Suppose we decide to stay patiently here for
the present--until, at least, we have brought on shore everything we
possibly can?'
`I agree with you to a certain extent, dear husband,' replied she, `but
you do not know how dreadfully the heat among the rocks tries me. It is
almost intolerable to us who remain here all day while you and Fritz
are away out at sea, or wandering among the shady woods, where cool
fruits refresh, and fair scenes delight you.
`As to the contents of the ship, an immense deal has been cast ashore,
and I would much rather give up all the remainder, and be spared the
painful anxiety it gives me when you even talk of venturing again on
the faithless deep.'
`Well, I must admit that there is much right on your side,' I
continued; `suppose we were to remove to your chosen abode, and make
this rocky fastness our magazine and place of retreat in case of
danger. I could easily render it still more secure, by blasting
portions of the rock with gunpowder. But a bridge must be constructed
in the first place, to enable us to cross bag and baggage.'
`Oh, I shall be parched to death before we can leave this place, if a
bridge has to be made,' cried my wife impatiently. `Why not just take
our things on our backs and wade across as we have done already? The
cow and the donkey could carry a great deal.
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