'
`Anyhow, I will break off a piece for a specimen. See, here is a fine
bit, only rather dull, and not transparent: what a pity! I must knock
off another.'
`You must go more carefully to work, or it will look as dull as the
first. You destroyed its true form, which is that of a pyramid, with
six sides or facets.'
We remained some time in this interesting grotto, but our light burnt
low after we had examined it in different directions; and Fritz having
secured a large lump, which exhibited several crystals in perfection,
we quitted the place, Fritz discharging a farewell shot for the sake of
hearing the grand echoes.
On reaching the open air we saw poor Jack sobbing bitterly, but as soon
as we appeared he ran joyfully towards us, and threw himself into my
arms.
`My child, what is the matter?' I cried anxiously.
`Oh, I thought you were lost! I heard a noise twice, as if the rocks
had shattered down; and I thought you and Fritz were crushed in the
ruins! It was horrible! How glad I am to see you!'
I comforted the child, and explained the noises he had heard,
inquiring why he was alone.
`Ernest is over there among the reeds: I daresay he did not hear the
shots.'
I found Ernest busily engaged in weaving a basket in which to catch
fish: he had devised it ingeniously, with a funnel-shaped entrance;
through which the fish passing would not easily find their way out, but
would remain swimming about in the wide part of the apparatus.
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