me along," cried his comrade.

"But I have no money," said Robinson.

"That doesn't make any difference," returned the captain's son. "We will
take you anyway."

Robinson, without thinking for a moment, gave his friend his hand and
promised to go with him.

So without saying "Good-bye" to his parents, Robinson went immediately
on board the ship with his friend. This happened on the 10th of August.

[Illustration: ROBINSON AND THE CAPTAIN'S SON]

IV

ROBINSON FAR FROM HOME

ROBINSON'S VOYAGE

Once on board, Robinson watched the preparations for departure. At
command the sailors clambered up into the rigging and loosened the
sails. Then the captain from his bridge called out, "Hoist the anchor!"
Then the great iron hooks that held the ship fast were lifted up, a
cannon sounded a final farewell. Robinson stood on the deck. He saw the
great city shimmer in the sunshine before him. Very fast now the land
was being left behind. It was not long until all that could be seen of
his native city was the tops of the highest towers. Then all faded from
sight. Behind, in front, right and left, he saw nothing but waters.

[Illustration]

He became a little afraid. At noon there arose a strong wind and the
ship rocked to and fro. He became dizzy and had to hold fast to
something. The masts and rigging began to dance. It seemed to him as if
all was turning around. Suddenly he fell full length on the deck and it
was impossible for him to get up. He was seasick. He wailed and cried,
but no one heard him, no one helped him. Then he thought of his home,
his parents whom he had so ungratefully left.

He had been on the water about two weeks when one day as he lay in his
room, Robinson heard people over his head running about and crying, "A
storm is coming!" The ship's sides trembled and creaked. The ship was
tossed like a nutshell. Now it rolled to the right, now to the left. And
Robinson was thrown from one side to the other. Every moment he expected
the ship to sink. He turned pale and trembled with fear. "Ah, if I were
only at home with my parents, safe on the land," he said. "If I ever get
safe out of this, I will go home as quickly as I can and stay with my
dear parents!" The storm raged the whole day and the whole night. But on
the next morning the wind went down and the sea was calm. By evening the
sky was clear and Robinson was again cheerful. He ran about the ship. He
looked at the glittering stars and was con