The Swiss Family Robinson: A Translation from the Original German

Transcriber's Note:
The title page of this edition is a bit confusing. The author of the original work 'Der Schweizerische Robinson' was Johann David Wyss, and it was edited by his son Johann Rudolf Wyss. This edition was translated by William Henry Giles Kingston.
EDITED BY, WILLIAM H. G. KINGSTON
ILLUSTRATED BY WALTER S. ROGERS
GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON
For many days we had been tempest-tossed. Six times had the darkness closed over a wild and terrific scene, and returning light as often brought but renewed distress, for the raging storm increased in fury until on the seventh day all hope was lost.
We were driven completely out of our course; no conjecture could be formed as to our whereabouts. The crew had lost heart, and were utterly exhausted by incessant labor.
The riven masts had gone by the board, leaks had been sprung in every direction, and the water, which rushed in, gained upon us rapidly.
Instead of reckless oaths, the seamen now uttered frantic cries to God for mercy, mingled with strange and often ludicrous vows, to be performed should deliverance be granted.