Page:Life of Robinson Crusoe, of York, mariner.pdf/10

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for his life towards my castle; and there being a little creek to pass, he jumped in and swam it in about thirty strokes.

I immediately beckoned to him that ran away, but he never having seen a white man before, was as much afraid of me as he was of them. However, I ran between them, and knocked one down, and coming towards the other, he was going to shoot at me with a bow and arrow, But I killed him with a fowling-piece.

The poor savage that fled, seeing his enemies fail, stood still, to whom I made signs to come to me; and at last he came trembling, laying his head at my feet in token he would be my slave for ever.

The savage whom I had knocked down was not dead, which being discovered by the wretch I had just redeemed, he desired by dumb tokens, that l would lend him my sword, which I accordingly did, when he cut off his head, and then returned me my sword again.

I then took the fellow home, who was very comely and well made, and prepared a lodging for him without my fortification, not daring as yet to trust him too near me.

I named him friday, because on that day I took him; and indeed he proved a most true and faithful servant; and learned of him by signs, his way of life. At last he understood my language, and worked at any thing I commanded him. I cloathed him as myself was cloathed, and fed him with the same victuals as I eat myself. When he saw me going to shoot, he would fall before me, and by signs