Three of them received this permission with eager delight, but Ernest
said he would prefer to remain with us; to which, as the expedition was
to be entirely one of pleasure, I could make no objection.
Little Franz, on the other hand, whom I would willingly have kept with
us, was wild to go with his brothers, and I was obliged to consent, as
I had made the proposal open to all, and could not draw back.
In the highest spirits they ran to bring their steeds (as we were fain
to call the cattle they rode) from their pasturage at a short distance.
Speedily were they saddled, bridled and mounted--the three lads were
ready to be off.
It was my wish that our sons should cultivate a habit of bold
independence, for well I knew that it might be the will of God to
deprive them easily of their parents; when, without an enterprising
spirit of self-reliance, their position would be truly miserable.
My gallant Fritz possessed this desirable quality in no small degree,
and to him I committed the care of his young brothers, charging them to
look up to and obey him as their leader.
They were well armed, well mounted, had a couple of good dogs; and,
with a hearty `God speed and bless you, my boys!' I let them depart.
We who remained behind passed the day in a variety of useful
occupations.
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