Part 52: The Ship Is Recovered

(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

Part 51: The Island Trap

(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

Part 50: A Plan to Recover the Ship

(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

Part 49: The Captain’s Story

(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

Part 48: A Ship Appears

(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

Part 47: Preparing for the Voyage

(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

Part 46: Four Men on the Island

(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

Part 45: The Prisoners Are Freed

(Continuing from Part 44) The sound of our guns filled the air, and the men gathered on the beach were thrown into confusion. Friday and I had fired from behind the trees, where we could not easily be seen. Several of the visitors had fallen, while the others looked around in fear. They did not … Read more

Part 44: Three Canoes on the Shore

(Continuing from Part 43) Friday and I had finished our large canoe and were waiting for the proper season to begin our journey. We had worked hard to make the boat strong enough to carry us toward the mainland. I had taught Friday to use a sail and rudder, and he had shown me much … Read more

Part 43: Building a Boat Together

(Continuing from Part 42) After Friday told me about the seventeen Europeans living on the mainland, I began thinking seriously about leaving the island. For many years, I had wished for a chance to escape. Now I had a companion who understood the surrounding sea and knew people on the opposite shore. I believed that … Read more