His brothers laughed at his prize.
"Silence," said I, "the youngest has made the most valuable addition to our stores.

These are fish-hooks, and may be more useful for the preservation of our lives than anything the ship contains.

However, Fritz and Ernest have not done amiss." "For my part," said my wife, "I only contribute good news; I have found a cow, an ass, two goats, six sheep, and a sow with young.

I have fed them, and hope we may preserve them." "Very well," said I to my little workmen, "I am satisfied with all but Master Jack, who, instead of anything useful, has contributed two great eaters, who will do us more harm than good." "They can help us to hunt when we get to land," said Jack.
"Yes," replied I, "but can you devise any means of our getting there ?" "It does not seem at all difficult," said the spirited little fellow; "put us each into a great tub, and let us float to shore.

I remember sailing capitally that way on godpapa's great pond at S--." "A very good idea, Jack; good counsel may sometimes be given even by a child.