For days after finding the footprint, I lived in constant fear. I barely slept and jumped at every small sound. I stayed inside my fortress and did not dare to venture far. My mind created terrifying images of savage warriors. I imagined them creeping toward my camp in the darkness. After some time, I began to think more rationally. The footprint had been on a remote part of the beach. Whoever made it had probably come and gone already. They had not discovered my camp or my goat pens. Perhaps it had been a single visitor who would never return. Slowly, I gathered the courage to investigate further. I went back to the beach where I had found the footprint. The tide had washed it away, but I searched for other signs. I walked along the entire coastline of my island. On the far side, I made a horrible discovery. There on the sand were the remains of a fire. Around it were scattered human bones. I felt sick to my stomach at the sight. The bones had been stripped of flesh and some were cracked open. My worst fears were confirmed: cannibals visited this island. They came here to feast on their enemies and prisoners. I ran away from that terrible place as fast as I could. I vomited and could not eat for several days afterward. The image of those bones haunted my dreams. Now I understood that I must protect myself more carefully. I strengthened the walls around my main camp. I added a second fence outside the first one. I planted trees between the fences to hide my home completely. In a few years, the trees would grow thick and tall. No one would ever know there was a dwelling behind them. I also made holes in the fence to shoot through if necessary. I kept seven guns loaded and ready at all times. I was careful never to fire my gun unnecessarily anymore. The sound might attract unwanted visitors to my location. I stopped making fires outside during the day. Smoke could be seen from far away across the water. Instead, I found a cave on the hillside where I could cook. The smoke would drift up through cracks in the rock. Anyone passing by would think it was just a natural steam vent. I moved my goats to the hidden valley where I had my country home. I built strong fences to keep them safe and hidden. The cannibals would not find them even if they explored the island. For two years, I lived in this state of fear and caution. I never went to the far side of the island anymore. I stayed close to my fortress and avoided open spaces. My carefree life of exploration was over. But gradually, my fear began to fade. No cannibals appeared, and I saw no more signs of them. Perhaps they only came occasionally, maybe once a year. Perhaps they had chosen a different island for their feasts. I began to think about what I should do if they returned. Should I attack them and try to save their victims? Or should I stay hidden and let them go about their business? I thought long and hard about this moral question. These people knew no better than to eat their enemies. It was the custom of their tribe, passed down for generations. Did I have the right to judge them by my own standards? On the other hand, they were killing innocent people. Perhaps God had brought me here to stop this evil practice. I made plans to ambush them if they ever came back. I would hide near their landing place with my guns. When they began their terrible feast, I would attack. But then I reconsidered this violent plan. What right did I have to be their judge and executioner? I decided to wait and see what God's plan might be. I would not attack unless I had to defend myself. Years passed, and the cannibals did not return. I relaxed a little and resumed more of my normal activities. But I never forgot the danger that might come at any time. I kept my guns ready and my eyes watching the horizon.
B1Chapter 10 / 15709 words70 sentences
The Footprint
Chapter 10 · Robinson Crusoe · B1 English. Tip: Click on any word while reading to see its translation. Take your time with each chapter and review the vocabulary before moving on.
Chapter Summary
A shocking discovery changes everything Robinson believed about the island.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why did Robinson find a cave on the hillside to cook his food?
2
What horrible discovery did Robinson make on the far side of the island?
3
How many guns did Robinson keep loaded and ready at all times?
4