We should be safe up there from jackals'
visits during the night. And I know I have seen at home in Switzerland,
quite a pretty arbour, with a strong floor, up among the branches of a
lime tree, and we went up a staircase to reach it. Why could not we
contrive a place like that, where we could sleep safely at night?'
`I will consider the idea seriously, my wife,' said I, `perhaps
something may come of it, after all! Meantime, as we have finished
supper, and night is coming on, let us commend ourselves to Almighty
protection and retire to rest.'
Beneath the shelter of our tent, we all slept soundly as marmots,
until break of day; when, my wife and I awaking, took counsel together
as to future proceedings.
Referring to the task she had the previous evening proposed for me, I
remarked that to undertake it would involve so many difficulties that
it was highly necessary to look closely into the subject.
`In the first place,' said I, `I am unwilling hastily to quit a spot to
which I am convinced we were providentially led as a landing-place. See
how secure it is; guarded on all sides by these high cliffs, and
accessible only by the narrow passage to the ford, while from this
point it is so easy to reach the ship that the whole of its valuable
cargo is at our disposal.
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