Johann David Wyss

“ I am most willing to undertake the charge of those who may be committed to my care.
“Every circumstance has been wonderfully ordered and linked together by Divine Providence, and if England gains a prosperous and happy colony, it will prove a fitting clasp to this fortunate chain of events. Three cheers for New Switzerland.” ”

“ The only talent I can say he possesses is that of a comic actor, and to shine on the stage he must needs go to Europe.”
“Jack is not going to Europe, however,” was his reply. “He means to stay here, and when Fritz is gone, he will be the best rider, and the best shot in New Switzerland, which is the summit of his ambition.
“The fact is,” he continued, laughing, “I rather stand in awe of their European schools, and should expect to find myself caught and clapped into one, if I ventured too near them.”
“A good school is exactly what I want,” said Franz. ”

“ With the glass I could discern figures upon the deck, and upon the shore beyond several tents pitched under the shelter of the trees, and the smoke of fires rising amongst them. As I handed the glass to Fritz, I felt a sudden misgiving. “What,” said I to myself, “can this English vessel be doing thus far from the usual track of ships?” and I called to mind tales of mutinous crews who have risen against their officers, have chosen some such sheltered retreat as this; have disguised the vessel, and then sailed forth to rob and plunder upon the high seas. ”

“ Wolston's.
“Won't somebody wish long life and prosperity to those who go away?” inquired Jenny with a pretty arch look. “Much as I long to return to England and my father, my inclination will waver if all the cheers are for New Switzerland!”
“Three cheers for England and Colonel Montrose,” cried Fritz, “success and happiness to us who return to Europe!” and while the vaulted roofs rang with the cheering elicited by this toast, a glance from Jenny showed him how much she thanked him for appreciating her wish to return to her father, notwithstanding her attachment to our family. ”

“ On the evening before our separation, I gave to Fritz the journal in which, ever since the shipwreck, I had chronicled the events of our life, desiring that the story might be printed and published.
“It was written, as you well know,” said I, “for the instruction and amusement of my children, but it is very possible that it may be useful to other young people, more especially to boys.
“Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four lads fairly represent multitudes, who are growing up in all directions. ”

“ Wolston seated by one of them, enjoying the cool sea breeze. He and his family were delighted to see us, and so much did we enjoy their society, that evening found us still upon the shore. It was too late then to return to Rockburg, and the captain kindly offered tents for the accommodation of those who could not find room in the yacht. The boys spent the night on land. ”

“ I replied; “and God bless all our plans and resolutions. The whole earth is the Lord's, and where, as in his sight, you lead good and useful lives, there is your home.
“And now that I know your wishes, the only question is whether Captain Littlestone will kindly enable you to carry them out?” ”

“ Spring and its accompanying work—The mysterious guns—Who fired them—A storm—Fritz and I reconnoitre—The English brig—We visit her in the yacht—Captain Littlestone—We are cordially welcomed—Mr. Wolston and his family—An earnest consultation—Our visitors at Rockburg—The supper—Who is for Europe and who for New Switzerland?—The decision—Farewell.
Many wondrous tales were told or read in turn by the boys and Jenny during the long evenings as we sat drawing, weaving, and plaiting in our cosy study. ”

“ They thoroughly approved of our caution, and even Jenny, whose hopes had been excited to the highest pitch by our description of the English vessel, and who longed to meet her countrymen once more, agreed to postpone the visit until the following day, when, having put our yacht into good order, we might pay our respects to the captain, not as poor shipwrecked creatures begging assistance, but as lords and masters of the land, seeking to know for what purpose strangers were visiting the coast. ”