Page:Life and adventures of Robinson Crusoe (2).pdf/4

4 would go to the bottom. The storm, however, began to abate, the master fired guns for help, and a light ship which hade rode it out just a-head of us, ventured a boat out to help us. It was with the utmost hazard that it came near us; and our men casting a rope over the stern with a buoy, they after much labour and hazard got hold of it, and we, hauling them close under the stern, got all into the boat. But we had hardly left the ship a quarter of an hour, when we saw her founder. My heart seemed dead within me, with fright, horror of mind, and the thoughts of what was yet before me. As it was impossible for the boat to get up with the ship to which she belonged, we endeavoured to reach the shore; and partly by rowing and partly by being driven by the waves, we at last with great difficulty got to land, and walked to Yarmouth.



Had I now had the sense to return home, my father would have received me with tenderness; but a weak and foolish shame opposed all thoughts of it. I remained some time in