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292 THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON |
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had completely broken up. Among other things she found the midshipman's chest, and she accordingly dressed herself in the uniform of a midshipman, which she had worn ever since. Among other things were some matches, still unspoilt by damp, as the chest was closely fastened. So she picked up some pieces of wood which the sea had thrown on the sand, carried them to the summit of the rock, and there kindled a fire, which she never allowed to go out. Later, she built a hut, fished, hunted, tamed birds—among others the cormorant—and she lived alone for three long dreary years.
As Emily stopped I saw Fritz's eyes meet hers, which fell before them, and the dear girl blushed. Then arose in me a hope, which my wife afterwards assured me had been in her mind since the first moment she saw them together.
When we came in sight of Prospect Hill I proposed to stop and take a look at the farmhouse ; but Fritz and Francis, who were in the cajack, said they would go straight on home, so that they could have everything prepared for us. All was in order at the farmhouse. Emily, who for three years had not seen a human habitation, could not restrain a cry of admiration. My wife |
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