Part 37: The Wrecked Ship

(Continuing from Part 36) After discovering the wrecked ship among the rocks, I could think of little else. I had heard its cannon firing during the night and had made a great fire on the shore, hoping the sailors would see it. But when morning came, the ship lay broken upon the rocks. I feared … Read more

Part 36: A Sound Across the Sea

(Continuing from Part 35) After discovering the secret cave, I began to feel more secure on my island. I had hidden some of my gunpowder and weapons inside it, and I knew that I could retreat there if strangers discovered my main shelter. Nevertheless, I remained cautious. The terrible remains I had found on the … Read more

Part 35: The Secret Cave

(Continuing from Part 34) After discovering the old goat inside the cave, I felt much less afraid of the dark opening in the rock. At first, the shining eyes had frightened me terribly. I had imagined some dangerous creature waiting to attack me. But the animal was only an old goat, too weak to move. … Read more

Part 34: A Dangerous Plan

(Continuing from Part 33) After discovering the terrible remains on the shore, I could not easily return to my former peace of mind. I had believed for many years that I was alone on the island. Now I knew that people sometimes came from the mainland. The ashes, skulls, and bones I had found suggested … Read more

Part 33: A Terrible Discovery on the Shore

(Continuing from Part 32) For a long time after finding the footprint, I lived in fear of strangers. I had strengthened the walls around my home and planted trees to hide the entrance. I had also divided my goats into smaller groups so that I would not lose my entire herd if someone discovered one … Read more

Part 32: Fear Behind the Walls

(Continuing from Part 31) For several days after discovering the footprint, I remained inside my shelter. I had seen only one mark in the sand, yet it had filled me with fear. Before that day, I had believed that I was the only human being on the island. Now I could no longer be certain. … Read more

Part 31: A Footprint in the Sand

(Continuing from Part 30) For many years, I had lived quietly on my island. I had become accustomed to my daily work, my animals, and my two shelters. My fields provided grain, and my goats supplied meat and milk. I had learned to make bread, pottery, clothing, and many other useful things. Although I still … Read more

Part 30: A Farm of My Own

(Continuing from Part 29) As the years passed, my life on the island became more comfortable than I had ever expected. When I first arrived, I had been a frightened survivor with almost nothing. Now I had a strong shelter, fields of grain, useful tools, and a growing herd of goats. I still wished to … Read more

Part 29: Taming the Wild Goats

(Continuing from Part 28) After my dangerous journey in the canoe, I decided to remain on land for a long time. I had almost lost my life in the strong current. The experience had taught me that the sea was not a place where I should travel carelessly. I returned to my ordinary work. I … Read more

Part 28: A Voice in the Wilderness

(Continuing from Part 27) After escaping the dangerous current, I reached the shore with a heart full of gratitude. Only a few hours earlier, I had believed that I would be carried into the open sea and die. Now I was standing safely on my island again. I had often called the island my prison, … Read more