d it could well carry. They put in raisins
and fresh water. Robinson gave the Spaniard and Friday's father each a
musket and plenty of powder and bullets. Now, all was ready. Friday gave
his father a loving farewell. He stretched out his arms towards him as
the boat moved away. The Spaniard and Robinson waved their hats and they
were off.

They promised to be back in eight or nine days. Robinson and Friday made
every preparation to receive the guests. They were to have a home not
far from Robinson's built of poles, and thatched with the long marsh
grasses, like Robinson's bower. There was no need of hiding or
defending it. It did not take long to fix it up.

Eight days had now passed since the boat had left. Friday could hardly
restrain himself longer. He watched the ocean all the time. He would go
to the top of the hill with the field glasses every hour during the day
to catch a first glimpse of them.

[Illustration: ROBINSON AND FRIDAY SEE A SHIP]

On the ninth day, as Friday put up his glasses to search the waters he
dropped them with a yell of surprise. He tore down the hill with the
utmost speed and rushed up to Robinson as one gone mad. "Look, look, O
Master!" he cried, "a big ship; a big ship way out on the sea!" Robinson
took the glasses, and sure enough, there within hailing distance was a
large ocean going vessel. Robinson was overcome with excitement.

For twenty-eight years his aching eyes had scanned the waters for this
welcome sight. His joy was boundless. The ship looked like an American.
Yes, there floated the American flag! How welcome a sight to Robinson.
He could not utter a word. Tears filled his eyes and streamed down his
cheeks. He would soon have news from home. He ran to the shore and shot
off a gun to attract the attention of those on board. He heard answering
shots at once.

Soon a boat was lowered and in it three men rowed toward the shore. It
was the captain himself and two sailors. The captain was astonished to
find a man in the lonely island. Robinson told how it all had happened
and how he would like to return home. To his unspeakable delight the
captain told him that the ship was bound for New York and would take him
along free of charge, but he must leave that day. The ship could not be
delayed any longer. Of course Robinson would go. Friday was beside
himself with grief. He did not want to be left behind alone. He did not
know that the Spaniards would ever return. Something might