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244 THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON
We found him on the rocks. Before him lay a a walrus, or sea-cow, which he had killed with his harpoon. He explained how he had harpooned it twice, and at length shot it, and ended by saying gleefully that its fine head, with two great tusks, would make a capital ornament for the bow of his canoe. I felt that he had run some risk, as the animal turns when attacked, and was glad the adventure had ended so happily.
When he had finished cutting off its head, I wished to take him and his cajack into our canoe, but he refused, and dashed on, saying he would announce our return to his mother.
We arrived home safely, but only just in time, for a terrific storm came on, the flood-gates of heaven opened, and it was some time before we could venture out from the cave to see the damage.
The rain had been so abundant that Jackal River had overflowed its banks and damaged our bridge, which demanded instant restoration.
While we were occupied in considering these ravages chance caused us to make a new discovery; this was some small pears, about the size of plums, with which the sand was strewn. They looked so nice that the boys hastened to taste them, but they had scarcely touched them with their teeth than |
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