Themselves, might be answered; and it is said to be a far more difficult task to govern ourselves than to rule others.
Though space was ample enough as regards the colony in general, it was somewhat limited as regards detail.

To live _pele-mele_ in Rockhouse was entirely out of the question.

Independently of accommodation, a thousand reasons of propriety opposed such an arrangement.

Whether or not there might be another cave in the neighborhood, hollowed out by Nature, was not known; if there were, it had still to be discovered.
Chance would not be chance, if it were undeviating and certain in its operations.

To consign the Wolstons to Falcon's Nest or Prospect Hill, and leave them there alone, even though under the protection of Willis, could not be thought of; they knew nothing of the dangers that would surround them, and as yet they were ignorant of the topography of the island.