After soothing her terrors, I returned to the fire to dry myself, and to enjoy my repast.
Besides the birds, Francis had prepared fresh eggs and potatoes for us.
He told me that his mamma had given up her office of cook to him, and assured me that he would perform the duties to our satisfaction, provided he was furnished with materials.

Fritz was to hunt, Jack to fish, I was to order dinner, and he would make it ready.

"And when we have neither game nor fish," said Jack, "we will attack your poultry-yard." This was not at all to the taste of poor little Francis, who could not bear his favourites to be killed, and who had actually wept over the chicken that was _slaughtered_ to make broth for his mother.

We were obliged to promise him that, when other resources failed, we would apply to our barrels of salt-fish.

He, however, gave us leave to dispose as we liked of the ducks and geese, which were too noisy for him.
After we had concluded our repast, we carried a part of it to our friends above, and proceeded to give them an account of our expedition.
I then secured the hammocks somewhat more firmly, to save us from the storm that was still raging, and the hour of rest being at hand, my sons established themselves on mattresses of cotton, made by their kind mother, and in spite of the roaring of the winds, we were soon in profound repose.
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