6 The captive

Chapter 6 The captive Another two years went by, with no sign of the visitors. Then, one summer's day, Crusoe spotted five canoes, packed with people and nearing the beach. He crept closer.

The men landed, built a huge fire and began to roast chunks of meat on it. They had two captives with them. As Crusoe watched, the men hit one of the captives over the head.

Suddenly, the other captive broke away from the group and started to run. Two of the men chased after him. Crusoe gasped. Must escape! The men would kill him. "That captive could be my friend!" Crusoe thought. "I'll try to help."

He followed the men until the main group was out of sight. Then he jumped out and hit one of the pair with his gun. The other man raised his bow, but Crusoe was too quick for him. He fired his gun and the man fell.

The captive stopped running, and stared. Crusoe smiled to show he was friendly and beckoned to him. The man smiled back. He followed Crusoe home and they had a large meal. After that, the man gave a huge yawn. Soon, he was fast asleep.

The next day, Crusoe tried talking with his new friend. It was difficult, because he didn't speak English. Crusoe started by giving the man an English name. "I'll call you Friday," he said, "after the day we met." You- Friday. Friday! Fr...Fri..day.