"I would rather live alone on a desert island than be a sailor on this
ship," he said.
"Very well," answered the captain. "We shall put you ashore on the
first island that we see."
"Do so," said Selkirk. "You cannot please me better."
The very next day they came in sight of a little green island. There
were groves of trees near the shore, and high hills beyond them.
"What is the name of this island?" asked Selkirk.
"Juan Fernandez," [Footnote: Juan Fernandez (pro. joo'an fer nan'dsz).]
said the captain.
[Illustration]
"Set me on shore and leave me there. Give me a few common tools and
some food, and I will do well enough," said the sailor.
"It shall be done," answered the captain.
So they filled a small boat with the things that he would need the
most--an ax, a hoe, a kettle, and some other things. They also put
in some bread and meat and other food, enough for several weeks.
Then four of the sailors rowed him to the shore and left him there.
Alexander Selkirk was all alone on the island. He began to see how
foolish he had been; he thought how terrible it would be to live there
without one friend, without one person to whom he could speak.
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