My wife and elder sons might wish to seize this only occasion that might occur to revisit their native country--to quit their beloved island, which would doubtless cost them much sorrow at the last moment, but was necessary to their future comfort.

I could not help feeling distressed at the prospect of my dear children's solitary old age, and I determined, if they did not wish to return with Captain Johnson, to request him to send some colonists out to people our island.
It will be remembered that I had left home alone, and at an early hour, having perceived a vessel from the top of our tree with my telescope.

I had set out without breakfast, without giving my sons their tasks, or making any arrangements for the labours of the day.

My conference with Lieutenant Bell had been long; it was now past noon, and knowing how prompt my wife was to alarm herself, I was surprised that I did not meet her, nor any of my sons.

I began to be uneasy, and on my arrival I hastily mounted the tree, and found my faithful partner extended on her bed, surrounded by her four sons, and apparently in great pain.