Page 42 - An American Robinson Crusoe

"Very well," said his master, "you may have it and start home when you please." "Yes, Master, but you come
too, my people will not hurt you." Robinson resolved to venture over to Friday's land with him.

But before their preparations were complete the rainy season of our fall set in. They resolved to wait until the
weather was settled and as soon as the rainy season was over to set out. They ran their boat well up into the
creek and covered it over with a large tarpaulin made of sail-cloth obtained from the ship.

Robinson had now been on the island twenty-seven years. For the last three years he had lived happily with
his companion Friday. Every year in September, Robinson celebrated the day his life was saved and he was
thrown up on the island. Robinson celebrated it this year with more than the usual thankfulness. He thought
that it would be his last anniversary on the island.

One morning, Friday had gone to the beach to find a turtle. Soon he came running back out of breath. "O
Master," he cried, "they are coming, they are coming to take me prisoner!" He was trembling with fright.

"We must take our guns and defend ourselves," said Robinson. "But we will not kill anyone unless they attack
us." This quieted Friday. They loaded four muskets and three pistols. Robinson put the pistols in his belt,
where he also fastened a sword. He gave Friday a pistol and a musket, for Friday had learned to shoot well.
Besides Friday carried a bag of powder and bullets. Robinson took his field glasses and saw twenty-one
savages with two prisoners. The prisoners were bound and lying on the ground. This was a war party
celebrating a victory with a feast. They probably intended to kill their prisoners. "We must save the lives of
those men," said Robinson.

The savages this time had landed quite near Robinson's shelter, not more than a half mile below the creek's
mouth. Soon he and Friday started off. Robinson commanded Friday to follow quietly and not to speak or
shoot.

"We will surprise them and give them a good scare," said Robinson.

When yet a considerable distance away they could hear the savages yelling and screaming. Some of them
were dancing their war dance. Their faces and bodies were painted to make them look terrible to their
enemies. They were dancing around their prisoners with hideous cries and gestures. They could now see the
prisoners plainly. One had a beard and was plainly a white man. Robinson was surprised and determined to
save him at all risks.

"Get your gun ready to fire," he said to Friday, "and when I say the word let us run forward yelling and firing
our guns over their heads. This will fill them with such fright that they will take to their heels and boats and
get away as soon as possible. In the scramble and confusion we will rush in and rescue the prisoners."

This plan did not please Friday at all. His savage blood was up and he wanted to kill all he could. "Let's fire
on them," he said. "Let's kill all but the prisoners."

"No, no," said Robinson, "it's always wrong to take life unless it cannot be avoided to save one's own. Let's try
my plan first."

With great reluctance Friday consented. At a signal from Robinson they rushed forward, and when in plain
sight they fired off their muskets in the air. If the ground had suddenly exploded beneath their feet there could
have been no more confusion, astonishment, and fright. A few took to their heels. Others lay as if dead. They
had swooned from fright. But as Robinson came up they jumped to their feet and pushed into the boats,
leaving the prisoners behind. Robinson and Friday still rushed forward and fired their remaining loaded guns
and pistols in the air. The savages made all haste to get into their boats and push off. Soon they were well out
to sea, paddling rapidly for the west. Robinson reloaded his arms and gave them a farewell volley, but not a