(Continuing from Part 54) After my meeting with the old Portuguese captain, I began to understand that my affairs in Brazil were far better than I had expected. For many years, I had supposed that everything I once owned was lost. I had been absent for so long that I could hardly imagine anyone still … Read more
(Continuing from Part 53) When the English ship carried me away from my island, I felt as though I had awakened from a long dream. For twenty-eight years, I had lived apart from the world. Now I was surrounded by sailors, ropes, sails, and all the familiar sounds of a ship. Friday remained with me. … Read more
(Continuing from Part 52) The English ship was once again under the command of its rightful captain. I could hardly believe that I might soon leave the island where I had lived for so many years. But before we sailed, several important matters remained. The captain had recovered his vessel, yet some of the rebellious … Read more
(Continuing from Part 51) The captain and his chosen men were ready to attempt the most dangerous part of our plan. They had to recover the ship while the remaining mutineers still believed their companions were somewhere on the island. I knew that everything depended upon surprise. If the men aboard discovered our intentions too … Read more
(Continuing from Part 50) The sailors who had followed Friday into the woods were now far from the shore. They had entered the forest expecting to find their missing companions. Instead, they had been led from one place to another by voices they could never reach. Friday and the captain’s loyal sailor continued calling from … Read more
(Continuing from Part 49) After we had overcome the first group of rebellious sailors, I began thinking about how to recover the ship. The captain was free, but his vessel remained in the hands of the mutineers. If they discovered that their companions had been captured, they might sail away. Then all our efforts would … Read more
(Continuing from Part 48) The three prisoners stared at me in astonishment. I could understand their surprise. I wore strange clothes made from goatskins, carried several weapons, and had a long beard. I must have looked unlike any Englishman they had ever seen. One of the men stepped forward. He seemed uncertain whether I was … Read more
(Continuing from Part 47) It was now eight days since the Spaniard and Friday’s father had left the island. Friday and I were waiting for their return. Every day, we looked toward the mainland, hoping to see their canoe approaching. One morning, while I was sleeping, Friday came running to wake me. “Master! Master!” he … Read more
(Continuing from Part 46) After speaking with the Spaniard, I became more determined than ever to leave my island. The seventeen Europeans living on the mainland might provide the help we needed. With so many men working together, we could build a vessel strong enough to carry us toward a place where European ships might … Read more
(Continuing from Part 45) After rescuing the Spaniard and Friday’s father, I felt that my life had changed beyond anything I could have imagined. For more than twenty years, I had lived without another human companion. Then Friday had come into my life. Now there were four of us on the island. But the two … Read more