`Ernest chooses to remain with me. His mother and I rejoice heartily in this decision, and promise him all the highest scientific appointments in our power to bestow.
`And now what is Jack's choice? The only talent I can say he possesses is that of a comic actor, and to shine on the stage he must needs go to Europe.'
`Jack is not going to Europe, however,' was his reply. `He means to stay here, and when Fritz is gone, he will be the best rider, and the best shot in New Switzerland, which is the summit of his ambition.
`The fact is,' he continued, laughing, `I rather stand in awe of their European schools, and should expect to find myself caught and clapped into one, if I ventured too near them.'
`A good school is exactly what I want,' said Franz. `Among a number of students there is some emulation and enthusiasm, and I shall have a chance of rising in the world.
`Fritz will probably return here some day; but it might be well for one member of the family to go home with the intention of remaining there altogether, and as I am the youngest, I could more easily than the rest, adapt myself to a different life. My father, however, will decide for me.'
`You may go, my dear son,' I replied, `and God bless all our plans and resolutions. The whole earth is the Lord's, and where, as in his sight, you lead good and useful lives, there is your home.
`And now that I know your wishes, the only question is, whether
Captain Littlestone will kindly enable you to carry them out?'
All eyes were fixed eagerly upon him, and after a moment's pause the gallant officer spoke as follows:
`I think my way in this matter is perfectly clear, and I consider that I have been providentially guided to be the means of once more placing this family in communication with their friends and with the civilized world.