The Cannibals

It had been twenty-three years since I first arrived on the island. I had almost stopped thinking about the cannibals. Then one morning in May, I saw something that made my blood run cold. From my lookout point, I spotted five canoes on the beach. They had landed on my side of the island, much closer to my home. About thirty savages sat around a fire on the sand. They were dancing and making terrible sounds. I could see they were preparing for their horrible feast. I grabbed my guns and crept closer through the forest. I hid behind a thick tree and watched with horror. They had brought two prisoners with them from their canoes. One they killed immediately and began to cook. The other prisoner was left tied up, waiting for the same fate. I was filled with rage at this cruel scene. Then something unexpected happened. The tied-up prisoner suddenly broke free from his captors. He ran away from them at incredible speed. He was running directly toward where I was hiding! Three savages chased after him with weapons raised. The fugitive was faster, but the others were catching up. Between him and safety lay a small creek. Without hesitation, the prisoner plunged in and swam across. He was an excellent swimmer and reached the other side quickly. Two of his pursuers stopped at the water's edge. They turned back toward the feast, giving up the chase. But the third man swam across and continued the pursuit. Now only one enemy stood between the prisoner and freedom. I saw my chance and made a quick decision. I ran from my hiding place toward the two men. The pursuer was about to strike the fugitive with his wooden club. I knocked him down with the butt of my gun. I did not want to shoot and alert the others with the noise. The fugitive stopped and stared at me in amazement. He had never seen a white man or a gun before. I smiled and beckoned for him to come closer. He approached slowly, still uncertain and afraid. Then the savage I had knocked down began to stir. The fugitive saw this and looked terrified. He pointed at his enemy and made gestures asking for my help. I handed him my sword, and he understood immediately. With one swift blow, he killed the man who had chased him. He returned the sword to me with a grateful smile. Then he did something that surprised me greatly. He knelt down and placed my foot upon his head. This was his way of showing that he was now my servant. He would be grateful to me forever for saving his life. I lifted him up and gestured that we should leave quickly. The other savages might come looking for their companion. We hurried through the forest toward my fortress. The young man followed me without question or hesitation. I led him to my cave and gave him food and water. He ate hungrily, for he had been a prisoner for some time. I gave him some clothes to wear, which confused him at first. He had never worn any covering except a simple loincloth. The trousers and shirt felt strange on his body. But he wore them proudly to please me. I needed to give him a name so I could talk to him. I remembered that today was a Friday. So I decided to call him Friday, the day I saved his life. I pointed to him and said 'Friday' several times. He repeated the word and laughed with delight. Then I pointed to myself and said 'Master.' He understood and called me Master from that day on. That night, Friday slept outside my fortress. I still did not know if I could trust him completely. I took all my weapons inside and blocked the entrance. But when morning came, Friday was waiting patiently outside. He smiled when he saw me and bowed his head. I realized that he truly meant to serve me faithfully. After twenty-three years alone, I finally had a companion.

Chapter Summary

Comprehension Questions

Why did Robinson use the butt of his gun instead of shooting the pursuer?

How did Friday show his gratitude after Robinson saved him?

How many canoes did Robinson spot on the beach that May morning?

Why did Robinson decide to call his new companion 'Friday'?

Vocabulary

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