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The Swiss Family Robinson
By
Johann Wyss
Amid the roar of the thundering waves I suddenly heard the cry of “Land!
Land!” while at the same instant the ship struck with a frightful shock,
which threw everyone to the deck and seemed to threaten her immediate destruction.
Dreadful sounds betokened the breaking up of the ship, and the roaring waters
poured in on all sides:
Then the voice of the captain was heard above the tumult shouting, “Lower
away the boats! We are lost!”
“Lost!” I exclaimed, and the word went like a dagger to my heart;
but seeing my children’s terror renewed, I composed myself, calling
out cheerfully, “Take courage, my boys!
We are all above water yet. There is the land not far off; let us do our best to reach it. You know God helps those that help themselves!” With that, I left them and went on deck. What was my horror when through the foam and spray I beheld the only remaining boat leave the ship, the last of the seamen spring into her and push off, regardless of my cries and entreaties that we might be allowed to share their slender chance of preserving their lives.
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