In the first
place, they were compelled to make a fire by the method in use among the
savages, of rubbing two sticks smartly together, and catching the flame
in a little prepared tinder. The fish were baked over the fire thus
kindled. Though the outside was smoked, the inside was sweet and
palatable, and neither was disposed to be fastidious. The preparation of
the meal took considerable time, but they had abundance of that, and
occupation prevented their brooding over their solitary situation.
"I wish I had 'Robinson Crusoe' here," said Robert--"we might get some
hints from his adventures. I didn't imagine, when I used to read them,
that I should ever be in a similar position."
"I've heard about him," said Bates; "but I never was much of a reader,
and I never read his yarn. You might maybe tell me something of it."
"I will tell you all I can remember, but that isn't very much," said
Robert.
He rehearsed to the attentive sailor such portions as he could call to
mind of the wonderful story which for centuries to come is destined to
enchain the attention of adventurous boys.
"That's a pretty good yarn," said Bates, approvingly. "Did he ever get
off the island?"
"Yes, he got off, and became quite rich before he died."
"Maybe it'll be so with us, lad."
"I hope so. I don't know what I should do if I were alone as he was.
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