The Shipwreck

When I woke up, the sun was high in the sky. For a moment, I did not know where I was or what had happened. Then the memories of the storm and the shipwreck came flooding back. I sat up quickly and looked around at the beach. The storm had passed, and the sea was much calmer now. I searched the beach for any sign of my companions. But I saw no one, neither alive nor dead. I called out, but only the waves answered me. The terrible truth became clear to me. I was the only survivor of the shipwreck. All eleven of my companions had drowned in the sea. I fell to my knees and thanked God for saving my life. But then I began to think about my situation. I was alone on an unknown shore with nothing but the clothes on my back. I had no food, no water, no weapons to defend myself. Wild beasts or savage people might attack me at any moment. I ran up and down the beach like a madman. I cried and shouted until I had no voice left. When night came, I climbed a tall tree to sleep. I was afraid of wild animals finding me on the ground. Despite my fear, I was so exhausted that I slept soundly. The next morning, I saw something that gave me hope. Our ship had moved during the night. The tide had lifted it off the sandbank and brought it closer to shore. The ship was damaged but still floating. I decided to swim out to it and save whatever I could. The water was cold, but I reached the ship without difficulty. I climbed aboard using a rope that hung from the side. The deck was a mess of broken wood and tangled ropes. But much of the cargo below was still dry and safe. First, I found food: bread, rice, cheese, and dried meat. I ate hungrily while I searched the rest of the ship. I found barrels of gunpowder and several guns. There were tools: hammers, saws, axes, and nails. I discovered clothes, blankets, and canvas for making tents. These treasures would help me survive on this unknown land. I built a raft from broken pieces of the ship. It took me hours, but finally I had a platform that could float. I loaded it carefully with all the supplies I could carry. Three chests held food, another held tools and nails. I put the guns and gunpowder in a separate box to keep them dry. Slowly, I paddled my heavy raft toward the shore. The current nearly overturned me twice, but I managed to reach the beach. I unloaded everything above the high tide line. Then I swam back to the ship to get more supplies. For twelve days, I made trips back and forth to the ship. I saved everything useful that I could find. I took all the rope, all the canvas, and all the iron. I saved two cats and a dog that had survived on the ship. They would be my companions in this lonely place. I found a small box of money and laughed bitterly. What good was gold on an island with no shops or markets? But I took it anyway, just in case I ever found a way home. On the thirteenth day, a strong storm came. When morning came, the ship was gone. The storm had broken it apart and scattered it across the sea. I was glad I had worked so hard to save everything possible. Now my last connection to the world of men had disappeared. I sat on the beach and cried for hours. Then I dried my tears and looked at my pile of supplies. I had enough to survive, at least for a while. I had guns to hunt and tools to build. I had seeds that I could plant for future food. I also found ink, paper, and pens in the captain's cabin. I would keep a journal of my time on this island. Most importantly, I had saved three Bibles. They would bring me comfort in the dark days ahead. I looked at the green hills rising behind the beach. This unknown land was now my home. I had to explore it and find a safe place to live.

Chapter Summary

Comprehension Questions

How many days did Robinson spend salvaging supplies from the ship?

What happened to Robinson's companions from the ship?

Why did Robinson laugh bitterly when he found the box of money?

What does Robinson's behavior after the shipwreck reveal about his character?

Vocabulary

Continue Learning