Page 104 - In A New World

"It does seem so," said Jack.

"I feel a little like Robinson Crusoe on his island."

"Am I to be Friday?" asked Jack, with a smile.

Jack had read very few books, but who is there who has not read Robinson

Crusoe?

"I don't think you are of the right color, Jack, but I would a good deal rather
have you than Friday."

They were not so far away from human companionship as they supposed,
as they soon learned to their dismay. Suddenly they heard a crunching as of

steps upon the brush, and turning, they saw, with alarm, a tall muscular
man with matted locks unprotected by a hat, a long untrimmed beard, and a
suit hanging in tatters over his gaunt, bony figure. His eyes were fixed with

a famished look upon the open basket of provisions.

The boys started to their feet in affright.

"Give me food!" said the stranger in a hoarse voice.

Harry took some bread and meat from the basket, and handed them to the

stranger, who devoured them in silence. His appetite seemed enormous, and
the boys saw in dismay that if he kept on there would be very little left. It
was necessary, in self-defence, to limit the man's rapacity.

"More, more!" he cried, when he had eaten all that had been given him.

"We have given you all we can spare," said Harry firmly.

"Give me the basket, or I will kill you both!" exclaimed the tramp, his eyes
suffused with blood, and gleaming with fierce anger.