My children knew my thoughts, by the distracted glances with which I alternately regarded them and the pinnace, and, after consulting each other's looks, Ernest said-- "The pinnace must not remain here unguarded, father, to be taken, or, at any rate, pillaged by the natives, who will return for their canoe.
Either we must all wait till they come, or you must leave me to defend it.

I see, Fritz, that you could not endure to remain here." In fact, Fritz impatiently stamped with his foot, saying-- "I confess, I cannot remain here; Jack may be dying of his wound, and every moment is precious.

I will seek him--find him--and save him! I have a presentiment I shall; and if I discover him, as I expect, in the hands of the savages, I know the way to release him, and to prevent them carrying off our pinnace." I saw that the daring youth, in the heat of his exasperation, exposed alone to the horde of barbarians, might also become their victim.

I saw that my presence was necessary to restrain and aid him; and I decided, with a heavy heart, to leave Ernest alone to protect the vessel.

His calm and cool manner made it less dangerous for him to meet the natives.
He knew several words of their language, and had read of the mode of addressing and conciliating them.