(Continuing from Part 39) After rescuing the young prisoner from the men who pursued him, I knew that we must leave the shore quickly. The sound of my gun might have been heard by the other visitors. If they came searching for their companions, they might discover us. I led the young man into the … Read more
(Continuing from Part 38) After my remarkable dream, I continued watching the coast for an opportunity to rescue a prisoner. I had imagined a young man escaping from his captors and running toward my hiding place. In the dream, I had saved him, and he had helped me prepare for a journey to the mainland. … Read more
(Continuing from Part 37) After returning from the wrecked ship, I could not stop thinking about the unfortunate sailors. I had found no living man aboard. The only creature I had rescued was a dog, which had been starving and desperately thirsty. The ship had provided me with useful supplies, but I would gladly have … Read more
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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