But here, not any instrument whatever, not a utensil.

From nothing they must supply themselves with everything.
And yet, if Cyrus Harding had been with them, if the engineer could have brought his practical science, his inventive mind to bear on their situation, perhaps all hope would not have been lost.

Alas! they must hope no longer again to see Cyrus Harding.

The castaways could expect nothing but from themselves and from that Providence which never abandons those whose faith is sincere.
But ought they to establish themselves on this part of the coast, without trying to know to what continent it belonged, if it was inhabited, or if they were on the shore of a desert island?
It was an important question, and should be solved with the shortest possible delay.

From its answer they would know what measures to take.
However, according to Pencroft's advice, it appeared best to wait a few days before commencing an exploration.