-place. At once two other
savages pursued him. They had no weapons but clubs. They ran with great
swiftness, but the man in front was steadily gaining ground.

Robinson now to tell the truth was dreadfully frightened to see the
savage run directly toward him and his shelter. He kept his place,
however, and watched the race. The man running away ran along the shore
and would soon come to the little creek that emptied into the sea below
his home. Robinson saw that the savage would have to swim this to
escape. He ran down thither and concealed himself behind a tree and
waited for the fugitive to come up. As he did so, the fleeing savage
plunged in and swam across with a few strong strokes. When he was well
on the bank, Robinson presented himself and made signs to him to come to
him and he would help him. The savage was at first almost overcome with
astonishment and fright, for Robinson presented a very unusual sight.
The savage at once ran to him and fell down at his feet. Indeed so great
was his fright and distress that he placed one of Robinson's feet upon
his neck in sign that he yielded up his life into his hands. Robinson
raised him up and motioned for him to take the lance and help in defence
against the men, now coming up. They hid behind trees and waited for
them to swim across the stream. But this they did not do. When they
reached the creek, they could see nothing of their runaway. They very
slowly turned and went back to their companions.

Robinson was well content not to let them know that there was any one on
the island. He feared they might return and destroy his shelter and
fields.

Robinson took the savage to his shelter and gave him bread and raisins
to eat, and a cup of water to drink. He was very hungry and ate
greedily. After he had eaten, Robinson made signs for him to lie down
and sleep, for the Indian was nearly tired out with his long and swift
run.

He was a handsome fellow of his race. His limbs were large, straight and
strong. He had a good face. His hair was long and black, his forehead
high, and his eyes bright. His skin was not black, but of an olive
color. His teeth were fine set and as white as ivory.

He slept about an hour; when he awoke he came running to Robinson and
again made signs to him that he was his slave. "You saved my life," he
seemed to say, "and now I will serve you." Robinson named him Friday at
once, for that was the day on which the great event of his escape had
taken