CHAPTER TEN
THE CANNIBALS
Robinson Crusoe read his Bible every day and had time to consider things. He had been shocked and appalled to see the cannibals come to his island and kill and then eat their prisoners. It disgusted every part of him. However; having time to think on it, he began to wonder if he was right in judging them. As they had never been baptized or even exposed to proper religious teachings, how could he judge them by his own standards? They were really ignorant of the teachings of the Lord and unknowing in what they did. Was he right them in punishing them,
they really were not even aware of their crimes as being crimes.
He wrestled with these things for a long while. Finally, when the time came that he was able to free the black native and the Spaniard, he had a chance to put his thinking to the test. The Spaniard thought of absolutely nothing save getting back to another Spanish sailing vessel.
Crusoe knew, that regardless of his help to this one sailor, the Spanish would not help him to escape the island, but, rather would gladly throw him into some dark, dank prison just for the sake of the thing. He could perhaps help the Spaniard escape but there would be no escape for him, least while not this route.
The Spaniard did know a trifling bit of English and he knew just a tiny bit of Spanish and they started their plan to get him back on board ship. Crusoe named the black native Friday and commenced to teach him very basic English words. Friday was an apt pupil and seeing Crusoe as his savior and benefactor, was eager to learn.
With the help of the Spaniard, whose name he learned to be Ruiz, the three of them were able to construct a simple canoe that could take them to another island. Crusoe was very pleased with himself and how far his wood working skills had come.
It was but a nonce to paddle to another island with supplies onboard and discover one of the Spanish ships that frequently stopped at the islands to restock fresh water, fruits and game. From his vantage point high on the island, Crusoe was able to see when another ship had arrived.
One morning, Crusoe was up on his perch, looking for ships when ‘Lord is Gracious’! A ship had arrived; his heart sank a little when he saw the Spanish flag; but, ah well, good luck for his Spanish friend. He hurried now to his hut and woke the Spaniard “Vaminos, Vaminos!” he cried. “The ship, the ship!”
Friday was already up fetching fruits to eat. Crusoe hustled the two of them up to go and get into the canoe.
“Mi amigo, vienes conmigo?” (You go with me?) asked the Spaniard.
“Ah no, no esta possible,” spoke Crusoe. “Soy un prisionero de la Esponola.” (No, the Spanish will take me prisoner.)
Ruiz, the Spaniard looked sad. Crusoe said “Mon dios esta conmigos, siempres.” (My God is with me always.)
The Spaniard nodded and looked away. They all got into the canoe and paddled to the next island.
Crusoe landed away from the ship so that they couldn’t be seen.
“Esta importante, tu no hables de mi, comprende? (It is important you not speak of me, understand?)
The Spaniard nodded sadly and turned and gave Crusoe a big hug. He shook Friday’s hand, then waving goodbye said “Adios, amigos,” and he was gone in the forest headed for his ship.
Crusoe wasted no time getting himself and Friday back into the canoe and sailing as quickly as possible away from the Spanish ship. He trusted them not one whit and wanted to put as much distance between himself and them as fast as possible.
It was nice out on the water and Crusoe was reminded of how much he missed the gentle rocking of sailing and the waves all around. Of course, he didn’t miss the storms and the huge waves when that happened, but that all seemed to be part of the sea faring life. He missed it.
Back on his island, Crusoe went quickly back up to his perch to watch the Spanish ship. He was teaching Friday the word ‘ship,ship’ so that he could help with lookout also. The ship stayed there most of the day and they were too far away for him to be able to tell if Ruiz had gotten on board or not. He did see a lot of commotion by the front of the ship at one point and that could have been him.
Finally, the longboats made their final trip back to ship and the galleon pulled up anchor and slowly sailed away. Crusoe was happy and sad all at the same time. He was hoping for at least one friend he could speak to but Friday was going to have to do.