happen to
them on the sea. But before the eventful day the Spaniards landed. They
brought word that Friday's father had died after his return home. Friday
was thrown into a fit of grief at the news. He wept and repeated over
and over his praise of the good man.
XLII
ROBINSON AT HOME
It was with a sad heart that Robinson made ready to leave. Every
familiar place seemed now doubly dear to him. He went from one to
another with tears in his eyes. Here lay his home. Here were his fields,
his crops and his goats. Everything was the work of his own hands. He
had made them all. Which should he take? He hesitated long. He must take
home some of his belongings to show the people at home. And there were
his parrot and the dog which had won a place in Robinson's heart. He
decided to take them along. At length he got together his diary, his
parasol, his Bible, his treasures, a suit of clothes, his dog, and a
hat. He had saved, too, his bow and arrows. These he decided to take
along. Everything else he gave to his good man Friday and the Spaniard
who wished to be allowed to remain on the island.
[Illustration: ROBINSON LEAVING THE ISLAND]
Robinson kissed Friday tenderly. He with great effort finally tore
himself away and ran to the shore where the ship's boat awaited him. But
Robinson had not counted on the strength of Friday's love for him.
Robinson's boat had not yet reached the ship when Friday sprang into the
water and swam after him shouting, "Master, take me with you, I would
rather die than stay here without you." Robinson was touched at the
devotion showed by the faithful Friday, and gave orders to turn the
boat back, and take him on board. The anchor was raised. The ship
started on her way to the home Robinson had left so long ago.
The wind was favorable and in seven weeks the spires and buildings of
his native city were in sight. His vessel came slowly up to the wharf
where he had taken ship so many years ago. Here, too, he had played and
idled his time away. He remembered it all. His idleness and playing
truant came back in sad memories. Before Robinson and Friday landed,
their good friend the captain gave them each a new suit of clothes.
Everything had changed. He scarcely knew the place. He was astonished
and confused by the din, hurry and bustle of a great city. Friday seemed
dazed by it all and clung to Robinson's side. The buildings were so
tall, the street cars, the carriages were different. Ev
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