its force, and not able to return to the island; and certainly it must have been so, had I not made this observation; for on the other side was the like current, with this difference, that it set off at a greater distance; and I perceived there was a strong eddy under the land: so that my chief business was to work out of the first current, and conveniently get into the eddy. Two days I staid here, the wind blowing very briskly E. S. E. which being contrary to the current, leaves a great breach of the sea upon the point; so it was neither fit for me to keep too near the shore, on account of the breach; nor stand at too great a distance for fear of the streams. That night the wind abating, it so calm, that I ventured out; and here I may be a monument to all rash and ignorant pilots; for 1 was no sooner come to the point, and not above the boat's length from shore, but I was got into a deep water, with a current like a mill-race, which drove my boat along so violently, that it was impossible for me to keep near the edge of it, being forced more and more out from the eddy to the left of me; and all I could do with my paddles was useless, there being no wind to help me.

grew

Now I began to look upon myself as quite lost, since as the current ran on both sides of the island, I was very certain they must join again, and then I had no hopes but of perishing for want in the sea, after what provision I

had was spent, or before, if a storm should happen to arise.

Who can conceive the present anguish of my mind at this calamity? with longing eyes did I look upon my little kingdom, and thought the island the pleasantest place in the universe.Happy, thrice happy desert, said I, shall I never see thee more? Wretched creature! whither am I going? Why did I murmur at my lonesome condition, when now I would give the whole world to be thither again? While I was thus complaining, I found myself to be driven about two leagues into the sea: however, I laboured till my strength was far spent, to keep my boat as far north as possibly I could, to that side of the current, where the eddy lay. About noon I perceived a lit tle breeze of wind spring up from the S. S. E. which overjoyed my heart; and was still more elated, when in about half an hour, it blew a gentle fine gale. Had any thick weather sprung up, I had been lost another way; for having no compass on board, I should never have found the way to steer towards the island, if once it had disappeared; but it proving the contrary, I set up my mast again, spread my sail, and stood away northward, as much as I could, to get rid of the current. And no sooner did the boat begin to stretch away, but I perceived, by the clearness of the water, a change of the current was near; for, where it was strong, the water was foul; and where it was clear, the current abated.

Those who have been in the like calamities with my own, may guess my present excess of joy, how heartily I ran my boat in the stream of this eddy, and how joyfully I spread my sail to the refreshing wind, standing cheerfully before it, with a smart tide under foot. By the assistance of this eddy, I was carried above a league home again, when being in the wake of the island, between the two currents, I found the water to be in a sort of stand. About four o'clock in the afternoon, I reached within a league of the island, and perceived the points of the rock, which caused this disaster, stretching out, as I observed before, to the southward, which throwing off the current more southerly, had occasioned another eddy to the north. But having a fair brisk gale, I stretched across this eddy, and in an hour came within a mile of the shore, where I soon landed, to my unspeakable comfort; and after an humble prostration, thanking God for my deliverance, with a resolution to lay all thoughts of escaping aside, I brought my boat safe to a little cove, and laid me down to take a welcome repose. When I awoke, I was considering how I might get my boat home; and coasting along the shore, I came to a good bay, which ran up to a rivulet or brook, where, finding a harbour, I stowed her as safe as if she had been in a dry dock, made on purpose for her.

I now perceived myself not far from the place, where before I had travelled on foot; so

taking nothing with me, except my gun and umbrella, I began my journey, and in the evening came to my bower, where I again laid me down to rest. 1 had not slept long before I wakened in great surprize, by'a strange voice that called me several times, Robin, Robin, Robinson Crusoe, poor Robin! Where are you. Robinson Crusoe? Where are you? Where have you been?

So fast was I asleep, that at first I did not wake thoroughly; but half asleep and half, awake, I thought I dreamed that somebody spoke to me. But as the voice repeated, Robinson Crusoe, several times, being terribly frightened, I started up in the utmost confusion; and, no sooner were my eyes fully open, but I beheld my pretty Poll sitting on the top of the hedge, and soon knew that it was he that called me; for just in such bewailing language, I used to talk and teach him; which he so exactly learned, that he would sit upon my finger, and lay his bill close to my face, and cry, Poor Robinson Crusoe, where are you ? where have you been? how came you here? and such like prattle I had constantly taught him. But even though I knew it to be the parrot, it was a long time before I could adjust myself; being amazed how the creature got thither, and that he should fix about that place, and no where else. But now, being assured it could be no other than my honest Poll, my wonder ceased, and reaching out my hand, and calling Pell, the creature came to

me familiarly, and perched upon my thumb, as he was wont, constantly prating to me with Poor Robinson Crusoe, and how did I come here, and where had I been? as if the bird was overjoyed to see me; and so I took him bone along with me. I was now pretty well cured of rambling to sea; yet I could wish my boat which had cost me so much trouble and pains, on this side of the island once more, but this, indeed, was impracticable. I therefore began to lead a very retired life, living nearly a twelvemonth in a very contented manner, wanting for nothing but conversation.As to mechanic labours, which my necessi ties obliged me to, I fancied I could, upon occasion, make a tolerable carpenter, were the poor tools I had to work withal, but good.Besides, as I improved in my earthen ware, I contrived to make them with a wheel, which I found much easier and better, making my work shapely, which before was rude and ugly.But, I think I never was so elevated with my own performance or project, as when able to make a tobacco pipe, which though it proved an awkward clumsy thing, yet it was very sound, and carried the smoke perfectly well, to my great satisfaction.

I also improved my wicker ware, made me abundance of necessary baskets, which, though not very handsome, were very handy and convenient to fetch things home in, as also for holding my stores, barley, rice, and other provisions.