At Falconhurst things were quickly in good order, and we made a great improvement by completing the broad terrace supported on the arching roots of the trees—it was better floored—and rustic pillars and trelliswork sustained a bark roof which afforded a pleasant shade.
After this was done, I was compelled to consent to a plan long cherished by Fritz, who wished to construct a watchtower and mount a gun on Shark Island. After great exertion, both mental and bodily, this piece of military engineering was completed; and a flagstaff erected, on which the guard at this outpost could run up a white flag to signal the approach of anything harmless from the sea, while a red flag would be shown on the least appearance of danger.
To celebrate the completion of this great work, which occupied us during two months, we hoisted the white flag, and fired a salute of six guns.
CHAPTER XVI
TEN YEARS AFTERWARD—A STRANGE MESSAGE
"We spend our years as a tale that is told," said King David.
These words recurred to me again and again as I reviewed ten years, of which the story lay chronicled in the pages of my journal.
Year followed year; chapter succeeded chapter; steadily, imperceptibly, time was passing away.
The shade of sadness cast on my mind by retrospect of this kind was dispelled by thoughts full of gratitude to God, for the welfare and happiness of my beloved family during so long a period. I had cause especially to rejoice in seeing our sons advance to manhood, strengthened by early training for lives of usefulness and activity wherever their lot might fall.