Then for the first time we stood all together in our new home. I drew up the ladder, and, with a greater sense of security than I had enjoyed since we landed on the island, offered up our evening prayer, and retired for the night.
CHAPTER IV.
A day of rest—A parable for the young people—Quiet recreation—Geographical nomenclature—The margay and porcupine skins made of use—An expedition to Tentholm—Potatoes, potatoes—Tropical vegetation—The use of the karatas—Jack's greediness and its punishment—Ernest discovers cochineal—Arrive at Tentholm—The poultry rebellious—Return to Falconhurst—Ernest roused out early—We collect wood for a sledge—Master Knips turns thief—Franz's plan for the saving of ammunition—Ernest and I take the sledge to Tentholm—Ernest's laziness exemplified—He catches a salmon—We start for home—Kill a kangaroo—And cook it.
Next morning all were early awake, and the children sprang about the tree like young monkeys.
"What shall we begin to do, father?" they cried. "What do you want us to do to-day?"
"Rest, my boys," I replied, "rest."
"Rest?" repeated they. "Why should we rest?"
"'Six days shalt thou labor and do all that thou hast to do, but on the seventh, thou shalt do no manner of work.' This is the seventh day," I replied, "on it, therefore, let us rest."
"What, is it really Sunday?" asked Jack; "how jolly! oh, I won't do any work, but I'll take a bow and arrow and shoot, and we'll climb about the tree and have fun all day."
"That is not resting," said I, "that is not the way you are accustomed to spend the Lord's day."