“If we can collect a sufficient quantity, we will attempt bread-making. I think I know how to set about it.”
Finding there was still time to make another trip with the sledge, I went off with the elder boys, leaving Franz with his mother; and we all looked forward with satisfaction to the prospect of the princely supper they were to have ready for us, for our day's work had been none of the lightest.
“I have been thinking about my turtle, father,” said Fritz, as we went along; “is not the shell very valuable? Surely beautiful combs, boxes, and a number of ornamental things are made of tortoise-shell, and if so, it seems a pity to use it for a water-trough.”
“Your turtle, Fritz, is only fit for eating, its shell is worthless as regards ornament; whereas the species whose shell is prized so much is unfit for food. Tortoise-shell is subjected to the action of heat, the outer layer peels off, leaving a beautifully marked, semi-transparent surface, which is susceptible of a very high polish.”
The sledge quickly received its second load from the raft. Chests, four cart-wheels, and the hand-mill were placed on it, with all manner of smaller articles, and we lost no time in returning to Falconhurst.
The mother welcomed us joyfully, for she said we had been regularly overworked during the last two days. “However, now you are come home to rest,” said she, “and you little think what refreshment awaits you here in the shade. Come and see my cellar!” and she smilingly exhibited a small cask, half sunk in the ground, and well sheltered with leaves and branches.
“Ah! you wonder where this came from,” continued the mother; “well, I found it myself on the sands, to-day, while you were all absent; and fancying it was wine of some sort, I got it up here on purpose to be ready for you. The boys are most anxious to know what sort of wine it will prove to be.”
