The Story of The Swiss Family Robinson - Chapter 3a

This is taken from the first part of chapter 3 in the story of The Swiss Family Robinson. I was roused at the dawn of day by the crowing of the cocks. I awoke my wife, and we consulted together as to the occupations we should engage in. We agreed, that we would seek for traces of our late ship companions, and at the same time examine the nature of the soil on the other side of the river, before we determined on a fixed place of abode. My wife easily perceived that such an excursion could not be undertaken by all the members of the family ; and full of con- fidence in the protection of Heaven, she courageously con- sented to my proposal of leaving her with the three youngest boys, and proceeding myself with Fritz on a journey of discovery. I entreated her not to lose a moment in giving us our breakfast.