductor, whom she interested in his favour by a handsome gratuity. It was necessary to tear Felix from the arms of his mother. She followed the carriage with her eyes as long as it was in sight, and then, with a heavy heart, retraced her steps to her own village. Felix, bathed in tears, participated in the grief of his mother, but he was soon diverted from it by a change of scene, and by the novelty of the objects that presented themselves to him. How amusing soever this first journey he had ever taken must have appeared to him, his natural impatience made him think it tedious, and he wished himself arrived at the end of it as soon as it was commenced. When the Diligence stopped for refreshment, he eat at the table d'hote, swallowed his food with the utmost avidity, in order to be the sooner ready to remount the vehicle, and was impatient with the other passengers, whom he accused of delaying its departure by their tardiness. At length he perceived the tower l'Orient: Felix clapped his hands, shouted for joy, and when the Diligence stopped, he rushed to the door, jostling his fellow-travellers, and made but one leap into the street. A female exclaimed, "What an ill-bred little boy!" "My conscience, Madam," replied the lad, "I am sorry if I have offended you; I am a sailor, I am going to join my ship, and I should not like it to sail without me." Nevertheless, he was under the necessity of learning patience, and of waiting till the conductor had disposed of the luggage of the travellers. This man had undertaken to conduct Felix himself to the house of Mr. Sinval, and to deliver him a letter from Susan.

The captain gave a very kind reception to his godson, whom he had not seen since the day of his christening; the pleasing countenance of the youth, his free and unconstrained deportment, prepossessed him in his favour. "My young friend," said he to him, "for your first voyage I can give you no better station than that of a cabin boy; but, if you do your duty well, and endeavour to become a good seaman, I promise to advance you rapidly. In two days time we are going to the roadsted of Port Louis, from whence we shall depart with the first fair wind. Make the best use of this short time to view the town and the port, and do not forget to write to your good mother, whose affection demands your utmost gratitude." Felix kissed his god- father's hand, and retired to the little closet allotted to him for a sleeping apartment. He was burning with impatience to go out and examine the port of 1' Orient, and to see two fine eighty- gun ships which were on the stocks, and which were to be launched in a few days. But an idea suggested itself to his mind, to which all others gave place. "I know," said he to himself, "that if once I go out, so many things will engage my curiosity, that I shall perhaps not think of writing to my mother; and if she receives no letter from me, she will think me an ungrateful child. I have given her already but too much occasion for affliction; I will not add this to her grief." Felix then seated himself at a little table, and began a very affectionate epistle; as he wrote, fresh ideas crowded on his mind, and, imperceptibly, he filled three large pages with expressions of his respect and love. Thus satisfied with himself, he sealed his letter, and begged Lapierre, Mr. Sinval's servant, to show him the way to the post-office. The boy offered to conduct him. to it, and accompany him to all the places he wished to visit; a prososal [sic] which Felix accepted with much pleasure.

No doubt, my young friends, you are pleased with the conduct of our hero, and that the sacrifice which he made to filial piety has obtained your approbation. The natural effect of good actions is, to excite a desire of imitating them, I hope, then, that you will all bear in mind, that duty should take the precedence of pleasure, which is the only way to enjoy the latter unalloyed by pain and regret.

We shall not follow Felix through all his walks, in which he saw much to gratify his curiosity, and from which he might have derived much instruction, but he saw them only with the eyes of a child; and you will perceive, in the sequel, how much cause he had to regret having paid so little attention to them. At length, then, behold him on board of ship bound to the East Indies; the anchors are weighed, a favourable wind swells the sails, and the coast of France disappears from the astonished eyes of Felix. I wish I could trace out to you the ship's course; but our young noviciate was so heedless, that though he has recounted his own adventures, he has never been able to give any account of that. He has only informed us, that for two months they had a favourable passage, and afterwards he has been able to speak of nothing but his own personal concerns. He was very much caressed by his god father, whose heart he had gained by his attentions and his engaging manners. His frolics amused Mr. Sinval; and when he had deserved punishment, he extricated himself by some merry conceit, and in exciting laughter he disarmed anger. The title of captain's cabin-boy gave him a great predominance over his companions, and he abused this advantage even to tyranny; they paid a kind of court to him -- he had his favourites whom he allowed to do what they pleased, but those who offended him, or opposed his inclinations, he often ill- treated, and they could obtain no redress from the captain, who was too much prejudiced in favour of his protegee. On one occasion only he made a good use of his power. A passenger had lately died, and had left a dog which no one noticed, except the young cabin boys, who amused themselves with tormenting him. Sometimes they fastened to his tail a paper or something to make a clatter. The poor frightened Castor ran about howling, and getting kicked by the sailors, who were enraged at his noise. Another time these mischievous lads put crackers in his ears, which terrified him dreadfully. Felix stood forth as the protector of the poor dog, and, throwing down his hat, said that he would fight any one who ill used Castor. This threat was sufficient to restrain his persecutors. Felix did not stop here; but, having protected him from their malice, he took upon himself the care of his subsistence; he divided his meals with him, and, by his many little engaging ways, he coaxed the cook to give him some additional scraps for his dog, who, grateful for so many kindnesses, attached himself to his benefactor; he followed him every where, slept under his hammock, and showed his teeth at those who made a feint of attacking his young master. Felix congratulated himself at finding a friend to his mind, that is to say, tractable to all his wishes, and submissive to all his caprices, and he preferred him to his companions, who still sometimes took the liberty to contradict him.

In the mean time the weather changed on a sudden; a thick fog arose, which continued several days, during which the ship drifted so far out of her course towards the south-east, that they knew not in what part of the world they were. A dreadful tempest succeeded, the ship was in the greatest danger, and the masts were carried overboard. They passed three days and three nights in this terrible situation; the vessel sprang a leak in several places: the water gained so fast upon her that the pumps could not keep it under. The crew were exhausted with fatigue and quite disheartened. To complete their misfortunes, the captain, who was in the act of giving his orders and encouraging his men, was swept overboard by a wave; the second in command, on whom the charge of the vessel devolved, possessed neither his presence of mind nor his authority.

At day-break they perceived land at about a league distant; the crew were clamorous to take to the boats in order to endeavour to reach it; and, notwithstanding the refusal of the commanding officer, the seamen launched them, and he thought himself fortunate that they allowed him to come on board one of them. All the men got into the boats, the cabin boys threw themselves after them; Felix wished to do so likewise, but there was no more room, and they appeared overloaded; he had lost his protector, and his conduct had not gained him any friends -- he was repulsed and thrown down on the deck nearly senseless, and when he recovered he found himself alone with his dog, and perceived the boats at a great distance struggling with the waves.

It is not possible, my little friends, to describe the despair of this poor child, with the prospect of immediate death before his eyes. He tore his hair, rent the air with his cries, and wickedly dared to reproach Divine Providence for having abandoned him, though so many others were saved. While uttering these complaints, he beheld the boats upset one after another, and swallowed in the depths of the sea. This terrible spectacle completely overwhelmed him; he fell on his face in dreadful agony, expecting every instant that the ship would go to pieces, and that he should share the fate of his unhappy companions. But the idea occurred to him, that he should not perish entirely, since he possessed an immortal soul, which God had created, accountable to him at some future day. This consoling thought revived him a little -- "My God," cried he, "take pity on a helpless child; I submit to thy will; pardon my murmuring; I well know that I must one day die; if it be thy will that this should be the day, let thy will be done: but when my body shall be buried in the sea, do thou receive my soul; afford also consolation to my dear mother, who will lament the death of her only child, and re-unite us in thy happy abodes." After this fervent prayer Felix arose more calm; but the sight of the foaming billows beating against the sides of the ship, the frightful howlings of the winds, and the dreadful claps of thunder, renewed all his terrors. In this situation he remained for two long hours; the vessel, in the meantime, continuing to drive before the wind and tide towards land. At length she struck upon a rock -- a horrible crash announced her complete destruction, and she went entirely to pieces. Felix was precipitated into the sea; he sunk immediately to the bottom, but soon rose to the top of the water, and having been accustomed to swimming, he exerted his utmost strength, to keep himself afloat, and to direct his course towards the shore. Sometimes the waves carried him towards it, but others coming in a contrary direction, drove him back again, and overwhelmed him with a mountain of waters. After some time, exhausted by his fruitless efforts, his strength forsook him, his arms and legs became motionless, and he was on the point of being swallowed up by the sea, when his faithful dog, Castor, who was swimming near him, seized his clothes in his mouth, and bore him up with extraordinary vigour. He stemmed the force of the waves with his burden, and, with equal strength and dexterity, gained the shore where access was easy; he there deposited his dear master, and, seeing him incapable of helping himself, he drew him so far on the sand as to be out of the reach of the water.

Chapter II

I suppose, young friends, that you are very well pleased at seeing our friend Felix safe on shore. I shall now leave him to speak for himself, and to give his own account of his thoughts and actions when he recovered the use of his senses, of which fear had deprived him. He has written a relation of all that befel[l] him from the time of his shipwreck till that of his restoration to society. I have had this relation in my possession, and made from it an extract for your benefit. "I was," says he, "extended on the sand without sense or motion, the caresses of my faithful Castor recalled me to life. This affectionate animal, overcome by the exertions he had made in saving me, was licking my hands and face, and appeared rejoiced when he saw me open my eyes. The first thoughts of my heart were directed to the God of Mercy, who had just delivered me from a death apparently inevitable. I threw myself on my knees to return him thanks for his great goodness; for some time I felt nothing but joy at being still in existence; with tears of gratitude I embraced the faithful animal to whom I owed my life. The winds were calmed, the waves began to subside, and the thunder was only heard at a distance, and af[t]er long intervals. The beams of the sun, which now began to shine in its full splendour, soon dispersed the clouds, and its genial warmth completed the restoration of my faculties, and dried my clothes; but I was tormented by a violent thirst. Castor, who suffered the like distress, lay panting by my side with his parched tongue hanging out of his mouth.

I cast around me looks of anguish, and discovered on all sides of the sandy beach on which I had been cast, nothing but the steep rocks which it appeared impossible for me to surmount. All at once Castor ran swiftly away; I called to him as loud as I was able, but in vain; he seemed not to hear my voice, and suddenly he disappeared entirely. I now thought myself abandoned by my companion, and my tears flowed abundantly. Almost dying with hunger and thirst, which I saw no means of satisfying, I ceased to regard life as a blessing from heaven, and murmurs escaped me against that God, who seemed only to have saved me from the fury of the waves to let me perish justly with famine on this barren coast. I passed an hoar in this dreadful situation; from which I was at length aroused by the return of Castor, who ran to me, refreshed and active. In leaping upon me to caress me, he shook his long ears, and my hands were sprinkled with water; I easily guessed that this animal, guided by instinct, had discovered a spring behind the rocks. Thirst was then the most pressing of my wants; I rose hastily, and patting my companion, went towards the place where I had so suddenly lost sight of him: he appeared much rejoiced, and ran on before me, then returned and seemed to invite me to follow him. At last he led me to the entrance of a sort of cavern, the opening to which appeared too narrow to admit us. Castor crept in first, without any difficulty; I entered after him, crawling on my hands and knees: I was struck with fear at the silence and darkness of this subterraneous route, which were sufficient to terrify a child. I expected to meet with serpents, and other venomous creatures, and the dread of being devoured by them made me tremble all over. Had it not been for the burning thirst which afflicted me, I should have very soon turned back again. At length I perceived a feeble light which penetrated through the clefts of the rock, and discovered to me a long passage under ground; it enlarged imperceptibly; the farther I advanced, the more lofty the vault became. At length I was able to walk upright and follow Castor, who served as my guide. Having proceeded about a quarter of an hour, I perceived a large opening, and hastened to it, anxious to escape from so dismal a place. I cannot express my surprise and joy, at seeing a fine plain covered with herbs and plants which were unknown to me, and surrounded by trees of a prodigious size. A brook ran winding through the midst of a green turf covered with flowers; I flew to it, and taking up the water with my hands plentifully, relieved my thirst: I then washed my face, and this refreshment greatly alleviated my sufferings, and rendered me capable of reflecting on my situation: it was already less painful; this charming place promised many resources for my subsistence, for which I could not have hoped on the barren coast on which I had been thrown. In admiring the bounty of Providence I could not help bitterly reproaching myself for my murmurs, and implored God to pardon me, and to continue his gracious care over a poor, unprotected child, that had no hope but in him.

The evening was far advanced, I was starving with hunger, but saw nothing fit to eat. I had gathered some herbs, but they were tough and bitter, and it was impossible to swallow them. Castor felt the same wants as myself, and we both lay down on the grass weak and exhausted. At length sleep took possession of us, and supplying the place of food, repaired our wasted strength. We slept the whole night, and in the morning awoke to feel again the pressing calls of hunger. I drew near to some trees, and found the happy effects of having accustomed myself to exhibit my dexterity in climbing up the masts without the help of the ropes; it enabled me, by clinging with my knees to the trunk, with the assistance of my hands and feet to ascend to the top of a tree whose thick foliage I thought might conceal some kind of fruit; but my toil was unrewarded; I found no fruit on it, and discouraged by disappointment, came down and began weeping; but reflecting that tears availed me nothing, I resumed my courage and mounted several other trees with the same ill success,; at length, on the last which I ascended, I discovered a very large nest curiously constructed, in which I found seven eggs much larger than those of our hens. I broke one of them and eat it immediately, but found it not at all to my taste, it was very different from the omelets which my mother used to make, and the hard eggs with which she furnished the table along with a delightful salad. "And what," said I to myself, "prevents my cooking them? I have a steel and some tinder in my pocket, and can pick up dry wood to make a fire; I will place my eggs in the ashes, and they will soon be roasted. Delighted with this idea, I folded the eggs in my handkerchief, that I might not break them, and descending carefully, arrived safe at the bottom with my little store of provisions. I seated myself on the grass and examined my pockets, which I had not hitherto thought of doing; I there found my steel and some tinder, which being shut in a tinder box had escaped being wetted, a pretty strong knife, a large ball of pack-thread, and a top, which was my favourite plaything; but at this time I scarcely deigned to look at it; I had plenty to do without thinking of diversions. I searched about for dry leaves and dead sticks; struck a light, kindled a fire and blew it with my breath; a sparkling flame arose and soon formed a heap of ashes, in which I buried my eggs, and tried to restrain my impatience till they were cooked; I then first perceived the absence of Castor, and concluded that he was also in search of food, and doubted not that he would soon come back to me. In a little time the eggs were roasted; I devoured four of them with an appetite which made them highly relishing, though I had nothing to serve as seasoning. I was going to eat the two last, but I considered, that perhaps I should not be fortunate enough to find others on the same day, and that it would be prudent to reserve these for my supper: I laid them by carefully, and had the forbearance to restrain my appetite, which was very far from being satisfied. Many hours were passed in these employments, and the sun darting its beams on my bare head, I sought shelter under the large trees which surrounded the plain, and amused myself in examining them. I discovered one whose trunk was covered with a large fruit resembling pumpkins; I beat down one of them with a great branch which I had picked up; the rind of it was so hard, that I could scarcely cut a piece of it with my knife; the inside was soft and yellowish, but the taste so unpleasant that I threw it from me in anger, aud [sic] remained in a very ill humour, when I perceived my Castor, who was returning from the chase, his mouth was bloody, and he was dragging the body of an animal which he had killed, and of which he had already eaten a part; this sight filled me with joy. I fondled my dog, and as he had satisfied his own hunger, I easily took possession of his prey. I skinned the animal as well as I was able -- it was about the size of a hare, but had a head somewhat resembling that of a pig. Having finished this work, I returned to my fire; it was still burning beneath the ashes; I collected together the largest embers and broiled a leg of the creature; its flesh was white like a rabbit's, but very dry, and had a rank flavour, which prevented my eating enough to satisfy my hunger. I allayed my thirst with the water from the brook, but having nothing but my hands to dip it with only a few drops at a time reached my mouth. A happy thought struck me, I ran to pick up the gourd wtich [sic] I had thrown away with so much contempt: I enlarged the opening with my knife, and taking out all the pulp, scrapped out the inner skin, and then had a drinking vessel larger than a bottle: I ran to fill it at the brook, and slaked my thirst very conveniently. I was the more pleased with my contrivance, thinking I should be able to make of this fruit, utensils of various kinds which would be very useful to me.

The great heat and the solid meal I had just made, inclined me to sleep. I stretched myself under a tree, and Castor laid down at my feet I know not how long I slept, but on waking I found myself quite recovered from my fatigue, I now began to consider what course I had best take, and I reasoned thus with myself: -- "I am here quite alone in an unknown country; if I remain where I am, I run the risk of perishing with hunger. Beyond these trees I see a very lofty mountain: if I can climb to the top of if, I shall discover the whole country; I shall see houses and men; without doubt, they will take pity on me and give me food: I shall offer my services to them, for I had rather work for them, than remain in this disconsolate condition, since I am neither old enough nor strong enough to provide for my own wants. I have always wished to be my own master, and not have any one to obey. How stupid I was! I now go where I will, I do what I choose, and yet I never was so unhappy. O my dear mother! could I but return to you, with what pleasure would I do whatever you commanded me. I have well deserved all I suffer, by my disobedience, and I acknowledge the justice of God in my punishment." Floods of tears ran down my cheeks at these melancholy reflections. At length I regained my spirits, and determined to set off the nest day for the mountain, and if I should discover any habitation, to make the best of my way to it. As I intended to take some provisions with me, I hung up what remained of my broiled meat in a tree, and gave what was undressed, to my dog. I afterwards went to look for eggs, and found five in one nest, and four in another: I stirred up my tire afresh, and cooked them for my next day's journey. The sun was set by the time I had accomplished my work; I said my evening prayers, and prepared to stretch myself on the turf to sleep, as I had done the preceding night, when a terrifying thought presented itself to my mind and filled me with alarm. I fancied that some hungry wild beast might attack me whilst I was asleep, tear me to pieces, and devour me in two or three mouthfuls. "In vain," said I, "will my brave dog Castor endeavour to defend me, a bear or a lion is much stronger than he, and we should both become a prey to the ferocious animals." I saw no other means of avoiding so dreadful a fate than by climbing up one of the loftiest trees, where I concealed myself among; the thick foliage, and seated myself as commodiously as I could upon a strong branch, whilst another supported my back, and my feet were firmly fixed; but all this did not secure me against the fear of falling; I therefore took off my garters, tied them together, and formed a bandage with which I made myself fast to the trunk of the tree. In spite of all these precautions, fear kept me a long while awake; I was, besides, very uneasy respecting my dear companion, who had no means of securing himself against the danger of being devoured. At last I fell asleep, sighing for the happiness of being able to find some inhabitants to defend and afford me subsistence, and a house to shelter me.

Castor, who partook of none of my fears or anxieties, slept very quietly, but he was the first to wake, and came barking at the foot of my tree as if to warn me that it was time to think of setting off. It was just day-break; this was the favourable time to begin my journey; my preparations were soon made, I folded up neatly, in some large leaves, the meat which I had left, and tied it in my handkerchief, distributed the eggs in my pockets, filled my calabash, hung it across my shoulder on a branch, and began my march. Castor, who had breakfasted abundantly on what remained of his game, followed me gaily, making a thousand leaps and gambols; and I had not omitted elevating my thoughts to God, and imploring his blessing on my journey.

After traversing the immense plain, and passing through the trees which surrounded it, we arrived at a tract of land which descended with a gentle slope, so that I advanced more than a league without experiencing any fatigue. As I proceeded, the herbage became so high that it reached to my shoulders; frequently our approach startled, from among the tangled grass, flocks of young birds, which made me conclude that the old ones deposited their eggs among this cool verdure; I could easily have caught some of these birds, which were scarcely strong enough to fly, but I was wholly engrossed with the desire and hope of meeting with some inhabitants; the fear of retarding my journey would not allow me to stop, nor examine the surrounding objects. At the bottom of the valley I met with an obstacle, which, if I had had any experience, I might have easily foreseen; this was a wide and beautiful river, which it was necessary to pass in order to arrive at the foot of the mountain. Castor leaped in and soon swam to the opposite side; I did not hesitate to follow him, though the crossing it was as much as my strength was equal to; but I was sure that the powerful animal would come to my assistance, if it failed me; however, I needed not his aid on this occasion, and arrived safe on the other shore. I observed that this river was very full of fish, and with almost any net I might catch great plenty of them, but I paid no regard to this circumstance, little thinking I was destined to provide for myself; I expected that others would work for me.

When we had gained the foot of the mountain, the sun was shining in its full strength, and not a tree was near to afford us shade; I looked around and discovered, with great pleasure, a cavity in the rock where we might retire during the extreme heat. I carried there some large stones to make me a seat; Castor stretched himself at my feet; the air and exercise had given me so good an appetite, that the piece of meat I had with me appeared but a small allowance, the more so, as I must share it with my companion; but what was still worse, when I came to unfold it, so bad a smell exhaled from it that it quite turned my stomach; the great heat had entirely spoiled it, and I was forced to give it to my dog, who devoured it in a few mouthfuls, so that I was obliged to be content with the hard eggs with which I had provided myself.

After resting some hours I began to climb the mountain with much fatigue and difficulty; in some places I met with a smooth rock where I could get no foot hold, and was forced to crawl by clinging to the shrubs which grew out of the crevices; farther up the earth was covered with flints, and the soil was so loose, that I was often on the point of rolling to the bottom; notwithstanding, I kept up my courage, and the sight of a tuft of trees, which I perceived about half way up, encouraged me to redouble my efforts. My trusty companion assisted me to the utmost of his power, and when I felt myself sliding down clung to his long shaggy coat, which he permitted with great good nature, and with his help I at length reached the wood, where I met with ample recompense for all my trouble. Large citron trees, loaded with fruit in full perfection, afforded me a relief of which I stood in great need: the ground was strewed with citrons, I eat of them with avidity; nothing had ever afforded me more pleasure than their refreshing juice, at a time when I was sinking with the excess of heat and fatigue. After resting awhile I filled my pocket with fruit, and quitted this agreeable place to climb with fresh courage in order to gain the top of the mountain before night. I had overcome the greatest part of the difficulties: the rest of the way was smooth and easy of ascent; a kind of steps formed by nature led me to the object of my wishes; but before I had attained it the sun had been long set, and darkness prevented my distinguishing distant objects, and satisfying my impatient curiosity; I therefore began to think of making my arrangements for the night. As I had not there any tree on which I might ascend to secure myself against the wild beasts, my apprehensions were renewed, in addition to which experienced an excessive cold; I knew not at the time that it was owing to my being in so elevated a situation. I determined to make a large fire to sleep by; many dry plants afforded me materials for my purpose: I collected a great heap of them, which I easily set on fire: I then said my prayers, and relying on the goodness of God, fell asleep in spite of my fears. I awoke with the day, and my first care was to cast my eyes on all sides in hopes of discovering some traces of habitation, houses or huts, men or flocks. What was my consternation and grief, at finding the land where I then was, surrounded entirely by the sea, and that in fact it was an island, and without doubt I was the only human creature who inhabited it! I could perceive no part of the land to be cultivated, not a single cottage, not one domestick [sic] animal. "Miserable wretch that I am!" cried I, throwing myself on the earth, "poor, forsaken child! thou wilt here perish with want, and misery, since thou hast no one to afford thee assistance." I shed abundance of tears, and gave myself up to despair: the caresses of Castor aroused me from this state; he appeared to participate my grief, he licked my hands, and accompanied my sobs with deep sighs, he fixed his eyes on me tenderly, and by every thing in his power, expressed a most lively sympathy. "This then," said I, sighing, "is my only remaining friend; but have I deserved to have any? How have I behaved to my companions? I always endeavoured to tyrannize over them, I treated them neither with regard nor civility. Oh! if I had now but one companion of my solitary life, how I would love him! how desirous I should be to oblige him!" At the same time I returned the affectionate caresses of my good Castor, and, in the end, considered myself fortunate in having him with me.

It was necessary for me to think about my future subsistence, since I had none but myself to depend on. I was very hungry, and had only some citrons, which though they refreshed me, afforded me no nourishment. I examined more deliberately, from the top of the mountain, all the surrounding places, in order to fix on one for my abode. I wished to be again near the sea shore, where I hoped to find shell-fish for my support. On the side opposite to that on which I had landed, I discovered a shore which appeared fertile; large trees and a great number of shrubs gave it a very pleasing aspect; I took particular notice of the side, on which I should descend, and the route I ought to follow in order to arrive at it; then summoning all my resolution, and submitting to necessity, I determined to exert myself to the utmost in order to support life, and to accustom myself to labour, which was the only method of procuring what was necessary to it.

Chapter III

The descent from the mountain was little more than sport to me; sometimes I sat down and slid a long distance; where I found the surface smooth, I rolled like a ball, which was a still more rapid mode of travelling. On arriving at the bottom, I found a beautiful field covered with white and lilac flowers which grew on stalks, forming a pretty nosegay; I easily discovered them to be potatoes: my mother had cultivated some in her garden, and I had the charge of attending them, but as I was then an idle little fellow, I often neglected them. This discovery was exceedingly valuable to me, my eyes were filled with tears of joy and gratitude; I thought that God, who takes care of all his children, had caused these plants to grow here for my nourishment. I thanked him with my whole heart, and began immediately to get up as many potatoes as my pockets would hold; I likewise filled my handkerchief with them, and found myself relieved from the fear of dying with hunger: I did not foresee that in a short time I should be unable to make any use of this food, since my tinder would be expended, and I then should have no means of making a fire. I had not accustomed myself to reflection, and like the animals, I rejoiced in the present, without thinking of the future.

I quitted the potato field, and walked along the side of a brook bordered with rushes and reeds; it led me to a wood, which I had much difficulty in passing through, on account of the briers and entangled shrubs, which frequently stopped my passage; I cut some of them with my knife, and pushed aside others with my hands, at the expense of several scratches; at last I came to a spot where the trees being more distant from each other, left an open space, which formed beautiful verdant saloon. This was a charming place for taking that repose which I then so much needed, and I arrived at it in the moment when the heat was insupportable. I enjoyed greatly the pleasures of this refres[h]ing shade, but the calls of hunger would not permit me to remain idle, I therefore placed my potatoes in the earth and made a fire over them. Castor, who smelt nothing which was likely to suit his appetite, set off on one of his excursions. While my potatoes were cooking, I attentively examined the trees and plants which surrounded me, and recognized with extreme pleasure, the majestic oak, so common in my native country; the foliage was somewhat different from that of the European, but the acorns, which were scattered on the ground, removed all doubt of its being of the same species. I wished to taste them, and found them very sweet and agreeable to the palate; and while my repast was preparing I regaled myself with them, rejoicing in having discovered this addition to my means of subsistence. At some distance I saw some very lofty trees, which bore no leaves except at the very top, where they were united like a crown, underneath which grew the fruit, as large as my head, and forming a kind of bunch, One of these fruits had fallen; I wished to know what it contained, but the shell was so hard that my knife would not enter it; I tried to break it with a large stone, but was at last forced to give up the attempt.

The smell of the roasting potatoes invited me to dinner; I seated myself under an oak, and made an excellent meal: I thought of sprinkling my potatoes with citron juice, and found this gave them a very pleasant relish. My good dog now returned with lopping ears and famished looks, plainly showing that his chase had been unsuccessful. I offered him some potatoes and for want of something better, he made shift with them; he did not refuse even the acorns, but munched of them till his hunger was satisfied.

The great heat being over, I prepared to quit the wood and continue my route. The ground by degrees becoming less and less woody, I uttered a cry of joy at beholding the sea at a little distance. I observed some few rocks on this coast, but they were of no considerable height; the shore in other places was level and formed a beautiful sand. I quickened my pace in order to arrive on the beach before the setting of the sun, which I beheld sinking below the horizon in floods of light; I could not remove my eyes from this glorious spectacle till it had entirely disappeared from my sight; I then sought for a place to pass the night in, and made choice of the top of a tree which grew out of a rock; its roots had penetrated into the clefts of the stone, which had given it firmness sufficient to withstand the fury of the winds and storms. This retreat, however, was not as commodious as it was safe; I found it very uncomfortable to be sleeping perched in a tree like a bird, and in the morning felt myself bruised all over, and pains in all my limbs. I sighed after the pleasure of sleeping stretched on something less hard than the branch of a tree; but, in order to enjoy that comfort, it would be necessary to construct a hut which might shelter me from being attacked. I thought almost the whole night on this subject, and resolved to set about the work the very next day. With the first dawn I went down to the shore; the tops of the rocks were clothed with an agreeable verdure, and with a great variety of trees; the space between them and the sea was partly covered with tall herbage, and partly with low wood. I should have very well liked to have built a stone house of solid workmanship, but I had neither cement, plaster, nor lime, nor could I dig the foundation, having nothing but my hands and my knife to work with: I was therefore forced to be content with a hut formed of branches woven together, and which, nevertheless, would cost me much time and trouble in constructing.

I made choice of four trees growing at equal distances at the foot of a pretty high rock, which would serve to screen me from the north wind; these I intended for the pillars of my edifice[.] I was so anxious to set about my undertaking, that I was going to commence it, forgetful that was yet fasting, but my stomach reminded me of it, and I thought it prudent to strengthen myself by taking some food before I began my work. I made my prayer to God that he would grant me that daily bread which it was his will his children should depend on him for, and looking about for Castor, saw him on the seashore fishing very adroitly with his paws for crabs, on which he was regaling himself. I followed his example, and collected a good store but did not think fit to eat them raw: some time must be spent in lighting a fire, and in the meantime I devoured some oysters that I picked up on the sand. When I had breakfasted, hurried to the place I had pitched upon for my abode. I broke down a great quantity of flexible branches, placed them across from one tree to another, and tied them tightly together with certain filaceous plants which grew in abundance out of the clefts of the rocks. In this manner I made a kind of enclosure on three sides, but it was yet far from being firm and compact: to render it closer and more solid, I wove in other branches in all directions, and by means labour and perseverance, at length contrived to make three pretty strong walls, firmly supported by the four pillars. The front was still quite open, and my next concern was to shut up part of it, and to make a kind of door to it: in this lay the greatest difficulty, and I could not suggest any method of accomplishing it. I sat down in front of my unfinished work, and began weeping. After losing an hour in unavailing regrets, I became ashamed of my weakness. "I am not yet a man," said I, "but I ought to become one; my strength will increase every day, and what appears impossible to me now, will be easy when I am grown bigger; I ought then to be content with what I am at present able to accomplish, and wait patiently till age adds to my powers." While making these reflections, I was scorched by the sun, and thought I might shelter myself from its beams by the walls I had just erected: I retired there and rejoiced at being in the shade. Castor followed me, and we reposed ourselves during the great heat of the day. In the evening I walked to the wood of oaks, and brought away a good stock of acorns and citrons. I collected likewise some potatoes, and having provided my food for the present day and for the morrow, returned to the shore, where the sight of my hut caused me to sigh deeply; but an unexpected pleasure drove away these sad thoughts. My dog joined me, dragging with him an animal similar to that which he had before killed; it was an agouti, but I then knew not the name of it: he readily gave up his prey to me, knowing that he should have his share of it. The animal was soon uncased, but having a mind to eat it roasted, I made a strong fire, and stuck into the ground two forked sticks: I thrust a very straight one through the agouti's body, laid it across the two forks, and began to turn my spit. I intended to augment the pleasure of this repast by adding to it the potatoes which were cooking, in order that they might supply the place of bread: when my dish was about half roasted, I squeezed over it some citron juice, which, mixing with what dropped from the animal into a calabash I had placed to receive it, formed an incomparable sauce. My companion and I supped with a good appetite, and before I ascended my tree in order to resign myself to sleep, I considered how I might keep the remainder of my meat from spoiling till the morrow. I placed it in a hole of the rock, covering it slightly with leaves, hoping that, as the nights were tolerably cool, owing to the vicinity of the sea, it might easily be preserved: my hopes were not deceived, we had sufficient for the next day, without the necessity of lighting a fire or losing time in seeking for food.

I employed myself then wholly in finishing my hut. I sought among the stones on the shore and found one large and flat, which had a sharp edge; this I made use of to dig round two young trees which I meant to take up by the roots; I afterwards made two deep holes in front of my little dwelling at equal distances from the two corners; in doing which I alternately made use of my hands, my knife, and large shells. When I had made the holes deep enough, I planted in them the two young trees that I intended to support my door: the space between them and the two pillars was filled up with woven branches, which formed the fourth wall of the house, and only differed from the other three in having an opening in it. I was very well pleased with my performance and sat down to admire it, and to take some rest. The night before I had stretched out the skin of the agouti that it might dry in the sun, hoping to make some use of it; I now perceived that it was quite shrivelled up and was good for nothing. How much I then desired to possess some nails and a hammer; I should have stretched this skin. with all my strength and have nailed it up, it would then have dried without shrinking. I entered into my leafy inclosure to work at constructing my door. I formed a long square of four very strong branches; the difficulty was to fasten them together; I did not succeed till after many trials, and was obliged to sacrifice a part of my string which I was very unwilling to make use of. I filled up this frame in the same manner as my walls, and fitted it to the open space of that in the front. I tied this door in such a manner as to allow it play freely; when I opened it, it shut of itself. I had only now to construct a roof and resolved to make it of rushes; I employed the evening in collecting them on the banks of brook at a little distance from my habitation. cut as many as I could carry in five or six journeys, and before retiring to rest had a large pile near my hut.

In climbing into my tree I pleased myself with the idea that it would be the last time I should pass the night so ill at ease; I hoped to finish my house the next day, and was so taken up with the idea of what remained for me to do that I slept but little. My first intention was to arrange horizontally some branches supported on my four walls, and to cover them with a thick layer of rushes; but I reflected that the roofs of the houses and cottages in Europe were sloping to let the rain off more easily. "Should heavy rains fall," said I, "they will soon penetrate through my roof if I make it quite flat. Fortunately the rock against which I had placed the back of my hut was higher than its walls. Against this rock, therefore, I supported one end of my timbers, the other rested on the front wall, which was about a foot and a half lower. When they were firmly fixed I placed on them three layers of rushes, well fastened together. I then found myself possessed of a hut, well closed in, capable of sheltering me against the heat in the day, and affording me the means of sleeping quietly during the night, on a bed of dry leaves and moss. It was not till after I had prepared this delightful couch that I thought of taking a slight meal. Nothing remained of my provisions except some roasted potatoes, to which I wished to add some oysters: while I was pulling them from the rocks, I observed Castor scratching something round out of the sand, which he eat greedily; I searched in the same place and discovered many white balls, wrapped in a skin like wet parchment, and covered with a layer of sand; I imagined that these might be turtles' eggs: I had heard the sailors say, that they were excellent food; I took some of them, but was so weary that I deferred cooking them till the next day.

This evening was a very fortunate one. I perceived in the crevices of the rock a white substance, which excited my curiosity; I tasted it, and found, to my great joy, that it was salt, which I had so often lamented the want of; the potatoes, the eggs, and even the meat itself, tasted very insipid without this seasoning; I filled two large shells with it, and carried it home with my other provisions. In approaching my dwelling, I felt an emotion of pride in reflecting that this handsome cottage was my own work; I conceived a high opinion of my abilities, and doubted not that I was able to perform whatever I chose to undertake. I called my faithful companion, for whom I had also made up a bed of leaves; we stretched ourselves at our ease near each other, and I passed a delightful night, visited by pleasant dreams.

I began to be no longer afraid of wild beasts, as, since I had been on my island, I had not seen any, nor had any cries or howlings disturbed my repose. My hut appeared all that I could have wished; the sun did not penetrate it. and I did not doubt of being able to furnish it with some useful articles, and I would not then have changed it for the finest house of my native village, so much value do we attach to one's own performances.

The young persons to whom my story may be related, will perhaps be astonished that I could live without play, but let them think of the many things that occupied my mind, and how precious my time was; the days glided away too fast for all I had to do. The only recreation I allowed myself was to bathe a little before sunset; after a scorching day nothing could be more agreeable. I swam round and round in all directions, but without going far from shore: my friend Castor watched over me with tender anxiety, and when I returned ashore testified his joy by leaping on my shoulders, and bestowing on me numberless caresses. I took care to keep myself perfectly clean, and often washed my shirt, my nankeen trowsers, and my ticken waistcoat; as for my stockings, the feet of them had been long worn out, and since they could no longer be of use, and I foresaw that I might have occasion for thread, I unravelled them and made a large ball of it.

I promised myself a delicious repast of my turtles' eggs, now that I could add salt to them. I found them quite to my taste, but my enjoyment was very much disturbed at perceiving that my tinder would very soon fail; the occupations of the preceding days prevented my thinking of this. What would then become of me? Deprived of the means of making a fire, I should be reduced to the necessity of living on oysters, acorns, and raw eggs; my fine potatoes and the huntings of my dog would be no longer of any benefit to me, for I would not bring myself to eat raw meat. I shed many tears on the occasion, which, after a while, relieved my heart: I lifted up my eyes to heaven, and prayed that God would grant me courage, and direct me by his wisdom how to act. After much reflection I resolved to visit every part of my island, hoping to find some new productions, some fruits which would not require cooking, and which might serve me for my subsistence, Fortunately I had learned on board of ship the points of the compass; it was by them I intended to direct my course during my journey, and to find my way back again: I passed this whole day in preparing every thing for my departure; I dug up some potatoes, and dressed as many as I could carry; and the next day as soon as it was light I set out, accompanied by Castor. I took northerly direction, and, after walking about two hours, found myself again on the banks of same river I had swum across, but on the shore opposite to that which I had traversed before. It was beautified by a number of trees of different species. The citron trees grew in great abundance, and I observed many of the lofty tree with such large leaves, and at whose tops those great nuts, which I had not been able break: I was desirous to ascend one of them and get down some of the nuts to make a fresh trial: I accomplished it with much trouble and threw down a dozen of these fruits; when I descended I examined one of them carefully, the outer covering or rind was composed of threads like hemp; the second, or shell, was as hard as iron, and I had no doubt it contained something fit to eat, and thought of an expedient to separate it. I first fixed it between some stones, then placed my knife very exactly to the middle of the nut, and with a large stone struck the back of it with all my strength; I had the pleasure to find that it entered the shell; I redoubled my blows, and it separated in two halves. The kernel was a kind of oily substance which tasted like sweet almonds, and in the middle, which was hollow, I found some milk of a delicious flavour. Oh! how thankful I was to God for having provided me his food at a moment when I feared being without any. The two halves of the shell formed two good cups, and I saw the means of procuring as many such as I should have occasion for. I broke several other nuts, and satisfied my hunger completely, reserving my potatoes for a time of need.

Castor had gone into a little neighbouring wood, and I fell asleep under a tree, but was wakened by a noise, which at first alarmed me! I soon took courage, however, on perceiving that it was a herd of wild goats, who were come to drink at the river. The sight of these animal gave me much pleasure. I immediately formed the design of taking one of them alive: their full udders gave me hope of abundance of milk, and I ardently longed for a treat of it. I rejoiced the absence of my dog, whose barking would have scared away the whole herd. I hid myself behind a large tree, and while the goats were copiously drinking and cooling themselves in the water, made ready my string; I plaited it in three to make it stronger, and formed a running noose to it, and when the animals were coming out of the river, laid wait for that which passed nearest me. Never having been attacked by any one, they were not shy; a female, near her time of yeaning, was grazing very near the tree where was on the watch; I threw my noose with so good an aim, that her horns were entangled: I pulled the string with such force that the goat fell to the ground, and before she could get up again I tied her to the trunk of a tree in such a manner, that it was impossible for her to extricate herself from her bonds. The poor beast struggled and endeavoured to strike me with her feet and horns but I took care to keep at a distance. Her piteous bleatings awakened my compassion, but I promised myself so much advantage from her, that I was not tempted to set her at liberty. All the flock, terrified, took to flight, and I remained alone with my prize; I resolved to put off, for the present, my journey of discovery, and to return to my hut with the goat, in order to secure her. I dined in haste on my roasted potatoes, and as soon as Castor had joined me, untied the string from the tree and twisted it round my left arm, taking in my right hand a large bough to strike the goat, while I dragged her towards my dwelling. I should not have been able to get her there without the help of my dog; she resisted with all her strength, and tried to kick me, but the barking of Castor frightened her; he followed close at her heels, and bit her legs when she refused to advance; however, we arrived at home before night. I tied my prisoner again to a large tree growing in a sandy spot, where there was not a blade of grass; I had heard that every kind of animal was to be tamed by hunger, and determined to leave this without food till the next day, whatever pain it might cost me to keep fasting my new guest, whom I was already fond of, and whom I hoped to make fond of me. When I had satisfied myself that she was safe, I went home with my companion, and laid down on my bed of leaves, very well contented with the success of the day.

As soon as the morrow began to dawn, I set about collecting fresh grass for my goat's breakfast; I went up to her; the poor beast was lying on the sand; she appeared very much dispirited and turned her languid eyes on me. I hastened to complete my stock of forage; I offered her the grass I had just plucked; she eat it greedily, and suffered me to pat her without any resistance, I was much pleased with having a new companion, and it was then only for the sake of her society, for being near her time of having young ones, she had not any milk.

Chapter IV

The increase of my family deranged all my schemes. I could not think of leaving home before I had secured, not only the goat, but the whole flock, which I already fancied myself possessed of. I wished to form a park near my dwelling, and after revolving various plans, I determined on the following. I dug up a number of young trees, taking care to keep some of the earth about their roots: I then made holes, and planted them very near each other in the form of a square, and at the foot of each of them put in some creeping plants, which abounded in this place. My cocoa nut cups (for I now know the name of this precious fruit) I found very useful in taking up water for watering my plantation, which was a work of no little fatigue; for having only such small vessels, I had more than thirty times, every day, to go to the nearest brook; however, nothing discouraged me; I worked with indefatigable industry, and was so fearful of losing a moment's time, that I lived with the greatest abstinence. Oysters, acorns, and some cocoa nuts, were my only food, because they required no preparation. In the mean while, my goat, whom I kept still tied up, began to grow tame; I took care to provide her early in the morning with food for the whole day: in the evening I led her to the brook to drink: she had formed a friendship with Castor; when she lay down he played between her horns: I was pleased with the cordiality which these animals manifested towards each other, as that which subsists among brothers gives pleasure to the father of a family.

One morning, when I came out of my hut, I was agreeably surprised by the sight of two little kids lying by the side of my goat, and sucking heartily. I approached, my heart palpitating with joy, and caressed the little ones; the mother made no opposition but looked at me with an air of satisfaction. I ran to the fields, and did not regret the trouble of providing food for the mother and her nurslings. On my return, these latter were sleeping quietly; I was tempted to press the udder of the goat, and to drink a good cup of warm milk, but soon reproached myself or this selfish idea. "No," said I, "I will not deprive these innocent creatures of the nourishment which nature has provided for them; I will wait for that pleasure till they shall be able to browze [sic] the herbage, like their mother; then the care which I shall take for their subsistence, will entitle me to partake of the food which is now so necessary for them." My goat, which was still tied to the trunk of the tree, appeared incommoded in suckling her young. The enclosure of my park was nearly finished, the shrubs and plants had taken root, and had put forth fresh leaves, and when they grew would become interwoven. I had left but one little opening as a passage for my flock, which I now led into it, persuaded that the goat, with her young ones by her side, and provided with all that she wanted, would become attached to her new abode, and likewise to myself: I intended, besides, to prevent her being able to quit me, should she be so inclined. I collected a quan[t]ity of the dry branches of thorny shrubs, and placed them along the inside of the park hedge, to prevent the goats getting near it, as she would not have failed to gnaw the young shoots. When I had put her into the park with her kids, I released her entirely from her bonds at which she testified her joy by a thousand gambols; she then lay down on some good litter of dry leaves, and her young ones began again to suck.

I now left the enclosure, stopping up the entrance with boughs and stones, and resumed my work with a light heart. I continued my search among the plants which grew in the cleft of the rocks, or at their feet, for those which appeared fittest for climbing up my young trees and for rendering my hedge more bushy. This day I discovered a new and very singular species which I have since learned is called the karatas: its large thick leaves were hollowed in the middle in the shape of a cup, and seemed formed of a texture from which I might draw very strong thread; its stem was straight, and bore on it top, in the midst of a tuft of leaves, a quantity of beautiful red flowers. I transplanted some of these handsome shrubs to strengthen the fence of my park, but was then far from imagining wherein they would be so serviceable to me. Hunger forced me to break off my work; I went to the shore to look for oysters, and there found Castor zealously occupied in scratching up turtles' eggs, and no less so in eating them: I joined him and carried away a good many, which I prepared to cook; but, oh grief! I perceived that I was about to use the last of my tinder, and that hereafter I should be obliged to make shift without fire; I was truly afflicted, and looked sorrowfully on my flints and steel, and the impossibility of their being of any further use distressed me exceedingly. My repast was dull, and my work during the remainder of the day was influenced by the despondency into which I was fallen: at night I prayed with a similar languor, inquietude drove away sleep, and I passed a great part of the night in distressing reflections. What then, said I to myself, is the life of man, since that of a child is mingled with so many troubles? My mind then reverted to my shipwreck, the desolate condition in which I was left, and the small portion of strength and of resources which I possessed, all which rendered me extremely miserable. "if at least, " said I sighing deeply, "I had but a hatchet, a saw, a hammer, and some nails, I could with the help of these tools perform many things which I have in my mind, and which I cannot undertake with my bare hands. If but one of my shipmates had been saved as well as myself, what pleasure I should have enjoyed in his company! We should have loved and consoled each other: but I have not here a fellow creature to love me, and to whom I can attach myself. " These afflicting thoughts were succeeded by others of a very different kind. Ungrateful as thou art, cried I, what is it thou darest complain of? Thou murmurest against God because thou alone hast been saved; is not that an act of his kind providence, for which thou oughtest to return him thy sincere thanks? What hadst thou done to merit this special favour? Certainly nothing. But why has God preserved thy life? It is, that thou mayest amend it; that thou mayest repent of thy faults, and submit to the labours and privations which thy situation requires of thee. Bow then to His will, and think of all the favours "He has bestowed on thee, to make thee grateful." I reflected, that I might have landed on a country infested with wild beasts, by whom I should have been devoured; or on a spot so barren that I should have perished with famine; and that I was indebted to the fatherly care of my Creator, for all the resources I had met with in my island. I was so moved with these affecting thoughts, that my tears of despair were changed into tears of tenderness. My mind being relieved by these last reflections, I was enabled before morning to enjoy a few hours' sleep.

My enclosure was finished the next day, an I resumed my intention of making a journey, as I could be absent from my beloved animals for some days without anxiety. Besides a store of forage which I had provided them with, my goat could browse on the shoots of the young trees which surrounded her park, and when she should have eaten those within the fence, those on the outside would keep it sufficiently thick.

On this occasion, I only took with me some oysters and acorns; the potatoes were no longer of use to me, and I left the care of my subsistence to Providence. I and my dog set off before sunrise, and I pursued the same route as I had done before. On arriving on the bank of the river, and under the beautiful cocoa trees, I mounted them with facility, and procured an excellent breakfast. Following the course of the river, and continuing my march towards the north, I perceived at some distance a little grove which appeared very inviting; but, in order to get to it, I was forced to pass a large piece of ground covered with rushes, which were lying, down confusedly in all directions, and impeded my walking very much. Castor went first and cleared the way for me, I followed slowly. To support me in this difficult march, I cut a large reed; in leaning upon it, I found my hand moistened with a glutinous juice which ran out of it, and discovered with equal surprise and joy that it was sugar. I had learned on ship- board that it was canes which produced it, and made no doubt that I had found this valuable plant. I ate a good quantity of it, and felt myself refreshed and strengthened by this excellent juice. I cut a dozen of these canes, and walking on with fresh vigour gained the little wood, which was chiefly composed of citron trees. "Bravo! Felix," cried I; "let us now have some lemonade, there is but little trouble in making it; I will squeeze some of the juice of the sugar canes into a cocoa-nut cup, which, mixed with that of some citrons, will afford me a drink both pleasant and wholesome." The sun now shining with its full strength, I laid down on the turf and slept soundly; on waking, I found a pleasant cool air blowing, which invited me to continue my journey. Before quitting the wood, I made a very agreeable discovery, which was of some trees much resembling our acacias; they bore beautiful flowers, and were furnished with strong thorns, growing by threes together; they were so sharp that they might be made into a dangerous weapon. I saw at the first view what use I might convert them to: I thought that by drying them in the sun they would become hard enough to supply the place of nails: I cut a great number of them, tied them together with string, and threw them over my shoulder on a stick.

On going out of the wood, I came to a field covered with rice; the sight of this, at first, rejoiced me much, but I soon recollected that the being deprived of fire prevented me from deriving any advantage from it: the only part which appeared useful was the straw, which I did not despair of being able to plait and make me a hat, which I very much needed to defend me from the heat of the sun. I soon after mounted on a little rising ground, from whence I discovered another part of the coast, of so different an aspect from what I had already seen, that I determined to examine it more closely. Expecting to be able to reach it on the next day, I descended into the plain, and after having supped on acorns and cocoa nuts, and drank a cup of lemonade, disposed myself on a tree, to take my night's rest. My travelling companion was less inconvenienced than myself, in procuring food; he often found, among the high grass, the nests of different birds, whose young he snapped up greedily; he sometimes brought me a part of his prey, which only served to renew my regret at being unable to profit by it.

The next day was a very fatiguing owe, I scarcely took time for rest, but gathered some fresh sugar canes as I went along, and found a place abounding with strawberries, which were a great refreshment to me. The sea breezes tempered the heat: this fortunate circumstance enabled me to attain my object before night. Being extremely fatigued, my only object, on arriving, was to seek that repose I was so much in want of.

I arose very early in the morning to make my observations; the coast in this place was guarded entirely by rocks of the most varied and singular forms; the water came in at high tide, and afforded opportunity of taking a bath in the most commodious manner possible; salt was there in abundance; the sand was covered with shell-fish of every species; among a great number of oysters and muscles, I recognised scollops, of which I should have made a good repast if I had been able to cook them.

I visited the chain of rocks which lined the shore, and discovered one which had an opening like that of a cavern, but it was so completely stopped up by a great number of thorny plants that it was impossible for me to penetrate into it: my knife was not strong enough to cut these thick brambles, and after having torn my hands till they were covered with blood, I was constrained to give up the attempt. It was with the greatest grief that now, for the first time since my shipwreck, I began to consider that the fine weather which I then enjoyed would not last for ever, but that winter would succeed, and that my pretty cottage, of which I had been so proud, would not resist the heavy rains, and might be blown down by a gust of wind: it was then of consequence for me to contrive a shelter, more secure, and fitter to resist the tempests; I could think of no better plan than to inhabit the hollow of some rock; and thought I had now found one, which might serve me as a retreat, but insurmountable obstacles prevented my entrance. If I had at least but a hatchet, said I, weeping bitterly, I would cut all these briars, even should it take me many hours to do it: if I had tinder, I could set them on fire; it would only burn these hateful plants, without consuming the stones; but all these means I am deprived of, and am fated to perish by cold, or by the rains. It was not long before I repented of these fresh murmurs. "My God!" cried I, "thou hast not preserved me in shipwreck to abandon me in distress: it is now a long time that I have been supported here by the care of thy Providence. I will still trust in it, and expect every thing from. thy goodness." Re-animated by this prayer, I walked along the shore, eating now and then oysters and muscles, when to my extreme surprise, I discovered a large chest of very hard wood, half buried in the sand; I concluded that it must have come from some ship which had been cast away upon the coast, and the hope of finding in it something which might be useful to me, excited me to employ all my efforts to get it open. It was necessary to take the opportunity of low water, for at the flood, the chest was covered with the sea, which was the cause of much sand being amassed round it; I cleared away with much trouble, and at length discovered the lock, which was so strong that it was impossible to break it. If I had been able cut the wood all round, I could have got it open but I tried in vain, and this fruitless attempt cost me dear, for I broke my knife, which was a most serious misfortune; I had now no longer the means of opening the cocoa nuts, which were my principal subsistence: I blamed myself for this accident, because I ought to have reflected that even could I have succeeded in breaking the lock my strength would have been insufficient to up the lid of the chest. So much ill success had plunged me in grief. I the more regretted not being able to establish myself in this part of the island, as it was here that I should have found the greatest number of resources united. Shell-fish abounded on the coast, potatoes grew behind the rocks; clumps of trees, scattered here and there, offered me the nutritious cocoa, the wholesome citron, the Indian fig, and many other fruits whose names I was ignorant of, but whose flavour was delicious. Brooks flowed on every side; willows and oziers grew on their banks, wild goats came there in flocks to drink, and I should have hoped to catch some of them; but was forced to renounce all these advantages, as I could not construct a dwelling more secure than that which I already possessed: I therefore resolved to return thither, hoping to divert my grief by the sight of my property, and more especially of my little flock. I did not easily find my way back, or rather took another, and much longer way; I passed several nights in the open air, and did not arrive at home until the fourteenth day after my departure. I found my hut and my enclosure in very good order, and my dear little animals in perfect health; the kids were cropping the herbage, which decked the park, and could already reach the branches of the young trees. Seeing them in a condition to provide for their own subsistence, I did not hesitate to milk the goat, and filled one of my cocoa-nut cups with her milk; I drank it with delight, after having squeezed into it the juice of a sugar-cane. This beverage recruited my strength, which my painful journey had exhausted; and wishing to give up the rest of the day to repose, I drove my goat and her young ones out of the park, and tied the mother to a tree, by a long string, which allowed her to stray to a certain distance. I might even have dispensed with this precaution; she was become quite tame, knew my voice, and would have followed me like a dog; the kids skipped around their mother, and I sat enjoying this interesting sight. I then contemplated my cottage, which made a very charming appearance, especially in the eyes of the architect; and the park, situated in the front, added to the effect. The foliage of the young trees was become very thick; the bushy and thorny plants, with which I had filled up the intervals, had climbed up the trunks of the trees, and were covered with flowers of such various colours that I seemed in the midst of a parterre; I particularly noticed those which have before spoken of, and whose bright red blossoms outshone all the rest. I took a branch of this shrub, to examine it more closely, stripped off the bark, and drew out a piece of dry, spongy pith; without any motive, I stripped several other branches, and made a little heap of this pith, having no idea that it could be of any use to me. The misfortune of being deprived fire recurred to my mind, and caused me many sighs: I took my steel from my pocket, and with my flint struck out sparks merely for amusement; when, O joyful surprise! some of them fell upon the pith of the red flowered plant, which quickly kindled; and I saw myself provided with excellent tinder, and in possession of a precious treasure. The joy which seized my mind caused me to commit a thousand extravagancies. I called Castor to me, kissed him, and hugged him in my arms, as if to make him partake of my pleasure; the good dog returned my endearments, without comprehending the motive of them. I ran and jumped about as if I had lost my senses. When I became a little more tranquil, I considered that it was God to whom owed the blessing, by which I was so overjoyed, and returned him thanks from the very bottom of my heart. Night being come, I drove my animals back into the park, and retired with my dog into my hut, where my excellent bed of dry leaves yielded me sincere pleasure.

Chapter V

The next day, on waking, I found so many things to do, that I was at a loss which to begin with. After saying my prayers, I milked my goat, and divided her milk with my trust Castor; then walked to the shore, to seek for turtles' eggs. I had fared but scantily a long while, and was willing to make up for it. I found half-a-dozen eggs, and there still remained some potatoes in the hut; I lighted a good fire, and roasted them; placed the eggs in the ashes, and prepared myself a hearty dinner. My mind was however, less taken up with what I was then engaged in, than with a design I had formed of returning soon to the place where I wished to establish my winter dwelling. By means of fire I hoped to effect an entrance into the cavern: the chest I had found, also occupied much of my thoughts; I racked my invention for some method of opening it; endeavoured to guess what it might contain, but bewildered myself in my conjectures. If it should be clothes, said I, they will come very opportunely, for soon, mine will fall to rags; and should I be left naked, the heat of the sun would be insupportable. If I should find in it fire arms and ammunition, I could kill birds, and many of that kind of hares which have already furnished me so many good dishes of roast meat.

While my dinner was cooking, I employed myself in putting the park in order. I set my stock at liberty, to feed in its environs; they did not abuse this indulgence, but kept near my dwelling. I removed the old litter, gave them fresh, and made a new provision of forage, to last during the absence which I meditated; in short, took care to supply my animals with everything necessary.

I quitted my abode a third time, but without much preparation for my subsistence. Provided with a flint and steel, and with a good quantity of the precious pith which served me for tinder, I was secure from the want of food. I walked on briskly, not being much loaded, and the desire of arriving at my journey's end, lent me wings. I found nothing fresh in a route had already travelled over; and besides, did not bestow any time in making observations. On the fourth day, I reached the desired spot; it was yet so early, that I would not put off the execution of my project. I made a fire, and put some potatoes, which I had taken up by the way, to roast; when the wood was well lighted, I seized a flaming brand, ran to the rock, and thrust it among the roots and brambles which stopped up the opening; the flame communicated rapidly from one to the other, and produced so thick a smoke that I could not distinguish the cavern In less than an hour, the fire devoured all that was on the outside, and from thence gained the interior, where it consumed every thing that could serve to feed it; after which it appeared extinguished, the smoke began to clear away by degrees, and discovered to me an opening, whose height did not much exceed my own, but of the width of an ordinary door. I was about to enter with my usual thoughtlessness, but new clouds of black noxious smoke burst forth, and had nearly suffocated me. I got away quickly, and sat myself down at some distance, to consider what I had best do. It was evident that the fire, which I thought extinct, was still burning under the ashes, and that it would perhaps remain stifling there for a long while; I saw the necessity of checking my impatience, and, in order to divert it, went to he chest, the second object of my desires and anxieties. It lay dry, the tide being down; I examined it afresh on all sides, and perceiving still the same impossibility of either opening or breaking it, I fell into a profound reverie. On a, sudden the thought struck me, that I would set fire to it. I may hope to save some of the things contains, said I; when then the fire has consumed one end, I will use all my efforts to put it out; it cannot burn very rapidly, since the sea covers it every day. When the fire is out, I can take possession of what remains uninjuried [sic]; whereas, if I do not adopt this plan, I shall never benefit by what it contains. On this occasion, I had not to reproach myself with acting too precipitately; it was after much reflection, that I determined to make use of this expedient. I had the patience to wait the return of the tide, considering that the sea in rising would reach the chest, and assist me powerfully in putting out the fire. The moment being arrived, I carried several lighted branches, and placing them close to the chest, watched, with a palpitating heart, the fire, which, catching the wood, soon blackened, and afterwards began to burn it. As I had forseen [sic], its progress was but slow; I stood by, observing it with a mixture of hope and fear; at length, one end of it having been consumed without producing a flame, I thought it time to put a stop to the fire. Having nothing to fetch water in but my cocoa- nut cups, this method would have been too tedious; I therefore thought of taking wet sand to throw upon the fire, and to make a heap before the place where it was burning. In the mean time the sea reached it, and at times the waves covered it entirely; so that, by their help, I completely extinguished the fire, which had effected as opening large enough to admit me easily; but this day was destined for the exercising of my patience; it was necessary to wait for the ebbing of the tide, and to remove the sand with which I had stopped the hole, before I could ascertain what were the fruits of my labours.

The being obliged to remain idle, reminded me that I was hungry, which the continual occupation of my mind had prevented my thinking of. I went to take up my potatoes, but, owing to the long time they had been left in the ashes, and the too strong fire they had been exposed to, they were burnt to cinders. How was this to be remedied? I had learned better than to shed useless tears whenever I was vexed; I therefore went to the shore, where the sight of some scollops gave me much pleasure; for a long time I had been desirous of eating some; I placed them on the hot ashes to make them open, then cleaned them from the sand which had got in; and, after squeezing some citron juice into the deepest shell, placed them on a slow fire, and when cooked they made me an excellent dinner. After this repast, I took a walk round the rocks, to collect some potatoes for the following days: I could bring home but a few at a time, having only my two pockets and my hankerchief to carry them in: I resolved, therefore, to make a basket of oziers; having seen a basket-maker in our neighbourhood at his work, I flattered myself that I should be able to imitate him, at least so far as to answer my purpose.

I slept but little this night, so much was I taken up with the important events of the preceding day. Will the cave in the rock be large enough to serve me as an habitation? Will it not be so dark, that I shall be unable to do any thing within it? What shall I find in the chest? Will not the water have spoiled whatever it contains? Such were the questions I asked myself, and which kept me a long time awake. As soon as daylight appeared, I came down from the tree where I had been perched; and, after addressing my prayers to God, I proceeded immediately to the chest, and began removing the sand from the opening; my dog assisted me in this work, by scratching it away with his paws. This faithful animal had so much instinct, that he comprehended whatever I wished him to understand; and so much docility, that he obeyed the slightest sign.

As soon as it was practicable, I thrust my arm into the chest, and drew out a little hatchet: nothing could have been so acceptable, it more than compensated for my broken knife; I might now easily cut wood, and undertake many works. I sought with fresh ardour, and my joy was increased at finding a saw, two hammers, and bag of nails of different sizes. In drawing out these precious articles, which was done with some difficulty, I enlarged the opening very much, and drew out of it more hatchets and saws, both large and small; pincers, gimlets and a quantity of other tools, of which I neither knew the name nor the use. Some were so large and heavy, that I was forced to leave them where they were. Some of the handles of the saws and hatchets the fire had destroyed, but as many as I had need of remained entire. Behind the large articles which I could not remove, there were yet many other things, which I wished to get possession of; but, having already several sorts of instruments, I did not despair of being able to break up the chest, and make myself master of what remained in it.

A miser who has just found a treasure, is not more enraptured than I was, in contemplating my newly acquired riches. The chest had been a carpenter's, which the waves had driven on the shore of my island, and I met with it at a time when it was the most necessary of any thing I could have been provided with. I admired this fresh instance of God's goodness, and returned him thanks with tears of gratitude and joy. I carried all that I had taken out of the chest near to the cavern, hoping to be able to use them the next day. Castor afforded me a pleasant surprise, by bringing an agouti larger than any he had before killed; I intended to make shoes, or rather a kind of sandals, of his skin; my shoes being so much worn, that my feet were torn by the thorns, or cut by the flints. I skinned the animal as neatly as I could, and nailed its skin on the trunk of a tree, that it might not shrink. I afterwards spitted the body, and it may be imagined whether I and my companion did not make a hearty meal. I saved the fat of the agouti, and rubbed the skin over with it several times, to soften and render it more pliant.

I went often to visit the opening of the rock; there issued no more smoke, and I doubled not that I should be able to enter the next day. At day-break I armed myself with a hatchet, and entered the cavern boldly, only taking the precaution to send in my dog before, whose barking would have given me notice had there been any danger. We walked at first over a heap of ashes, but they were cold, which proved that the fire had been extinguished for some time. I went first to the right hand wall of the grotto, then to the left, to ascertain in some measure its width. I counted twenty-two of my steps between the two walls: my next care was to find out its depth, in order to which I walked straight forward; while near the mouth of the cavern, I had sufficient light to direct me, but as I went forward it diminished sensibly, and I found myself at last in complete darkness. After counting fifty steps, I was stopped by a wall of rock, and knew that the grotto extended no farther. It was very spacious, and well adapted to serve me as a place of retreat; but what a dismal habitation! where the day-light never penetrated. How could I work in this dark cell? Nevertheless, I wished to improve and furnish it; my head was full of schemes, but this terrible darkness prevented the execution of them. I was not easily disheartened; but resolved to inhabit for the present the entrance of the cavern, which admitted a degree of light; at least to pass the nights there, and to lay up my tools and my provisions in it; and did not despair of being able to invent some means of introducing a little light into the interior. During eight whole days I was engaged in fruitless endeavours. I climbed on the outside of the rock, and searched in every crevice; I put wedges, which I drove by striking them with all my strength with a hammer; when I succeded in splitting off a piece of stone, I expected was about to perforate a hole which would admit the light. Always disappointed of my hopes, faint with fatigue, and grieved at my ill success, I was going to abandon my undertaking, when I observed a hollow, in which a tuft of plants had grown, which appeared to receive more nourishment than those which sprang out of the rock. I concluded that there was more earth in that place than elsewhere, and that it would perhaps be easier to pierce through. I quickly tore up all the plants, and dug away the earth with shells, sharp stones, and my hatchet, and met with no rock, which circumstance strengthened my hopes. I threw aside the earth which I took out of the hole; but I deemed myself still far from attaining my object, when it broke through, and the shell which I was using fell to the bottom of the cavern. I was so transported with joy, that I remained motionless: my zeal, however, was soon re[-]animated; I continued to scratch and clear away the earth, and at length succeeded in making a hole of about a foot square. Very well satisfied with my work, I thought about taking rest, and strengthening myself by some food; but before preparing my repast, I wished to go into my grotto; for when any important work engaged my attention, eating and drinking were but secondary considerations. I saw, with very great pleasure, that the window I had perforated let in sufficient light for distinguishing objects. Castor appeared to partake of my joy and jumped round me, as if to congratulate me on my success.

I had reason to be satisfied with my new dwelling; the floor of it was even, and covered with a very fine, dry, white sand; the walls were composed of glittering stones, and seemed sprinkled with particles of gold and silver; the roof, which in some places was very lofty, became lower towards the farther end, where the width of the cave decreased very much, and formed a sort of closet; this was the only part which had no light. I intended to store my provisions here, for I considered that, during the winter, I should find neither fruits nor potatoes, and that I should act prudently in providing beforehand for it. I wished also to lodge my goats in another part of the cavern, during the severe season, to preserve them from injury.

A thousand different thoughts occupied my mind, which became completely confused. I had so much work on my hands, that it seemed impossible to get through it all. I should have wished to do every thing at once, and the hastiness of my disposition was such, that it needed much reflection to make me determine on doing one thing before I began another. Before commencing my great works, I thought it right, to make a journey to my hut, and bring away the flock, on whose account I was always anxious when absent from them. I feared lest they should be in want of food, and that as the kids had quite given over sucking, the mother might lose her milk, which would deprive me of one great resource for the winter. Since I had introduced the light into the grotto, I had removed my bed farther from the opening, into a nook in the rock which formed an alcove; this was a fortunate circumstance, for during the night I was awakened by loud claps of thunder. I sat up, and admired the effects of the lightning on my brilliant walls, which seemed to sparkle with a thousand fires. The noise of the thunder, repeated by the echoes of the rocks, was so awfully grand, that I listened to it with delight The storm went off with so violent a rain, that water which fell through the window, and entered at the door, overflowed a great part of the cavern, but did not reach my sleeping place. This deluge lasted more than two hours, during which I was forced to remain inactive in the same place. At length the rain ceased, the sky became clear, and the sand of the grotto absorded [sic] the water which had entered. I then went out, and saw with dismay the ravages the tempest had made; many trees were blown down by the violence of the wind, the country was inundated, and I walked up to my knees in water. O! how fortunate I deemed myself in having a substantial dwelling place, which would secure me against these terrible storms; I immediately formed the project of rendering it more close, by stopping up the window on such occurrences as this. I felt great anxiety respecting my hut of boughs, my park, and my flock, but I could not travel that day; it was necessary to allow time for the waters to subside. In the mean time, I went on the shore, where the raging of the waves had driven so great a quantity of shell-fish, that I soon made an ample provision of them, I had emptied one of the nail bags, which I had found, into a corner of the grotto, and it was now very useful in conveying any thing I had occasion to remove; I filled it with scollops, oysters, muscles [sic], and a kind of shells shaped like knives, which were very sharp, and might supply the place of the knife I had broken.

After having stowed all these in the cavern, I went to visit the chest, and perceived, with much pleasure, that during the preceding night, the waves had battered it so much that the planks began to part asunder. I took the largest axe I was able to lift, and drove wedges between them, by which I contrived to separate many of them. What an increase of treasure! I now saw he means of making a door to my grotto, and a shutter to my window. In a short time, all that remained in the chest was discovered to view: among the articles too heavy for me to remove, were three other bags of nails, an iron crow, sundry joiner's tools, and by a most fortunate chance, a little cast-iron pot with a cover. This last prize made me leap for joy; I was now enabled to make broth, and to boil my potatoes, my fish, and my eggs. I employed myself this day in transporting to my dwelling, with much labour, my new acquisitions. The planks I drew up high on the beach, that the sea might not wash them away, resolving to work on them where they laid; the rest of the day was occupied in arranging my effects, in such a manner, that I could easily find whatever I wanted, without throwing the others into confusion. A sound sleep made amends for the restless night I had passed, and I was the next day ready to proceed on my journey. I took the shortest way, passing through the rice fields; now that I possessed the means of making a fire, this was an abundant granary for me, which would insure me subsistence during the inclement season: but it would needful for me to purchase this blessing by many cares and fatigues; the grain must be carried home, beaten out of the straw, and laid in a heap in the recess at the lower end of the cavern.

My heart sunk in approaching my former dwelling place. Alas! I scarce knew it again; the roof of rushes was entirely broken in, the walls of boughs half thrown down; it no longer afforded means of shelter. The park had suffered less: the young trees which I had planted had taken root, and shot out so many branches on all sides, that they were interwoven, and mutually supported each other; and besides, these being pliable, by yielding and bending to the storm, escaped being broken. My flock did not appear to have suffered, but the goat was incommoded by her milk; the young ones scarcely sucked at all, and the poor animal was greatly relieved at being milked. I also received much pleasure in drinking a cup of her milk; this refreshing beverage recruited my strength, after my fatigues,

Having deliberated on the subject a long while, I decided not to repair my hut at present, but to go and inhabit my grotto until the winter, which I expected would soon commence, should be passed. I then proposed to retire to this place, and to construct a new cottage, much more substantial than the former, which I could without much difficulty effect, being now furnished with tools. I could dig deeper, and drive my stakes so that they should not be easily shaken. I wished to make, in this gayer and more smiling spot, a country house to pass the summer in; for which purpose it would be necessary to bring hither a lot of my tools, and I already conceived in my mind the method I would employ to accomplish that object: at present my most urgent business was, to conduct my flock to the grotto, and to apply myself entirely to the works which I ought to finish before the bad weather.

Chapter VI

The third day after my arrival, I quitted this place with my little caravan. I led the goat with a string, the kids followed, and Castor brought up the rear. When the little ones strayed, he quickly brought them back. I stopped now and then, where the grass was the thickest, to let my flock graze: in one of these halts, my dog, who had wandered at some little distance, began to bark and howl in an unusual manner, as if he had been hurt or scared by some ferocious animal: I was much alarmed, but could not leave my faithful animal without assistance: I had no other arms than a hatchet, but I determined to make use of that to defend my dear Castor: I advanced cautiously, looking round me on all sides, and perceived him engaged with an enemy whose appearance was more singular than terrifying: it was an animal of the size of a large cat, covered with spikes, which struck out of his body like quills. Castor had thought fit to attack him, as his bleeding muzzle testified: on a sudden, the animal rolled himself up like a ball, presenting to us his bristling darts, with a rattling noise: I took my hatchet in both hands, and levelled so violent a blow at him, that the ground was sprinkled with his blood; he gave such a terrible spring up, that I drew back quickly, but returning to the attack, repeated my blows till I killed him. I confess that I felt very proud of this victory, the first I had ever gained in my life, and much wished to carry off the body of my enemy; but that was not possible, as I knew not where to take hold of him; I therefore contented myself then with cutting off with my hatchet, all the animal's darts, which were so strong and sharp, that I conceived, if I could contrive to pierce a hole through the thickest end of them, they would serve well for needles, to sew the skins of which I intended to make my clothes. Those who shall read this relation will, no doubt, be better informed than I was then, and will discover from the description I have given, that this animal was a porcupine.

This was the only remarkable circumstance in my journey. I arrived safely at my dwelling, established my flock in their new abode, and not being inclined that day to set about any thing fatiguing, employed myself in working up the skin of the agouti, to defend my feet from the wounds they had been exposed to since I had been without shoes. I cut out the soles in the best manner I was able, and afterwards made some straps to fasten them on the feet and round the legs: to join them together, it was necessary to have needles, and I took the following method to procure them. I made a pointed nail red hot in a strong fire, laid hold on the head of it with my handkerchief wetted, and bored a hole through the thick end of the porcupine's quills; this succeeding perfectly well, I had very good needles, and was enabled to fix the straps of skin firmly to the soles, so that I might now walk without being hurt. The evening was occupied in providing food for several days, that I might work without interruption. I made use of my pot to cook crabs, muscles, and other shell-fish, waiting till the success of my dog in the chase should furnish me with the means to make broth.

The first thing then that I set about was the making a door for my grotto. What trouble and fatigue it cost me! I first measured the width and length of the opening, and afterwards sawed the top of the chest, which remained entire, into the same dimensions. It may be imagined that this took a considerable time; but when this was done, I was not much the forwarder. It required to be conveyed to the cavern; and, though the distance was not very great, I could not accomplish this, as I was scarcely able to move it: thus I again suffered for my want of foresight, and was forced to be content with shutting up my grotto with a kind of hurdle, formed of branches woven together. I succeeded better with my window shutter, as it was much less; I finished it in a few days, and placed it near my window, to be used at night or during the rains. My next care was my rice harvest and my potatoes, and I now congratulated myself in having some good large bags: without the assistance of these, how could I have carried home my stores? In the space of fifteen days, I had gathered in grain and potatoes enough for the consumption of such a lad as myself: the whole was lodged in the driest part of my dwelling, and I began to use rice milk, of which I was very fond; at other times I cooked the rice in water, and let it boil away till it was quite dry; I then used it as bread, with eggs or shell-fish, which I was seldom in want of; these, relished with salt or citron juice, made a very tolerable meat.

Hitherto, I had always made my fire in the open air: but I considered that, in heavy rains, I should never be able to light one, or that, if lighted, it would be immediately put out. I saw the necessity of constructing a fire-place within the grotto; the great difficulty, however, was, how to make a passage for the smoke to go out, that I might not be suffocated by it. I first sought for some flat stones, and ranged them one upon another, placing between them a layer of an unctuous earth, which I thought likely to serve as cement. I built two walls, as high as my waist, and laid a plank across the top, plastered with the same kind of earth, to prevent its catching fire. I had fixed this fireplace near my window, and had the good luck to find another opening in the rock, that had been stopped only by earth and grass, which I removed, and made a hole large enough to pass my two hands through: I then sawed four very narrow boards, and put them into the hole, fastening them firmly with large nails; this formed a kind of chimney, which conducted the smoke outside. It was impossible to be more pleased than I was with this invention: I was willing to make an immediate trial of it, by setting the pot on my new fire-place. While my rice was boiling, I took a walk on the shore. I had often seen on the brink of the sea enormous turtles, which deposited their eggs in the sand, and provided me such excellent repasts; I should have very well liked to catch some of them, for I had learned from the sailors that they were very fine food, and that they made good soup of them; I knew also that, in order to prevent their running back to the sea, the turtles must be turned on their backs, but all that I had hitherto seen were too large and heavy to admit of my doing this. I now met with one that was much less, and which I hoped to be able to manage. I called Castor, that he might cut off her retreat, and approaching cautiously, threw her dexterously on her back; the turtle being unable either to escape or to defend herself, was then in my power. I killed her with my hatchet, and on opening her, found twenty-two eggs; I afterwards cut off a large piece, which I put into my porridge pot; then returning to my prize, and having cut it entirely to pieces without breaking the upper shell, I found myself possessed of a handsome trough, which I soon made use of to a good purpose; the sight of so handy a vessel gave me the idea of salting the turtle, to preserve it. I recollected what I had seen my mother do, when she was salting pork, and I acted in the same manner. I carried my shell-trough into the grotto, and likewise all the flesh of my turtle; then placed a layer of salt, and one of meat alternately, until the trough was full, then cover the whole with salt the thickness of my finger, and placed upon this some ends of boards, and lastly some heavy stones to press it down; this done, I returned to my cookery: I found it done to a nicety, and had the pleasure of eating an excellent rice soup; the turtle's flesh also was much to my taste, and Castor regaled himself with it as well as I.

The most urgent of my affairs seemed to be dispatched: I had provided for my winter's subsistence, and had a commodious retreat to protect me from the inclemency of the weather. I turned my thoughts to what I should next employ myself about. Since I have been here, said I to myself, I have not had a moment of ennui; nevertheless, I have not a single companion to speak to, or who can speak to me; I have not a kite, nor playthings of any kind: how happens it, then, that the days pass away so quickly, and that I never find them tiresome? Oh! I know why; it is because my mind and my hands are always employed. But in the bad weather, when the rains prevent my going abroad, how shall I pass my time? I have no company, no books, nor means of writing? If I am without occupation, I shall die of wearisomeness: it is only work that can preserve me: what can I do better than prepare for it beforehand? I shall make some baskets, to hold my stores; and will go and collect a quantity of oziers and young branches of willow, which I will lay up in the cavern. Oh! if I could but kill some goats before the winter, and prepare their skins, I could then make clothes for myself. Well then, enough said; this is what I must immediately make my chief concern; if I succeed, the dismal wet days will be passed in tailor's work, or in basket- making.

This project was well conceived, but the execution of it. was difficult. I saw no other way of taking the goats, than by spreading a large net in the way which they passed in going to drink. I intended to watch them, accompanied by my dog; to come suddenly upon them, and by my shouts, and the barking of Castor, put them to flight, when I hoped that some of them would fall into my nets, where I could easily kill them. But the misfortune was, that my string was used up; I tried to make some with several fibrous plants, and that which appeared fittest for the purpose was the outer coat of the cocoa nut; I drew from thence a kind of thread, with which I made small cords by twisting them with a piece of wood cut into the form of a spindle. I had often seen the fishermen at work on their nets; I formed a mesh and needle, and succeeded in making a large and strong net. I then applied myself wholly to the chase; I was so successful that I scarcely passed a day without taking a goat or a kid: I killed the old ones, stripped them, and put their skins to dry; the young ones I added to my flock, which now consisted, exclusive of my first goat, of nine kids, male and female. I determined likewise to make a quantity of nets of different sizes, some to take birds and others to catch fish. I was very well pleased with the precautions I had taken against the necessity of remaining inactive. The rains began with such violence, that for many days it was impossible to go out of doors; how I congratulated myself in being provided with employment! Exercise and labour had considerably increased my strength, and the habit of reflecting on what was useful had enlarged my ideas, so that both in body and mind I was much forwarder than the generality of children. Necessity had rendered me industrious, and above all, observant. For example, when the bad weather began, my first thought was, that I ought to calculate the time of its continuance, in order to know how to provide for the following years; for this purpose I took a large calabash, and every day put a stone to it, intending to count them at the end of the winter.

I began my works by that of making baskets, which I wrought of all shapes and sizes. I must confess their form was not very elegant, but they were strong, and I found them very serviceable; I wove two large strong ones to lay up my rice in, where it was kept much cleaner than heaped in my magazine. Whenever there happened a day free from rain, I took the advantage of it to go out and collect grass, that my animals should not want food. Castor also went out on those days, and sometimes regaled me with game, at other times potatoes, rice and goat's milk furnished my kitchen abundantly; and if food had failed me, I could have killed one of the kids; but these creatures, which I had domesticated, which I had fed with so much care, and which formed part of my family, I was become extremely fond of; and it would have been only in the greatest extremity that I could have prevailed on myself to kill them. I did not, however, wish that my flock should increase, and concluding that they would breed in the spring, I had resolved to kill the young ones as soon as they had left off sucking, which would be a twofold advantage, in procuring me plenty of milk, as well as providing me with skin for making clothes. The turtle I had salted kept very well; when I had consumed it, I watched an opportunity of catching another, which I managed in the same manner, and whose shell furnished me with another trough, and the means of augmenting my salt provisions.

When I was well stocked with wicker work, I drove large nails into the clefts of the rock, and hung against the walls of the grotto, baskets filled with all my provisions. I also secured my nails and my small iron articles, in the same manner; my stores being arranged in such good order, my dwelling was not encumber by them.

All that annoyed me was, the having so little light; frequently the rain obliged me to keep my window shutter close, I was then deprived of the light from the window, and was forced to work near the door; besides which, the days were short and it was necessary to leave off work early; I had then no resource against ennui, or idleness; I became wretched, and all my thoughts were melancholy. Seeing myself abundantly supplied with the necessaries of life, I felt the more poignant regret at not having a companion to share them with me; the least amiable of all my former comrades would have formed an invaluable society for me, and his friendship would have made the happiness of my life. The caresses of my dog did not satisfy me. I wanted a being who could partake of my pains and my pleasures. These reflections made me shed bitter tears, which began as soon as it was dark, and I often passed several hours weeping before I went to bed.

One night, when I was overwhelmed with grief, a very happy thought came into my mind, which restored my courage, and enabled me to overcome my sorrow. I spoke thus to myself: Of what use are all the tears and afflictions to which I give myself up? My useless regrets will not procure me what I want. If God has decreed that I am to spend my life in complete solitude, His will must be accomplished in spite of my murmurs; it will therefore be much wiser in me to submit with resignation, and to endeavour to render my situation as little wretched as possible. One part of the day hangs heavily on my hand, because I am in