(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 be found.
But before we could bring them to the island, we needed more food.
The Spaniard had warned me that twenty-one hungry men would quickly consume everything I possessed.
I knew that he was right.
For many years, I had planted only enough grain to support myself, with a little extra for emergencies. Even after Friday arrived, our needs remained small.
Now we had to think about feeding a much larger company.
I decided to use nearly all the grain I had saved for seed.
We cleared more ground and prepared it for planting.
The Spaniard worked beside me, while Friday and his father helped with the heavier tasks.
I was pleased to discover how much more we could accomplish together.
Work that would once have taken me several weeks could now be completed in a few days.
We planted barley and rice in several places.
Then we waited for the proper weather to help the crops grow.
During this time, we also considered our other supplies.
My goats had multiplied over the years, and I possessed several herds in different enclosures.
I did not want to kill too many of them.
Instead, I planned to increase their number so that we would have a continuing supply of meat and milk.
We also collected grapes and dried them in the sun.
These dried grapes would be useful during a sea voyage because they could be stored for a long time.
I examined my baskets, jars, and other containers.
We would need enough vessels to carry grain, water, and provisions.
I had made many useful things during my years alone, but some were worn or broken.
We repaired what we could and made replacements where necessary.
I also thought about the tools that the Europeans would need.
The Spaniard had told me that the men on the mainland possessed very little.
If they came to my island, they would need axes, knives, and other equipment to help build a ship.
I counted my tools carefully.
There were not enough for everyone, but we could share them.
I hoped that the men would bring useful knowledge even if they could not bring many possessions.
While we worked, I often spoke with Friday’s father.
He did not understand English well, so Friday translated our conversations.
The old man knew the mainland and the waters between it and my island.
He explained where canoes could land safely and which currents should be avoided.
I listened with great attention.
My own experience at sea had taught me how dangerous unfamiliar waters could be.
I remembered the day when my small canoe had been carried away by a powerful current.
Without great effort, I might have been lost forever.
I did not wish the Spaniard and Friday’s father to face the same danger.
We discussed the best time for their journey.
The weather had to be suitable, and the sea calm enough for a safe crossing.
The old man seemed confident that he could guide the canoe.
His knowledge gave me comfort.
Meanwhile, our crops continued growing.
I watched them carefully, as I had done during all my years on the island.
I had learned that a farmer must be patient.
No amount of wishing could make grain ripen before its time.
At last, the harvest came.
We gathered the barley and rice and stored them carefully.
The amount was much greater than I had ever harvested before.
I felt satisfied when I looked at our supplies.
We now had enough grain to support the additional men for a considerable time, provided that we continued working wisely.
We also prepared bread and other food for the journey.
I decided that the Spaniard and Friday’s father should travel to the mainland together.
The Spaniard knew the Europeans who were waiting there.
Friday’s father knew the people of the country and could help arrange their return.
I believed that they made a suitable pair.
Before they departed, however, I spoke seriously with the Spaniard.
I reminded him of the conditions we had discussed.
The Europeans must agree to treat me fairly.
They must not attempt to seize my weapons or possessions.
They must work with us toward our common escape.
I also wanted them to understand that the island had become my home through many years of labor.
I had built its shelters, planted its fields, and collected its supplies.
I was willing to share these things, but I did not wish to become a prisoner in my own settlement.
The Spaniard understood.
He promised to explain everything to the others.
He also agreed that the men should give their word that they would follow our plan peacefully.
I trusted him more after hearing this.
He had shown himself to be reasonable and grateful since his rescue.
At last, the day of departure arrived.
We prepared the canoe with food, water, and the supplies needed for the crossing.
Friday helped his father arrange everything.
I could see that he was troubled by the thought of their separation.
He had only recently found his father again.
Now the old man was leaving the island, and no one could be certain when he would return.
I assured Friday that the journey had been carefully planned.
His father seemed confident and cheerful.
The Spaniard was also eager to go.
He hoped to bring help to his companions, who had spent so long waiting for a chance to escape.
Before they entered the canoe, I repeated my instructions.
They were to explain our situation, obtain the men’s agreement, and return as soon as circumstances allowed.
I also warned them not to bring anyone who refused our conditions.
The Spaniard promised to be careful.
Then he and Friday’s father climbed into the canoe.
Friday and I helped push it into the water.
The sea was calm.
We stood on the shore and watched as the two men paddled away.
Their canoe gradually became smaller.
At last, it disappeared in the distance.
Friday remained beside me, looking toward the mainland.
I understood his feelings.
He hoped to see his father return safely.
I hoped to see the Spaniard return with the men who might help us escape.
We went back to our shelter and continued our ordinary work.
I expected that we would have to wait several days.
But I did not know that another ship was already approaching the island.
And its arrival would change all our plans.