. They could now see the prisoners plainly. One had a beard and
was plainly a white man. Robinson was surprised and determined to save
him at all risks.

"Get your gun ready to fire," he said to Friday, "and when I say the
word let us run forward yelling and firing our guns over their heads.
This will fill them with such fright that they will take to their heels
and boats and get away as soon as possible. In the scramble and
confusion we will rush in and rescue the prisoners."

This plan did not please Friday at all. His savage blood was up and he
wanted to kill all he could. "Let's fire on them," he said. "Let's kill
all but the prisoners."

"No, no," said Robinson, "it's always wrong to take life unless it
cannot be avoided to save one's own. Let's try my plan first."

With great reluctance Friday consented. At a signal from Robinson they
rushed forward, and when in plain sight they fired off their muskets in
the air. If the ground had suddenly exploded beneath their feet there
could have been no more confusion, astonishment, and fright. A few took
to their heels. Others lay as if dead. They had swooned from fright. But
as Robinson came up they jumped to their feet and pushed into the boats,
leaving the prisoners behind. Robinson and Friday still rushed forward
and fired their remaining loaded guns and pistols in the air. The
savages made all haste to get into their boats and push off. Soon they
were well out to sea, paddling rapidly for the west. Robinson reloaded
his arms and gave them a farewell volley, but not a soul was killed or
even wounded. This gave Robinson great pleasure. He had accomplished his
purpose without bloodshed.

They could now turn to the prisoners. Robinson ran back to them and
quickly cut their ropes. Robinson asked the white man who he was, but
the man was too weak to answer. Robinson gave him a piece of bread.

The fear of death being removed, the white man soon grew stronger. When
Friday came running back from watching the boats and saw the savage that
had been a prisoner he gave a loud yell. He threw his arms around the
man, kissed him and laughed and cried for joy. He put his head on his
breast and hugged him again and again. Robinson was greatly surprised
and puzzled. He asked Friday what his actions meant. But so intent was
Friday that he got no answer.

At last Friday recovered far enough from his great joy to say with face
beaming with delight, "O, Master, this man is my dear fa