Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss (portable ebook reader .txt) 📕

persons a passage to England.

`Could anything suit better? I am most willing to undertake the charge

of those who may be committed to my care.

`Every circumstance has been wonderfully ordered and linked together by

Divine Providence, and if England gains a prosperous and happy colony,

it will prove a fitting clasp to this fortunate chain of events. Three

cheers for New Switzerland.’

Deep emotion stirred every heart as the party separated for the night.

Many felt that they were suddenly standing on the threshold of a new

life, while, for myself a weight was rolled from my heart, and I

thanked God that a difficulty was solved which, for years, had

oppressed me with anxiety.

After this nothing was thought of but making preparations for the

departure of the dear ones bound for England. Captain Littlestone

allowed as much time as he could spare; but it was necessarily short,

so that incessant movement and industry pervaded the settlement for

several days.

Everything was provided and packed up that could in any way add to our

children’s comfort on the voyage, or benefit them after their arrival

in England, and a large share of my possessions in pearls, corals,

furs, spices and other valuables would enable them to take a good

position in the world of commerce.

I committed to their care private papers, money, and jewels which I

knew to have been the personal property of the captain of our

ill-fated ship, desiring them to hand them over, if possible, to his

heirs. A short account of the wreck, with the names of the crew, a list

of which I had found, was given to Captain Littlestone.

His ship, the Unicorn, was amply stored by us with fresh provisions,

fish, vegetables and fruit, for in our gratitude to him for his

kindness and sympathy, we felt ready to offer every possible

assistance.

In a long conversation with my sons I solemnly charged them with the

future responsibilities of their life, in all its varied aspects, of

duty towards God, their fellow men, and themselves, pointing out the

temptations to which their different characters were likely to expose

them, and exhorting them affectionately to hold fast to the faith in

which they had been brought up.

Fritz, having previously made known to me, what indeed was very

evident, the attachment between himself and Jenny, I advised him to

mention it to Colonel Montrose as soon as possible after being

introduced to him, and ask for his sanction to their engagement.

I on my part, gladly bestowing mine, as did his mother, who loved the

sweet girl dearly, and heartily grieved to part with her.

On the evening before our separation, I gave to Fritz the journal in

which, ever since the shipwreck, I had chronicled the events of our

life, desiring that the story might be printed and published. `It was

written, as you well know,’ said I, `for the instruction and amusement

of my children, but it is very possible that it may be useful to other

young people.

`Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four

lads fairly represent multitudes, who are growing up in all

directions. It will make me happy to think that my simple narrative may

lead some of these to observe how blessed are the results of patient

continuance in well-doing, what benefits arise from the thoughtful

application of knowledge and science, and how good and pleasant a thing

it is when brethren dwell together in unity, under the eyes of parental

love.’

Night has closed around me.

For the last time my united family slumbers beneath my care. Tomorrow

this closing chapter of my journal will pass into the hands of my

eldest son.

From afar I greet thee, Europe!

I greet thee, dear old Switzerland!

Like thee, may New Switzerland flourish and prosper—good, happy and

free!

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**End of This COPYRIGHTED Project Gutenberg Etext, Details Above**

Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann David Wyss

This edition (c)2000

by

Pink Tree Press

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Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

ISBN 1-930860-50-1