Table of Contents

Introducción

CHAPTER 1. I WISH TO BE A SAILOR

CHAPTER 2. I MAKE MY FIRST VOYAGE

CHAPTER 3. I SEE MUCH OF THE WORLD

CHAPTER 4. I UNDERTAKE A NEW VENTURE

CHAPTER 5. I AM SHIPWRECKED

CHAPTER 6. I AM CAST UPON A STRANGE SHORE

CHAPTER 7. I FIND A STRANGE LODGING PLACE

CHAPTER 8. I VISIT THE WRECK

CHAPTER 9. I MAKE ME A RAFT

CHAPTER 10. I CARRY SOME THINGS ASHORE

CHAPTER 11. I LEARN THAT I AM ON AN ISLAND

CHAPTER 12. I HAVE A STRANGE VISITOR

CHAPTER 13. I FIND A GREAT STORE OF THINGS

CHAPTER 14. I BUILD ME A CASTLE

CHAPTER 15. I GO A-HUNTING

CHAPTER 16. I KEEP MYSELF BUSY

CHAPTER 17. I HAVE A GREAT FRIGHT

CHAPTER 18. I GET READY FOR WINTER

CHAPTER 19. I EXPLORE MY ISLAND

CHAPTER 20. I MAKE ME A CALENDAR

CHAPTER 21. I SOW SOME GRAIN

CHAPTER 22. I MAKE A LONG JOURNEY

CHAPTER 23. I HARVEST MY GRAIN

CHAPTER 24. I WORK UNDER MANY DIFFICULTIES

CHAPTER 25. I BECOME A POTTER

CHAPTER 26. I BUILD A BIG CANOE

CHAPTER 27. I MAKE AN UMBRELLA

CHAPTER 28. I HAVE A PERILOUS ADVENTURE

CHAPTER 29. I AM ALARMED BY A VOICE

CHAPTER 30. I AM HAPPY AS A KING

CHAPTER 31. I LEARN TO BAKE AND AM PROSPEROUS

CHAPTER 32. I SEE SOMETHING IN THE SAND

CHAPTER 33. I AM AGAIN ALARMED

CHAPTER 34. I MAKE A SURPRISING DISCOVERY

CHAPTER 35. I EXPLORE MY CAVE FURTHER

CHAPTER 36. I SEE SAVAGES

CHAPTER 37. I DISCOVER A WRECK

CHAPTER 38. I MAKE ANOTHER VOYAGE

CHAPTER 39. I HAVE A QUEER DREAM

CHAPTER 40. I GET HOLD OF A SAVAGE

CHAPTER 41. I AM PLEASED WITH MY MAN FRIDAY

CHAPTER 42. I TEACH FRIDAY MANY THINGS

CHAPTER 43. I MAKE A NEW BOAT

CHAPTER 44. I SEE A STRANGE SAIL

CHAPTER 45. I MAKE A BOLD RESCUE

CHAPTER 46. I HAVE AN ANXIOUS DAY

CHAPTER 47. I AM CALLED GOVERNOR

CHAPTER 48. I HAVE A NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES

CHAPTER 49. I BRING MY TALE TO A CLOSE

Inglés con libros interesantes

Aprenda inglés leyendo libros interesantes

Inglés para Principiantes con Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe Written Anew for Children by James Baldwin

Inglés para principiantes con Robinson Crusoe — Aprendizaje del inglés para los adultos – Un libro en dos idiomas — Un libro bilingüe — Inglés español — Texto paralelo — Una nueva manera de adaptación de Eugene Suchanek

Texto original en inglés: James Baldwin

Imágenes: American Book Company, 1905

Traducción y adaptación al español: Eugene Suchanek

El texto original está disponible en el dominio público. Los derechos a la edición bilingüe y la traducción al español pertenecen a Eugene Suchanek

Por favor, envíe sus comentarios y sugerencias al correo electrónico: eugenesuchanek@gmail.com

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¡Estimados lectores!

Actualmente, se preparan los nuevos libros según el método de lectura de Eugene Suchanek. La adaptación de cada libro es un gran trabajo, y si les gustó mi método de aprender el idioma, les pediría escribir el ranking de este libro para que otras personas también puedan aprender el un nuevo método de leer libros en idiomas extranjeros. Además, por favor, ¿cuéntenos qué libros que se han adaptado de acuerdo con este método, podéis leer? ¡Gracias de antemano y que tengáis suerte, aprendiendo el inglés!

Introducción

¡Estimados lectores! Les ofrezco una nueva y muy conveniente manera de leer libros bilingües, de cuyas ventajas podrá asegurarse viendo los ejemplos de las páginas de este libro en la ventana de vista previa.

Los libros bilingües preparados por el método de lectura de Eugene Suchanek son fáciles de leer en un eBook-Reader, smartphone o una tableta. Las frases con el texto original y la traducción siguen una detrás de otra, y no están organizadas en columnas, lo que permite no reducir el tamaño de la fuente, para que el texto completo se ajuste a la pantalla. Además, el texto de la traducción está resaltado con un color verde que complace a los ojos, para que el cerebro pueda alternar fácilmente entre el texto original y la traducción. La elección de libros adaptados por la manera de Eugene Suchanek es obvia para los usuarios de dispositivos con una pantalla pequeña, ya que el texto se adaptará fácilmente a su dispositivo. Ni por un segundo no dejará de leer los acontecimientos fascinantes en el libro para buscar la traducción. Después de unos párrafos, hay una repetición del texto sin inserciones en español, para que pueda leer el mismo texto sin traducción para comprender mejor el material. La traducción resaltada con el color verde es un salvavidas para él quien aprende a nadar, al principio del aprendizaje está agarrado fuertemente a él, pero luego, sintiéndose más seguro en el flujo del lenguaje, poco a poco lo deja y nada por si mismo, leyendo el texto original y solamente de vez en cuando mira a la traducción. Y luego, cuando todo está claro, puede leer, simplemente "sin notar" el texto resaltado con el color verde. Para la máxima conveniencia de aprender el idioma de esta manera, se recomienda utilizar los dispositivos con una pantalla de color.

¿Cómo aprender un idioma extranjero? ¿Hay alguna otra manera que no sea torturarse con libros o luchar contra el aburrimiento sentado en el aula? ¿Tal vez, tenemos que aprender de la naturaleza, averiguar, si existe alguna manera natural de aprender el idioma? Pues sí que existe.

A menudo envidiamos a las personas que aprendieron un idioma extranjero estando en el país de residencia de los hablantes nativos. De hecho, muchas veces oyes una palabra, luego oyes a menudo las mismas y otras palabras que se repiten. Y así, sin darse cuenta, la persona en pocos meses comienza a entender comprensiblemente de lo que hablan las personas que están a su alrededor, al mismo tiempo sin aplicar ningún esfuerzo de su parte. Los científicos no registraron ni un solo caso sobre las personas que no pudieron aprender el idioma del aquel país en el que se encontraron. Todos comenzaron a hablar. O un niño pequeño que escucha constantemente el habla de los padres. Muchas personas, durante años estudiando un idioma extranjero, tendrán envidia al conocimiento del idioma de un niño de 5-6 años. Pero el niño no se molestó en absoluto en aprender el idioma. ¿Por qué entonces nosotros, los adultos, olvidamos este maravilloso método? Leyendo los libros bilingües por el método de Eugene Suchanek, uno se acostumbra al idioma de la misma manera que un niño, de una forma natural y a gusto.

Utilizando los avances de la ciencia y la tecnología moderna, no es difícil reproducir artificialmente las mismas favorables condiciones para el aprendizaje de un idioma extranjero, así como de un aprendizaje natural cuando uno se sumerge en el ambiente del idioma. Por ejemplo, al leer un libro bilingüe interesante con la traducción y estar completamente sumergido en los acontecimientos que ocurren en él, puede aprender inconscientemente una gran cantidad de palabras y expresiones del habla vivo natural, debido a su repetición múltiple. ¡En primer lugar, verá muchas palabras desconocidas, pero recordamos a las personas que se han encontrado en otro país y seguimos leyendo, con el tiempo debido a la repetición frecuente, estas palabras se quedarán en su memoria y se sorprenderá, pues para qué se necesita esta traducción, si todo está claro! Probablemente haya notado que, si va a aprender las palabras en columnas no relacionadas del libro, se le olvidan rápidamente. Mediante el método de Eugene Suchanek, aprende no solo las palabras, sino también las frases y las expresiones completas, así como el principio de composición de las frases y construcciones gramaticales, se acostumbra al idioma simplemente leyendo un libro interesante.

Antes los textos paralelos debido a su complejidad podían leer solo las personas que ya dominaban el idioma a un nivel suficientemente alto. Los libros bilingües en inglés y español, adaptados por Eugene Suchanek, puede leer incluso un principiante. En estos libros no encontrará las frases largas, las enunciaciones rebuscadas y no tendrá que recorrer por las complejidades de las descripciones artísticas, y en ellos no hay palabras que nunca necesitará. Los libros preparados por el método de Eugene Suchanek están adaptados a su objetivo: aprender un idioma extranjero, y no convertirse en un experto lingüista. Es un idioma simple y comprensible que es fácil de aprender.

Este libro es una adaptación de la famosa historia sobre las aventuras de Robinson Crusoe, se usa un léxico simple, el libro es ideal para aprender inglés para los principiantes, para aquellos que solo hacen los primeros pasos en aprender inglés. La versión de audio del libro "Robinson Crusoe Written Anew for Children" fue creada por el proyecto LibriVox y está disponible en dominio público. Después de leer el libro, también puede escuchar el audiolibro en inglés.

Este libro bilingüe para los principiantes proporciona la máxima comodidad para leer y aprender el idioma, la traducción está hecha de la manera más exacta, casi palabra por palabra, y en los casos donde la traducción literal es imposible, se brinda una explicación detallada de los significados de las palabras o frases. ¡Lo más importante es no detenerse a encontrar y memorizar una palabra desconocida, sino a adentrarse aún más en el idioma, y si no recuerda alguna palabra, no pasa nada, la encontrará muchas veces en el texto! Es muy importante comprender que el idioma no es una ciencia exacta, como las matemáticas, que tiene que estar empollando muchas horas de su vida para aprenderla, sino que es un proceso agradable al que puede dedicarse donde sea que esté, en casa, en transporte público o en una cafetería tomando un café. Haga que el libro en el idioma extranjero sea su compañero constante, trate de leer en cada momento libre que tenga, sumérjase en el idioma y el resultado se verá en poco tiempo.

Recuerde, que esta lectura es para placer y no para hacer el ejercicio. Las palabras y las construcciones gramaticales se memorizan mucho mejor en el contexto. Solo esta lectura libre proporciona la mayor eficiencia para dominar el idioma. Porque solo el interés permite memorizar fácilmente, y la inmersión en el ambiente del idioma proporciona aquella sensación preciosa del idioma, que, sin empollar las reglas, le permite usar con precisión las construcciones y palabras necesarias de acuerdo con el contexto. Esto es lo que realmente crea una conexión inconsciente con el idioma, parecida a la que se desarrolla en los niños en el momento de la formación del habla.

Dentro de medio año leyendo libros de esta manera, podrá leer y comprender libremente la ficción y, en consecuencia, tendrá el vocabulario necesario para la comunicación diaria.

¿Y la gramática, preguntará usted? Puede comenzar a leer mis libros sin saber la gramática, gracias a los comentarios, puede entender el significado. La gramática debe comenzar a estudiar cuando lee bien, tiene un vocabulario decente y está acostumbrado a las construcciones gramaticales. El mejor manual de la gramática del inglés en el mundo es el manual de Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use. Obligatoriamente haga los ejercicios en la versión electrónica. Notará con asombro lo simple e interesante que es la gramática cuando ya ha leído muchos libros y está familiarizado con el idioma.

¿Qué se necesita hacer para aprender a hablar y entender cuando escuchas? La respuesta es simple: hablar y escuchar. El aprendizaje del idioma consta de tres partes: reabastecimiento de vocabulario y aprendizaje de la lectura, comprensión del habla al escuchar y aprendizaje de la capacidad de hablar. Después de que pueda leer libremente, le aconsejo que empiece a ver los programas de televisión en inglés. Un curso muy bueno para mejorar la audición, completamente en inglés cuyo nombre es Let’s talk in English, comenzará a entenderlo rápidamente. Un idioma fácil de entender en las cadenas de televisión Discovery y National Geographic, más difícil en la BBC y la CNN. ¡Cambia la banda sonora de tu TV al inglés! Al principio, no va a entender nada, pero no deje de escuchar, su cerebro mismo, sin su participación, aprenderá a reconocer las palabras y las frases, y adivinarás el significado de muchas palabras. ¡El mejor consejo es escuchar relajado y seguir la trama, y sin subtítulos!

La tercera etapa es aprender a hablar. Romper la barrera del idioma ayuda un curso maravilloso de A.J. Hoge, luego debe prestar atención a los sitios de intercambio lingüístico como Italki donde puede encontrar a personas que hablan inglés, y que aprenden su lengua materna y puede hablar con ellos por el Messenger en inglés y en su idioma materno. Y también simplemente una comunicación con las personas que saben inglés.

Por el momento, se están preparando nuevos libros para su publicación por el método de lectura de Eugene Suchanek, la adaptación de cada libro es un gran trabajo, y si le gustó mi manera de aprender el idioma, le pido sinceramente que escriba una reseña sobre este libro para que otras personas puedan aprender sobre la nueva manera de leer libros extranjeros, y también escriba qué libros adaptados de esta manera le gustaría leer. ¡Les doy las gracias de antemano y les deseo éxito en el aprendizaje de inglés!

Saludos cordiales, Eugene Suchanek

Inglés para Principiantes con Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe Written Anew for Children

(Robinson Crusoe escrito de nuevo para los niños)

by James Baldwin, adapted by Eugene Suhanek (por James Baldwin, adaptado por Eugene Suchanek)

CHAPTER 1. I WISH TO BE A SAILOR

(CAPÍTULO 1. ME GUSTARÍA SER MARINERO)

My name is Robinson Crusoe (mi nombre = me llamo Robinson Crusoe). I was born in the old city of York (“estaba nacido” en una vieja ciudad de York; born – nacido), where there is a broad river (donde hay un amplio río), with ships coming and going (con los barcos que vienen y se van).

When I was a little boy (cuando era un pequeño niño), I spent much of my time looking at the river (pasaba mucho tiempo mirando al río; to spend, spent, spent — pasar /tiempo/, pasé, pasado).

How pleasant was the quiet stream (qué agradable era una tranquila corriente; pleasant — agradable, simpático), flowing, always flowing, toward the far-away sea (fluyendo, siempre fluyendo, hacia el mar lejano; to flow, flowed, flowed — fluir, fluyó, fluyendo; far-away — lejano; far — lejos; away — fuera)! I liked to watch the ships (me gustaba ver a los naves) as they came in with their white sails spread to the wind (como venían con sus velas blancas extendidas al viento; to spread — extenderse, difundirse).

I liked to think of the strange lands (me gustaba pensar en las tierras desconocidas) which they must have visited (cuales tenían que haber visitado), and of the many wonderful things they must have passed (y de muchas cosas/acontecimientos maravillosas(os) cuales tenían que haber pasado).

I wished to be a sailor (me gustaría ser marinero). I thought how grand it must be to sail and sail on the wide blue sea (pensé en lo grande que debía ser navegar a toda vela en el mar ancho azul; sail — vela; to sail — navegar, zarpar), with the sky above and the waves beneath (con el cielo arriba y las olas abajo). Nothing could be pleasanter (nada podría ser más agradable).

My father wanted me to learn a trade (mi padre quería que aprendiera un oficio). But I could not bear the thought of it (pero no podía soportar la idea de eso). I could not bear the thought (no podía soportar la idea) of working every day in a dusty shop (de trabajar todos los días en una tienda polvorienta; dust — polvo).

My name is Robinson Crusoe. I was born in the old city of York, where there is a broad river, with ships coming and going.

When I was a little boy, I spent much of my time looking at the river.

How pleasant was the quiet stream, flowing, always flowing, toward the far-away sea! I liked to watch the ships as they came in with their white sails spread to the wind.

I liked to think of the strange lands which they must have visited, and of the many wonderful things they must have passed.

I wished to be a sailor. I thought how grand it must be to sail and sail on the wide blue sea, with the sky above and the waves beneath. Nothing could be pleasanter.

My father wanted me to learn a trade. But I could not bear the thought of it. I could not bear the thought of working every day in a dusty shop.

I did not wish to stay in York all my life (no quería estar toda mi vida en York). I wanted to see the world (quería ver el mundo). I would be a sailor and nothing else (quería ser marinero y nada más).

My mother was very sad when I told her (mi madre estaba muy triste cuando le dije; to tell, told, told — digo, dije, dicho).

A sailor’s life, she said, was a hard life (la vida de un marinero, ella dijo, es una vida dura). There were many storms at sea (había muchas tormentas en el mar), and ships were often wrecked (y los barcos a menudo se destrozaban; wreck — desastre; naufragio).

She told me, too (también me dijo), that there were great fishes in the sea (que había grandes peces en el mar), and that they would eat me up if I fell into the water (y que me comerían si caía al agua).

Then she gave me a cake, and kissed me (luego me dio un pastel y un beso; to give, gave, given – dar, dio, dando). “How much safer it is to be at home (lo mucho = lo seguro que es estar = quedarse en casa)!” she said (dijo ella).

But I would not listen to her (pero yo no la escuchaba). My mind was made up, and a sailor I would be (ya había decidido e iba a ser un marinero; to make up one’s mind – tomar una decisión; «hacer su mente»; mind — mente).

When I was eighteen years old (cuando tenía dieciocho años), I left my pleasant home and went to sea (dejé mi querida casa y me fui al mar; to leave, left, left – dejar, dejé, dejado).

I did not wish to stay in York all my life. I wanted to see the world. I would be a sailor and nothing else.

My mother was very sad when I told her.

A sailor’s life, she said, was a hard life. There were many storms at sea, and ships were often wrecked.

She told me, too, that there were great fishes in the sea, and that they would eat me up if I fell into the water.

Then she gave me a cake, and kissed me. “How much safer it is to be at home!” she said.

But I would not listen to her. My mind was made up, and a sailor I would be.

When I was eighteen years old, I left my pleasant home and went to sea.

CHAPTER 2. I MAKE MY FIRST VOYAGE

(CAPÍTULO 2. HAGO MI PRIMER VIAJE)

I soon found that (pronto encontré = me di cuenta que; to find, found, found — encontrar, encontré, encontrado) my mother’s words were true (las palabras de mi madre eran una verdad). A sailor’s life (la vida de un marinero) is indeed a hard life (es efectivamente una vida dura; hard — difícil, duro).

There was no time for play (no había tiempo para jugar) on board of our ship (a bordo de nuestra nave). Even in the fairest weather (incluso cuando hacía buen tiempo) there was much work to be done (había mucho trabajo por hacer: «que debería estar hecha»).

On the very first night (en primera noche) the wind began to blow (el viento comenzó a soplar; to blow, blew, blown — soplar, sopló, soplado). The waves rolled high (las olas se elevaban altas). The ship was tossed this way and that (la nave fue arrojada para allá y para acá; to toss — tirar, arrojar, lanzar). Never had I seen such a storm (nunca había visto tal tormenta; to see, saw, seen — ver).

All night long the wind blew (durante toda la noche el viento soplaba). I was so badly frightened (estaba muy asustado; badly — mal, gravemente, muy /da un tono intensificador emocional/) that I did not know what to do (que no sabía qué hacer). I thought the ship would surely go to the bottom (pensé que el barco seguramente iría al fondo; to think, thought, thought – pensar, pensé, pensado; surely — seguramente, sin duda).

Then I remembered my pleasant home (luego recordé a mi querida casa) and the words of my kind mother (y las palabras de mi amable madre).

“If I live to reach dry land (si me quedo vivo para llegar a la tierra seca: «alcanzo la tierra seca»),” I said to myself (me dije a mí mismo; to say, said, said – decir, dije, dicho), “I will give up this thought (dejé esta idea; to give up — dejar, renunciar) of being a sailor (de ser un marinero). I will go home (iré a casa) and stay with my father and mother (y me quedaré con mi padre y mi madre). I will never set my foot in another ship (nunca pondré mi pie en otro barco = nunca pisaré otro barco).”

Day came (llegó otro día; to come, came, come – llegar, llegó, llegado). The storm was worse than before (la tormenta fue peor que antes). I felt sure that we were lost (sentí claramente = estaba seguro de que estábamos perdidos; to feel — sentir; sure — seguro; claro; to lose, lost, lost — perder). But toward evening (pero hacia la tarde) the sky began to clear (el cielo empezó a despejarse; to begin, began, begun — empezar, empezó, empezado). The wind died away (el viento se paró; to die, died, died — morir, murió, muero; to die – morir; pararse/ sobre el viento, el sonido/). The waves went down (las olas se calmaron: «bajaron»). The storm was over (la tormenta ha terminado; to be over — terminar, acabar; over — sobre, por).

I soon found that my mother’s words were true. A sailor’s life is indeed a hard life.

There was no time for play on board of our ship. Even in the fairest weather there was much work to be done.

On the very first night the wind began to blow. The waves rolled high. The ship was tossed this way and that. Never had I seen such a storm.

All night long the wind blew. I was so badly frightened that I did not know what to do. I thought the ship would surely go to the bottom.

Then I remembered my pleasant home and the words of my kind mother.

“If I live to reach dry land,” I said to myself, “I will give up this thought of being a sailor. I will go home and stay with my father and mother. I will never set my foot in another ship.”

Day came. The storm was worse than before. I felt sure that we were lost. But toward evening the sky began to clear. The wind died away. The waves went down. The storm was over.

The next morning (a la mañana siguiente) the sun rose bright (el sol brillaba; to rise, rose, risen — subir, subió, subido; bright – brillante) and warm upon a smooth sea (y calentaba sobre un mar en calma; smooth — suave). It was a beautiful sight (era una vista hermosa).

As I stood looking out over the wide water (mientras estaba mirando hacia el mar ancho; to stand, stood, stood — estar parado; out — fuera), the first mate came up (vino el primer official; mate — amigo; compañero; /navegación/ el primer oficial/; to come up — venir).

He was a kind man (era un buen hombre), and always friendly to me (y siempre era amable conmigo).

“Well, Bob (bueno, Bob),” he said (él dijo), “how do you like it (qué te parece)? Were you frightened by that little gale (estabas asustado por esa pequeña tormenta de viento; gale — vendaval; tormenta de viento)?”

“I hope you don’t call it (espero que no lo llames) a little gale (ua pequeña tormenta de viento),” I said (dije). “Indeed (de verdad) it was a terrible storm (era un terrible ventarrón).”

The mate laughed (el oficial se rió).

“Do you call that a storm (llamas a eso un ventarrón)?” he asked (él preguntó). “Why, it was nothing at all (vaya, no fue nada en absoluto; why — ¿por qué?; interjección que expresa las emociones más persas según el contexto: sorpresa, acuerdo o desacuerdo, impaciencia, etc.). You are only a fresh-water sailor, Bob (eres solo un marinero de agua dulce, Bob; fresh water — agua dulce; fresh — fresco; dulce). Wait till we have a real storm (espera a que tengamos un verdadero ventarrón).”

The next morning the sun rose bright and warm upon a smooth sea. It was a beautiful sight.

As I stood looking out over the wide water, the first mate came up. He was a kind man, and always friendly to me.

“Well, Bob,” he said, “how do you like it? Were you frightened by that little gale?”

“I hope you don’t call it a little gale,” I said. “Indeed it was a terrible storm.”

The mate laughed.

“Do you call that a storm?” he asked. “Why, it was nothing at all. You are only a fresh-water sailor, Bob. Wait till we have a real storm.”

And so I soon forgot my fears (y muy pronto olvidé mis temores; to forget, forgot, forgotten — olvidar, olvidé, olvidado).

Little by little (poco a poco), I gave up all thoughts of going home again (dejé todas las ideas de irme = de volver a casa). “A sailor’s life for me (la vida de un marinero es para mí),” I said (dije).

My first voyage was not a long one (mi primer viaje no era largo).

I visited no new lands (no visité tierras/ ciudades nuevas), for the ship went only to London (porque el barco solo iba a Londres). But the things which I saw (pero las cosas que vi) in that great city (en aquella gran ciudad) seemed very wonderful to me (me parecieron muy maravillosas).

Nothing would satisfy me (nada me satisfaría más) but to make a long voyage (que hacer un largo viaje). I wished to see the whole world (quería ver el mundo entero).

And so I soon forgot my fears.

Little by little, I gave up all thoughts of going home again. “A sailor’s life for me,” I said.

My first voyage was not a long one.

I visited no new lands, for the ship went only to London. But the things which I saw in that great city seemed very wonderful to me.

Nothing would satisfy me but to make a long voyage. I wished to see the whole world.

CHAPTER 3. I SEE MUCH OF THE WORLD

(CAPÍTULO 3. VÍ MUCHO EN EL MUNDO)

It was easy to find a ship to my liking (fue fácil encontrar un barco a mi gusto); for all kinds of trading vessels (de todos los tipos de buques comerciales; vessel — vaso; vasija para líquidos; nave, buque) go out from London to every country (que salen de Londres a cada país) that is known (que se conoce).

One day I met an old sea captain (un día me encontré con un viejo capitán del mar; to meet, met, met — encontrarse, encontré, encontrado) who had been often to the coast of Africa (que había estado a menudo en la costa de África). He was pleased with my talk (estaba contento con mi charla = lo, que le estaba diciendo).

“If you want to see the world (si quieres ver el mundo),” he said (él dijo), “you must sail with me (debes/ tienes que navegar conmigo).” And then he told me (y luego me dijo) that he was going again to Africa (que iba a volver a África), to trade with the black people there (a comerciar con las personas negras allí; to trade — comerciar).

He would carry out a load of cheap trinkets (Llevaría a cabo una carga de baratijas baratas; to carry — llevar, transportar) to exchange for gold dust (para cambiarlos por polvo dorado) and feathers and other rare and curious things (y plumas y otras cosas raras y curiosas).

I was very glad to go with him (estaba muy contento de ir con él). I would see strange lands and savage people (vería tierras extrañas y gente salvaje; strange — raro, extraño; extranjero; desconocido). I would have many a stirring adventure (tendría = me esperan muchas aventuras emocionantes; stirring — excitante, emotivo, emocionante; to stir — revolver; remover; agitar).

Before ten days had passed (antes de que pasaran diez días = no pasaron ni diez dias), we were out on the great ocean (/como/ salimos al gran océano = al mar/ oceano abierto). Our ship was headed toward the south (nuestro barco estaba dirigido = se dirigía hacia el sur).

The captain was very kind to me (el capitán era muy amable conmigo). He taught me much (me enseñó mucho; to teach, taught, taught — enseñar, enseñó, enseñado) that every sailor ought to know (que todos los marineros deberían saber). He showed me how to steer and manage the vessel (me mostró cómo dirigir y administrar el buque). He told me about the tides (me contó sobre las mareas; tide — flujo y reflujo; marea: a tide comes in — la marea sube; a tide ebbs/goes out — marea baja, va hacia fuera) and the compass (y la brújula) and how to reckon the ship’s course (y cómo calcular el rumbo del barco).

It was easy to find a ship to my liking; for all kinds of trading vessels go out from London to every country that is known.

One day I met an old sea captain who had been often to the coast of Africa. He was pleased with my talk.

“If you want to see the world,” he said, “you must sail with me.” And then he told me that he was going again to Africa, to trade with the black people there. He would carry out a load of cheap trinkets to exchange for gold dust and feathers and other rare and curious things.

I was very glad to go with him. I would see strange lands and savage people. I would have many a stirring adventure.

Before ten days had passed, we were out on the great ocean. Our ship was headed toward the south.

The captain was very kind to me. He taught me much that every sailor ought to know. He showed me how to steer and manage the vessel. He told me about the tides and the compass and how to reckon the ship’s course.

The voyage was a pleasant one (el viaje fue agradable), and I saw more wonderful things than I can name (y vi cosas más maravillosas de las que puedo nombrar).

When, at last, we sailed back to London (cuando, por fin, regresamos a Londres), we had gold enough (teníamos suficiente oro) to make a poor man rich (como para hacer rico a un pobre hombre).

I had nearly six pounds of the yellow dust (tenía casi seis libras de polvo amarillo = arena amarilla) for my own share (para mis propias acciones).

I had learned to be a trader (había aprendido a ser un comerciante) as well as a sailor (al igual que un marinero).

It would take too long (me tomaría mucho = demasiado tiempo) to tell you of all my voyages (para contarles de todos mis viajes). Some of them were happy and successful (algunos de ellos eran felices y exitosos; success — éxito); but the most were unpleasant (pero la mayoría eran desagradables) and full of disappointment (y llenos de decepción; to disappoint — decepcionar, desilusionar).

Sometimes I went to Africa (Algunas veces iba a África), sometimes to the new land of South America (a veces a la nueva tierra de América del Sur). But wherever I sailed (pero dondequiera que navegaba) I found the life of a sailor (encontraba que la vida de un marinero) by no means easy (no es nada fácil; means — medios; by no means — de ninguna manera; de ningún modo; ni mucho menos).

I did not care so much now (no me preocupaba mucho ahora = no me importaba mucho ahora) to see strange sights (ver lugares raros = extraños) and visit unknown shores (y visitar costas desconocidas).

I cared more for the money (me preocupaba = me importaba más el dinero) or goods that I would get by trading (o los bienes que obtendría por comerciar = comerciando).

At last a sudden end was put to all my sailing (al final, se puso un repentino final a toda mi navegación; to sail — navegar; sail — vela). And it is of this that I will now tell you (y es de lo que ahora te voy a contar).

The voyage was a pleasant one, and I saw more wonderful things than I can name.

When, at last, we sailed back to London, we had gold enough to make a poor man rich.

I had nearly six pounds of the yellow dust for my own share.

I had learned to be a trader as well as a sailor.

It would take too long to tell you of all my voyages. Some of them were happy and successful; but the most were unpleasant and full of disappointment.

Sometimes I went to Africa, sometimes to the new land of South America. But wherever I sailed I found the life of a sailor by no means easy.

I did not care so much now to see strange sights and visit unknown shores.

I cared more for the money or goods that I would get by trading.

At last a sudden end was put to all my sailing. And it is of this that I will now tell you.

CHAPTER 4. I UNDERTAKE A NEW VENTURE

(CAPÍTULO 4. EMPRENDO UNA NUEVA EMPRESA; venture — riesgo; empresa)

I had grown very tired (estaba muy cansado = me había cansado mucho; to grow, grew, grown — crecer, creció, crecido) of being a sailor (de ser marinero). I was so tired of it (estaba tan cansado de eso) that I made up my mind to try something else (que decidí probar algo más; to try — intentar, probar, tratar).

It happened that I was then in Brazil (sucedió cuando yo estaba en Brasil). I bought some land there (compré un poco = algunas tierras allí; to buy – comprar) and began to open a plantation (y comencé a abrir = crear una plantación). The ground was rich (el terreno/suelo era rico), and it would be easy to raise tobacco (y sería fácil cultivar tabaco) and sugar cane (y caña de azúcar).

But I needed many things (pero necesitaba muchas cosas). I must have plows and hoes (tengo que tener = debería tener arados y azadas) and a sugar mill (y un molino de azúcar = una fabricación de azúcarr). Above all (sobre todo) I must have men (debía tener hombres) to do the work on the plantation (para hacer el trabajo = para trabajar en la plantación).

But neither men nor tools (pero ni los hombres, ni las herramientas) could I get in Brazil (podría obtener de Brasil).

I sent to London for the tools (envié a Londres por las herramientas; to send, sent, send — enviar, envié, enviado). I tried to buy some slaves (traté de comprar algunos esclavos) of the planters near me (de los hacenderos cerca de mí), but they had not enough for themselves (pero no tenían suficiente para ellos).

“We will tell you what to do (te diremos qué hacer),” they said (dijeron ellos). “We will fit out (vamos a equipar) a trading vessel for Africa (un buque comercial a África). We will put aboard of it everything that you need (pondremos a bordo todo lo que necesites; to put, put put — poner, puse, puesto; aboard — a bordo). As for your part (en cuanto a tu parte), you shall be the manager of the business (serás el gerente del negocio/ de la empresa); and you shall do the trading for us (y harás el comercio para nosotros). You need not put in a penny of your own (no necesitas poner ni un centavo de su /dinero/).”

I had grown very tired of being a sailor. I was so tired of it that I made up my mind to try something else.

It happened that I was then in Brazil. I bought some land there and began to open a plantation. The ground was rich, and it would be easy to raise tobacco and sugar cane.

But I needed many things. I must have plows and hoes and a sugar mill. Above all I must have men to do the work on the plantation.

But neither men nor tools could I get in Brazil.

I sent to London for the tools. I tried to buy some slaves of the planters near me, but they had not enough for themselves.

“We will tell you what to do,” they said. “We will fit out a trading vessel for Africa. We will put aboard of it everything that you need. As for your part, you shall be the manager of the business; and you shall do the trading for us. You need not put in a penny of your own.”

“But (pero) how is that going to help me (cómo eso va a ayudarme)?” I asked (pregunté).

“Listen (escucha), and we will tell you (y te lo diremos),” they said (dijeron ellos). “With the goods which we send (con los bienes que enviamos), you will buy as man black slaves as the ship will hold (comprarás esclavos negros tantos como mantedrá el barco; to hold, held, held – mantener, mantuvo, mantenido). You will bring them here (los traerás aquí), and we will divide them equally (y los dividiremos por igual; equal — mismo, igual). You shall share with us (compartirás con nosotros), just as though you had paid the money (como si hubieras pagado el dinero; just — precisamente, solo, justo; to pay, paid, paid — pagar, pagó, pagado).”

The plan pleased me very much (el plan me complació mucho). I figured that each one of us (pensé que cada uno de nosotros) would have thirty or forty slaves (tendría treinta o cuarenta esclavos).

It was very foolish of me to go to sea again (era una tontería que yo volviera a ir al mar); but the offer was so good (pero la oferta era tan buena = ventajosa) that I could not say No (que no pude decir que no).

The ship was soon fitted out for the voyage (pronto el barco salió equipado para el viaje; to fit — quedar bien, entrar, servir, valer, caber /también to fit out/ equipar, habilitar). Her load was not very heavy (su carga no pesaba mucho). But there were plenty of goods (pero había muchos bienes) such as were most fit for trade (que eran más apropiados para el comercio).

There were boxes of red and blue beads (había cajas de abalorios rojos y azules), of bits of glass (de pedazos de vidrio), and of other trinkets (y de otras baratijas). There were also knives (también había cuchillos) and hatchets and little looking-glasses (y hachas y pequeños espejos). We reckoned that each one of these (pensábamos que cada una de esas cosas) would buy a slave (compraría = permitiría comprar un esclavo).

The ship was to carry fourteen men (el barco debía llevar a catorce personas) besides the captain and myself (aparte del capitán y a mi). She was as fine a little vessel (él /barco en inglés es de género femenino/ era un buen pequeño buque) as ever sailed from the coast of Brazil (que jamás había navegado desde la costa de Brasil).

“But how is that going to help me?” I asked.

“Listen, and we will tell you,” they said. “With the goods which we send, you will buy as man black slaves as the ship will hold. You will bring them here, and we will divide them equally. You shall share with us, just as though you had paid the money.”

The plan pleased me very much. I figured that each one of us would have thirty or forty slaves.

It was very foolish of me to go to sea again; but the offer was so good that I could not say No.

The ship was soon fitted out for the voyage. Her load was not very heavy. But there were plenty of goods such as were most fit for trade.

There were boxes of red and blue beads, of bits of glass, and of other trinkets. There were also knives and hatchets and little looking-glasses. We reckoned that each one of these would buy a slave.

The ship was to carry fourteen men besides the captain and myself. She was as fine a little vessel as ever sailed from the coast of Brazil.

CHAPTER 5. I AM SHIPWRECKED

(CAPÍTULO 5. SUFRÍ UN NAUFRAUGIO; to be shipwrecked — sufrir un naufragio, naufragar )

At length all things were ready for the voyage (al fin, todo estaba listo para el viaje; length — longitud; duracion; tamaño), and I went on board the ship (y subí a bordo del barco).

It was just eight years to the day since (solo pasaron ocho años desde que: «hasta el día») I had left my father and mother (dejé a mi padre y mi madre; to leave, left, left — dejar, dejó, dejado) and my pleasant home in good old York (y mi querida casa en el viejo York).

I felt that I was doing a foolish thing (sentí que estaba haciendo una tontería; to feel, felt, felt — sentir, sintió, sentido); but I did not dare to say so (pero no me atreví a decirlo: «decirlo así»; to dare to do smth. — atreverse a hacer algo).

The wind was fair (el viento era favorable; fair — justo; lindo sobre la mujer; favorable sobre el viento). The sails were spread (las velas se extendieron; to spread, spread, spread — extenderse, extendió, extendido). Soon we were out to sea (pronto estábamos en el mar).

For several days the weather was fine (durante varios días hacía buen tiempo). The ship sped swiftly on her way (el barco se apresuró a avanzar; to speed — correr; acelerar; apresurarse), and every one was happy and hopeful (y todos estaban contentos y con esperanza).

Then a great storm came up (luego vino un gran ventarrón) from the southeast (desde el sureste). I had seen many a fierce storm (había visto muchas ventarrones feroces), but never one so terrible as this (pero nunca tan terrible como este).

We could do nothing (no podíamos hacer otra cosa) but let the ship drive before the wind (que dejar que el barco iba ante el viento). Day after day we were tossed by the waves (día tras día nos arrojaban las olas: «estábamos arrojados por olas»); and day after day we expected the ship to go down (y día tras día esperábamos que el barco iba a hundirse: «irá abajo»).

The storm grew fiercer and fiercer (la tormenta se volvía cada vez más feroz; to grow — crecer; aumentar; fierce — feroz; violento; fuerte). The men gave themselves up as lost (los hombres se daron por perdidos; to give smb. up for lost — darse por perdido; lost — perdido).

But on the twelfth day the wind went down (pero al duodécimo día el viento se calmó). The waves were not so strong (las olas no eran tan fuertes). We began to hope for our lives (comenzamos a tener esperanza a tener la vida: «por nuestras vidas»).

Early the next morning (a la mañana siguiente) a sailor cried out (un marinero gritó), “Land (tierra)! land (tierra)!”

I ran out of the cabin to look (salí corriendo de la cabina para mirar; to run, ran, run — correr, corrió, corrido). But at that very moment (pero en ese mismo momento; very – muy, mismo; mucho) the ship struck upon a great bank of sand (el barco golpeó contra una barra arenosa; to strike, struck, struck — golpear, golpeó, golpeado; bank — barra; banco de arena) over which the fierce sea was rollin (sobre la cual se movía el mar feroz; to roll — moverse; rodar).

At length all things were ready for the voyage, and I went on board the ship.

It was just eight years to the day since I had left my father and mother and my pleasant home in good old York.

I felt that I was doing a foolish thing; but I did not dare to say so.

The wind was fair. The sails were spread. Soon we were out to sea.

For several days the weather was fine. The ship sped swiftly on her way, and every one was happy and hopeful.

Then a great storm came up from the southeast. I had seen many a fierce storm, but never one so terrible as this.

We could do nothing but let the ship drive before the wind. Day after day we were tossed by the waves; and day after day we expected the ship to go down.

The storm grew fiercer and fiercer. The men gave themselves up as lost.

But on the twelfth day the wind went down. The waves were not so strong. We began to hope for our lives.

Early the next morning a sailor cried out, “Land! land!”

I ran out of the cabin to look. But at that very moment the ship struck upon a great bank of sand over which the fierce sea was rolling.

She stopped short (el barco se paró; short — corto; breve). She could not move (no podía moverse). The great waves dashed over her deck (las grandes olas atravesaron su cubierta; to dash — atravesar; romper /lanzar algo contra algo / estallar; arruinar). All of us would have been washed overboard (todos nos habríamos caído por la borda) if we had not hurried back to the cabin (si no hubiéramos regresado al camarote).

“What shall we do (qué vamos a hacer)?” cried the men (gritaban los hombres = marineros).

“We can do nothing (no podemos hacer nada),” said the captain (dijo el capitán). “Our voyage is at an end (nuestro viaje está llegando a su fin: «está en el fin»), and there is no longer any hope for our lives (y ya no hay ni una = ninguna esperanza para quedarnos vivos). We can only wait (solamente podemos esperar) for the ship to break in pieces (hasta que el barco se rompa en pedazos).”

“Yes, there is one chance for our lives (sí = por cierto hay una oportunidad para salvarnos: «nuestras vidas»).” cried the mate (exclamó el oficil) “Follow me (seguidme)!”

In the lull of the storm we rushed (en la calma entre tormentas nos precipitamos; lull — calma; tranquilidad) again to the deck (de nuevo a la cubierta). One of our boats was still there (uno de nuestros botes aún estaba allí).

We slung her over the ship’s side (le arrojamos sobre el costado del barco; to sling — arrojar, lanzar, tirar). We jumped aboard of her (saltamos a su bordo). We cut her loose (la soltamos; to cut, cut, cut — cortar, cortó, cortando; loose — flojo, suelto; aflojado), and floated away upon the wild sea (y flotamos en el mar salvaje; to float — flotar).

No boat could live in such a sea as that (ningún barco podría vivir en un mar como ese). But we saw land ahead of us (pero vimos tierra delante de nosotros); and perhaps some of us (y tal vez algunos de nosotros) might be cast alive upon the beach (podrían ser lanzados vivos en la playa; to cast — lanzar, arrojar, echar; beach — playa; cordón literal).

This was our only hope (esta era nuestra única esperanza).

The raging waves carried us nearer and nearer to the shore (las furiosas olas nos llevaron cada vez más cerca de la orilla; to rage — rabiar, enfurecerse, enojarse; rage — furia, rabia, ira; to carry — llevar; trasportar).

We could see the waves dashing (pudimos ver las olas pasando) upon the great rocks (sobre las grandes rocas). The land looked more frightful than the sea (la tierra parecía más espantosa que el mar; fright — miedo; susto).

Then all at once (entonces, de repente; at once — inmediatamente, enseguida), a huge wave overset the boat (una ola enorme desbordo el barco). We had no time to speak or think (no tuvimos tiempo de hablar o pensar). We were thrown out into the raging sea (estábamos lanzados al furioso mar; to throw, threw, thrown — tirar, lanzar, echar). We were swallowed up by the waves (estábamos tragados por las olas).

She stopped short. She could not move. The great waves dashed over her deck. All of us would have been washed overboard if we had not hurried back to the cabin.

“What shall we do?” cried the men.

“We can do nothing,” said the captain. “Our voyage is at an end, and there is no longer any hope for our lives. We can only wait for the ship to break in pieces.”

“Yes, there is one chance for our lives.” cried the mate “Follow me!”

In the lull of the storm we rushed again to the deck. One of our boats was still there.

We slung her over the ship’s side. We jumped aboard of her. We cut her loose, and floated away upon the wild sea.

No boat could live in such a sea as that. But we saw land ahead of us; and perhaps some of us might be cast alive upon the beach.

This was our only hope.

The raging waves carried us nearer and nearer to the shore.

We could see the waves dashing upon the great rocks. The land looked more frightful than the sea.

Then all at once, a huge wave overset the boat. We had no time to speak or think. We were thrown out into the raging sea. We were swallowed up by the waves.

CHAPTER 6. I AM CAST UPON A STRANGE SHORE

(CAPÍTULO 6. ESTOY ARROJADO A UNA EXTRAÑA COSTA)

The next thing I knew (la siguiente cosa que sabía = que entendí) I was lying on the beach (/es/ que estaba tumbado en la playa) and the waves were rolling over me (y las olas me rodeaban).

Some waves (algunas olas), kinder than others (más amables/suaves que otras; kind — amable; atento; cálido; condescendiente), must have carried me there (debieron haberme llevado allí).

I got upon my feet and ran as fast as I could (me puse de pie y corría tan rápido como podía).

I saw another wave coming after me (vi otra ola que iba = que se acercaba detrás de mí). It was high as a hill (era alta como una colina).

I held my breath and waited (contuve la respiración y esperé; to hold, held, held — sostener; contener; mantener). In a moment (en un momento) the wave was upon me (la ola estaba sobre mí). I could feel myself carried farther and farther toward the dry land (me sentía llevado más y más lejos hacia la tierra seca).

The water covered me (el agua me cubrió). But I held my breath and tried to swim (pero contuve mi respiración e intenté nadar).

The wave became smaller and weaker (la ola se volvió más pequeña y más débil; to become, became, become — volverse, se volvió, vuelto) as it rolled farther and farther (a medida que se alejaba más arriba) up the long beach (por el litoral largo).

At last I could keep (por fin pude mantener) my head and shoulders (la cabeza y los hombros) above water (por encima del agua). I could breathe again (podía respirar de nuevo).

I felt the ground under my feet (sentí la tierra debajo de mis pies). I struck out with all my might (me lancé con todas mis fuerzas; to strike — golpear; to strike out — tachar; tarjar) for the dry land (a la tierra firme).

But now the water was rushing back from the shore (pero ahora el agua volvía rápido desde la orilla; to rush — correr; apresurar; to rush back – volver corriendo, volver rápido). I feared lest I should be carried out to sea again (temía que volviera a ser llevado al mar otra vez; lest — no sea que; por temor de que).

The next thing I knew I was lying on the beach and the waves were rolling over me.

Some waves, kinder than others, must have carried me there.

I got upon my feet and ran as fast as I could.

I saw another wave coming after me. It was high as a hill.

I held my breath and waited. In a moment the wave was upon me. I could feel myself carried farther and farther toward the dry land.

The water covered me. But I held my breath and tried to swim.

The wave became smaller and weaker as it rolled farther and farther up the long beach.

At last I could keep my head and shoulders above water. I could breathe again.

I felt the ground under my feet. I struck out with all my might for the dry land.

But now the water was rushing back from the shore. I feared lest I should be carried out to sea again.

I swam, I ran (nadé, corrí; to swim, swam, swum – nadar, nadó, nadado; run – correr). I held on to the rocks (me agarraba a las rocas; hold – agarrarse). Then another great wave came (luego vino otra gran ola) and lifted me high upon the shore (y me levantó = llevó sobre la orilla).

In another moment I was safe on dry land (en otro momento estaba a salvo en tierra firme).

I was worn out with the hard struggle (estaba agotado de la dura lucha; to wear, wore, worn — llevar puesto, llevó puesto, llevado puesto; to wear out — agotar; cansar; fatigar), I lay down upon the green grass (me tumbé sobre la verde hierba; to lie — tumbarse; to lie down — echarse; acostarse; tumbarse). I looked up at the sky and thanked God (miré al cielo y agradecí a Dios) that I was alive and safe (por estar vivo y a salvo).

After I had rested a little (después de descansar un poco) while I arose and looked around me (me levanté y miré a mi alrededor; to arise, arose, arisen – levantarse, se levantó, levantado).

Far out from the shore (lejos de la orilla) I could see the ship (pude ver un barco). It was still lying (todavía estaba tumbado) where it had stuck in the sand (donde se había atascado en la arena; to stick, stuck, stuck — atascarse, se atascó, atascado). The waves were dashing over it (las olas deslizaban por encima).

I swam, I ran. I held on to the rocks. Then another great wave came and lifted me high upon the shore.

In another moment I was safe on dry land.

I was worn out with the hard struggle, I lay down upon the green grass. I looked up at the sky and thanked God that I was alive and safe.

After I had rested a little while I arose and looked around me.

Far out from the shore I could see the ship. It was still lying where it had stuck in the sand. The waves were dashing over it.

“How was it possible for me to swim so far (cómo fue posible nadar tan lejos)?” I asked myself (me preguntaba).

Then I began to think (luego empecé a pensar) of the men that were with me (en los hombres que estaban conmigo). Had any of them been saved (alguno de ellos se había salvado)?

I walked along the shore for a mile or more (caminé por la orilla durante una milla o más). I looked in every spot (miraba en cada lugar; spot — mancha; lugar, sitio) for some signs of my friends (para ver algunos signos = huellas de mis amigos).

In one place I found a hat (en un lugar encontré un sombrero; to find — encontrar); in another, a cap (en otro, un gorro); And in still another (y en otros), two shoes that were not mates (dos zapatos que no eran un par).

But of the men themselves I saw nothing (pero de los hombres mismos no vi nada). All were drowned in the deep sea (todos se ahogaron en alta mar; to be drowned — ahogarse: «estar ahogado»).

“How was it possible for me to swim so far?” I asked myself.

Then I began to think of the men that were with me. Had any of them been saved?

I walked along the shore for a mile or more. I looked in every spot for some signs of my friends.

In one place I found a hat; in another, a cap; And in still another, two shoes that were not mates.

But of the men themselves I saw nothing. All were drowned in the deep sea.

CHAPTER 7. I FIND A STRANGE LODGING PLACE

(CAPÍTULO 7. ENCUENTRO UN DESCONOCIDO LUGAR DE ALOJAMIENTO)

It was now late in the afternoon (ya era tarde; afternoon – después de las 12 del mediodía hasta la hora de cenar; in the afternoon – a la tarde; por la tarde; noon – mediodía). The sun was shining in the bright sky (el sol brillaba en el cielo claro; to shine – brillar). The storm was at an end (la tormenta terminó).

I began to look around me (empecé a mirar a mi alrededor), to see what kind of place I was in (para ver en qué tipo de lugar estaba). “Where shall I go (a dónde tengo que irme)?” I asked myself (me preguntaba). “What shall I do (qué es lo que tengo hacer)?”

My clothes were still wet (mi ropa todavía estaba mojada). I could dry them only by sitting in the sun (podía secarla solo al sentarme al sol).

I had nothing to eat or drink (no tenía nada para comer ni beber).

I had nothing about me (no tenía nada acerca de mí) but a knife (excepto un cuchillo), a pipe (una pipa), and a little tobacco (y un poco de tabaco).

How could I live on this strange shore (cómo podría vivir en esta extraña orilla) without shelter and without food (sin refugio y sin comida; shelter — refugio, albergue)?

The thought of this made me almost wild (la idea de esto me aterrorizaba: «me hizo casi salvaje»). I ran this way and that (corrí por aquí y por allá: «en una dirección y en la otra»), like a madman (como un loco).

Then I sat down and cried like a child (luego me senté y lloré como un niño).

I never felt so lonely as at that moment (nunca me sentí tan solo como en ese momento; to feel – sentir). I never felt so helpless and lost (nunca me sentí tan indefenso y perdido).

Soon I saw that night was coming on (pronto vi que la noche estaba llegando).

I thought (pensé): “What if there are wild beasts (qué pasa si hay animales salvajes) in the woods (en el bosque)? They will come out in the darkness (saldrán de la oscuridad) and find me here (y me encontrarán aquí). And then how can I save myself from them (y luego cómo puedo salvarme de ellos)?”

It was now late in the afternoon. The sun was shining in the bright sky. The storm was at an end.

I began to look around me, to see what kind of place I was in. “Where shall I go?” I asked myself. “What shall I do?”

My clothes were still wet. I could dry them only by sitting in the sun.

I had nothing to eat or drink.

I had nothing about me but a knife, a pipe, and a little tobacco.

How could I live on this strange shore without shelter and without food?

The thought of this made me almost wild. I ran this way and that, like a madman.

Then I sat down and cried like a child.

I never felt so lonely as at that moment. I never felt so helpless and lost.

Soon I saw that night was coming on.

I thought: “What if there are wild beasts in the woods? They will come out in the darkness and find me here. And then how can I save myself from them?”

A little way from the shore I saw a tree (un poco lejos de la orilla vi un árbol). It stood all alone (estaba solo), with no other trees near it (sin otros árboles cerca de él).

It was thick and bushy (era grueso y frondoso; bush — arbusto), with long thorns on its branches (con largas espinas en sus ramas).

I walked out to look at it (salí/allí/ a verlo).

To my great joy I found (para mi gran dicha encontré) a spring of fresh water (un manantial de agua fresca) bubbling out from among its roots (que burbujeaba entre sus raíces; to bubble — burbujear).

I knelt down and took a long drink (me arrodillé y tomé = hize un largo trago; to kneel — arrodillarse, me arrodillé, arrodillado /también to kneel down/), for I was very thirsty (porque tenía mucha sed; to be thirsty — tener sed: «estar sedienta»; thirst — sed; ansia). Then I climbed up into the tree (luego subí al árbol; to climb — subir, ascender; escalar).

The branches grew very close together (las ramas crecían muy cerca una de otra). I found a place where I could rest (encontré un lugar donde podía descansar), half sitting and half lying (medio sentado y medio acostado), with no danger of falling (sin peligro = sin riesgo de caerme).

With my pocket knife (con mi cuchillo de bolsillo) I cut a strong stick about two feet long (corté un palo fuerte de dos pies de longitud; el pie — es una unidad de longitud, equivalente a 30,48 cm). This would be my weapon (esta sería mi arma) if any beast should find me in the night (si alguna bestia me encontrara a la noche).

It was now quite dark (ahora: «ya» estaba muy oscuro; quite — muy; bastante). The only sound that I could hear (el único sonido que pude escuchar) was that of the waves breaking against the shore (fue el de las olas que se rompían contra la orilla).

It seemed so good to be on dry land (me parecía tan bueno estar en tierra firme) that I forgot every danger (que olvidé todos los peligros). I was so tired (estaba tan cansado) that I soon fell asleep (que pronto me quedé dormido; to fаll asleep – quedarse dormido: «caer dormido»). Never have I slept more soundly (nunca he dormido más profundamente; sound — sonido; ruido; profundamente).

A little way from the shore I saw a tree. It stood all alone, with no other trees near it.

It was thick and bushy, with long thorns on its branches.

I walked out to look at it.

To my great joy I found a spring of fresh water bubbling out from among its roots.

I knelt down and took a long drink, for I was very thirsty. Then I climbed up into the tree.

The branches grew very close together. I found a place where I could rest, half sitting and half lying, with no danger of falling.

With my pocket knife I cut a strong stick about two feet long. This would be my weapon if any beast should find me in the night.

It was now quite dark. The only sound that I could hear was that of the waves breaking against the shore.

It seemed so good to be on dry land that I forgot every danger. I was so tired that I soon fell asleep. Never have I slept more soundly.

CHAPTER 8. I VISIT THE WRECK

(CAPÍTULO 8. VISITO LOS RESTOS DEL NAUFRAGIO)

When I awoke (cuando me desperté; to awake — despertarse) it was broad daylight (era plena luz del día; broad — amplio; daylight — luz del día). The sun was up (hacía sol había: «estaba arriba»). The sky was clear (el cielo estaba despejado). The air seemed soft and mild (el aire parecía suave y apacible; mild — blando, suave, leve; apacible; tranquilo). A fine day was beginning (un buen día estaba comenzando).

It did not take me long to come down from my lodging place (no me tomó mucho tiempo bajar de mi alojamiento; to lodge — alojarse).

I looked out toward the sea (miré hacia el mar; toward — hacia).

To my great wonder (para mi gran asombro), I saw that the ship was now (vi que el barco estaba ahora) much closer to the shore (mucho más cerca de la orilla). The high tide had lifted her off the sand (la marea alta le había levantado de la arena). It had carried her toward the land (le había llevado a la tierra) and left her on a huge rock (y le había dejado en una enorme roca; rock — roca; piedra) less than a mile away (a menos de una milla de distancia).

I could see that the good ship stood upright (pude ver que el barco estaba en posición vertical) and was firmly wedged into the rock (y estaba firmemente calzado en la roca; wedge — calzo; cuña; to wedge — calzar).

The waves had not broken her up (las olas no le habían roto), but her masts had been snapped off (pero sus mástiles habían sido quedrados; to snap off — quebrarse; desprenderse, desengancharse; to snap — romper, quebrar, partir), and all her rigging was gone (y todo su aparejo había desaparecido).

The sea was quite smooth (el mar estaba en calma; smooth — liso; tranquilo), and the tide was still going out (y la marea estaba bajando). Soon the beach was bare (pronto la playa estaba vacía), and I could walk a long way out (y pude caminar muy lejos).

When I awoke it was broad daylight. The sun was up. The sky was clear. The air seemed soft and mild. A fine day was beginning.

It did not take me long to come down from my lodging place.

I looked out toward the sea.

To my great wonder, I saw that the ship was now much closer to the shore. The high tide had lifted her off the sand. It had carried her toward the land and left her on a huge rock less than a mile away.

I could see that the good ship stood upright and was firmly wedged into the rock.

The waves had not broken her up, but her masts had been snapped off, and all her rigging was gone.

The sea was quite smooth, and the tide was still going out. Soon the beach was bare, and I could walk a long way out.

I was now within a quarter of a mile of the ship (ahora estaba a un cuarto de milla del barco; within — dentro, a menos de; en el interior).

As I looked at her (mientras le miraba), a sad thought came to my mind (me vino a la mente un pensamiento triste). For if we had all kept on board (porque si todos hubiéramos permanecido a bordo) when she stuck in the sand (cuando se atascó en la arena), we would now have been safe (ahora estaríamos a salvo).

But there was no use in thinking (pero no tenía sentido pensar) of what might have been (en lo que podría haber sido).

I waded out as far as I could (me vadeé tan lejos que pude; to wade — vadear), and then swam for the ship (y luego nadé hacia el barco; to swim — nadar).

As I came near her (cuando me acerqué a él), I saw that she was lying high out of the water (vi que estaba sobre el agua). The part of the rock that was uncovered (la parte de la roca que se descubrió: to cover — cubrir, tapar; to uncover — descubrir, destapar) rose steep and straight into the air (se elevó vertiginosa y directamente al aire). There was no place for me to set my feet (no había sitio para poner mis pies).

I swam round the ship twice (nadé alrededor del barco dos veces). How could I ever climb up her smooth sides (cómo puedo alguna vez = podría subirme en sus lisos lados)?

I was about to give up (estaba a punto de rendirme), when I saw a small piece of rope hanging down from the deck (cuando vi un pequeño trozo de cuerda que colgaba de la cubierta). It reached almost to the water (alcanzaba casi hasta el agua). How strange that I did not see it at first (qué raro que no lo vi al principio)!

I seized hold of the rope (me agarré de la cuerda; to seize — agarrar, sujetar; hold — agarrar, poder contener), and climbed hand over hand to the deck (y ascendía rápido a la cubierta; hand over hand — rápido: «una mano detrás de la otra»).

I went into the ship’s cabin (entré al camarote del barco). I looked all through the unlucky vessel (revisé todo del desafortunado buque; through — a través de; durante todo).

I was now within a quarter of a mile of the ship.

As I looked at her, a sad thought came to my mind. For if we had all kept on board when she stuck in the sand, we would now have been safe.

But there was no use in thinking of what might have been.

I waded out as far as I could, and then swam for the ship.

As I came near her, I saw that she was lying high out of the water. The part of the rock that was uncovered rose steep and straight into the air. There was no place for me to set my feet.

I swam round the ship twice. How could I ever climb up her smooth sides?

I was about to give up, when I saw a small piece of rope hanging down from the deck. It reached almost to the water. How strange that I did not see it at first!

I seized hold of the rope, and climbed hand over hand to the deck.

I went into the ship’s cabin. I looked all through the unlucky vessel.

CHAPTER 9. I MAKE ME A RAFT

(CAPÍTULO 9. HAGO UNA BALSA PARA MI)

There was a great deal of water in the ship’s hold (había mucha agua en la bodega del barco; deal — alguna cantidad; great deal of — mucho; hold — bodega; to hold – agarrar). But the cabin and the storerooms were dry (pero el camarote y los almacenes estaban secos; store —tienda; almacén; depósito; to store — guardar, almacenar).

The boxes of food had not been touched by the water (las cajas de comida no habían sido tocadas por el agua).

I was very hungry (tenía mucha hambre), but I had no time to lose (pero no tuve tiempo para perder = no puedo perder tiempo). So I filled my pockets (así que llené mis bolsillos) with dry biscuits (con las galletas secas) and ate them as I went about (y me los comía mientras paseaba /por el barco/; about – alrededor de; por todos lados; sobre).

There were many things on the ship (había muchas cosas en el barco). They might be very useful to me (podrían ser muy útiles para mí) if I had them on shore (si los tuviera en tierra). But there was no boat (pero no había un barco), and how could I carry them there (y cómo podría llevarlos allí)?

“I will make a raft (haré una balsa).” I said to myself (me dije a mí mismo).

There were several long pieces (había varios trozos largos) of timber on the deck (de madera en la cubierta; timber — madera; viga; madero, marrano). I tied a rope to each of these (até una cuerda a cada uno de ellos) so that it would not float away (para que no flotaran). Then I dropped them, one by one (luego los dejé caer, uno por uno), over the ship’s side (sobre el costado del buque).

After this (después de esto) I slid down my rope into the water (me deslicé hacia el agua; to slide – deslizar; resbalar), and tied these timbers together (y até estas maderas juntas). They formed a framework (formaron una carcasa; frame, framework — marco; armadura, carcasa; equeleto) that was strong and would not sink (que era fuerte y no se hundiría).

There was a great deal of water in the ship’s hold. But the cabin and the storerooms were dry.

The boxes of food had not been touched by the water.

I was very hungry, but I had no time to lose. So I filled my pockets with dry biscuits and ate them as I went about.

There were many things on the ship. They might be very useful to me if I had them on shore. But there was no boat, and how could I carry them there?

“I will make a raft.” I said to myself.

There were several long pieces of timber on the deck. I tied a rope to each of these so that it would not float away. Then I dropped them, one by one, over the ship’s side.

After this I slid down my rope into the water, and tied these timbers together. They formed a framework that was strong and would not sink.

On top of this framework (en la parte superior de esta carcasa; top — cima, cumbre; la parte superior) I laid all the boards I could find (puse todas las tablas que pude encontrar).

I now had a very good raft (ahora tenía una balsa muy buena). It was large enough (era bastante grande) to carry a great many things (como para llevar muchas cosas). All the time I was building it (todo el tiempo que estaba construyéndola) I was planning how to load it (estaba planeando cómo cargarla).

In the cabin there were three strong boxes (en el camarote había tres cajas pesadas), such as sailors use (las que usaban marineros). These I emptied (los vacié). Then I carried them out (luego las llevé fuera) and let them down upon my raft (y las dejé sobre mi balsa).

Of all the things on board (de todas las cosas a bordo), I would need food the most (necesitaría sobre todo la comida). So I filled the first chest with bread (entonces llené el primer cofre con pan; chest — baúl, cofre), rice (arroz), cheese, and a few pieces of meat (queso y algunos pedazos de carne).

I found also a small bag of grain (encontré también una pequeña bolsa de cereales), of which I took good care (la cual recogí con cuidado: «la cual cuidé bien»). It was barley (era la cebada).

Then I began to look around for clothing (luego comencé a buscar ropa), and found enough to do for many a day (y encontré lo suficiente que valió para muchos días).

While I was getting these together (mientras los estaba reuniendo) I happened to see the carpenter’s chest (vi un cofre del carpintero). It was full of tools (estaba lleno de herramientas).

It was hard work to get it on the raft (fue difícil de llevarlo en la balsa). I lifted and pulled (lo levanté y halé). I pulled and lifted (lo halé y levanté); and at last I had it alongside of the other boxes (y por fin lo tuve junto a las otras cajas = lo pude poner donde estaban las otras cajas). How tired I was (qué cansado estaba)!

On top of this framework I laid all the boards I could find.

I now had a very good raft. It was large enough to carry a great many things. All the time I was building it I was planning how to load it.

In the cabin there were three strong boxes, such as sailors use. These I emptied. Then I carried them out and let them down upon my raft.

Of all the things on board, I would need food the most. So I filled the first chest with bread, rice, cheese, and a few pieces of meat.

I found also a small bag of grain, of which I took good care. It was barley.

Then I began to look around for clothing, and found enough to do for many a day.

While I was getting these together I happened to see the carpenter’s chest. It was full of tools.

It was hard work to get it on the raft. I lifted and pulled. I pulled and lifted; and at last I had it alongside of the other boxes. How tired I was!

CHAPTER 10. I CARRY SOME THINGS ASHORE

(CAPÍTULO 10. LLEVO ALGUNAS COSAS A LA ORILLA)

It was now past noon (ya era el mediodía), and the tide was coming in (y la marea estaba subiendo). I could not stop to rest (no podía parar para descansar).

“I have food, I have clothing (tengo comida, tengo ropa), I have tools (tengo herramientas),” I said to myself (me dije). “What do I need next (qué necesito lo siguiente = más)?”

Then I thought of the wild animals (entonces pensé en los animales salvajes) and wild men (y los hombres salvajes) that I might meet on the shore (que podría encontrar en la orilla). “How shall I protect myself from them (cómo me protegeré de ellos)?” I said (me dije).

In the captain’s room I found (en la habitación del capitán encontré) two good guns with a bag of shot and a powderhorn (dos buenas armas con una bolsa de tiro y polvora; bag — bolsa; saco). There were also two old swords (también había dos espadas antiguas), very rusty and dull (muy oxidadas y desafiladas), and a pair of big pistols (y un par de grandes pistolas).

By looking around (mirando a mi alrededor), I found also three small kegs of powder (encontré también tres pequeños barriles de pólvora; keg — barril; a powder keg — barril de pólvora). Two of these were dry (dos de ellos estaban secos), but the other was wet and good for nothing (pero el otro estaba húmedo y no servía para nada).

It was now past noon, and the tide was coming in. I could not stop to rest.

“I have food, I have clothing, I have tools,” I said to myself. “What do I need next?”

Then I thought of the wild animals and wild men that I might meet on the shore. “How shall I protect myself from them?” I said.

In the captain’s room I found two good guns with a bag of shot and a powderhorn. There were also two old swords, very rusty and dull, and a pair of big pistols.

By looking around, I found also three small kegs of powder. Two of these were dry, but the other was wet and good for nothing.

It took more than an hour (me tomó más de una hora) to get all these safely placed on my raft (para llevar todas estas cosas de manera segura en mi balsa; safely – sin peligro, sin riesgo, de manera segura). I now had quite a heavy load (ahora tenía una carga bastante pesada), and I began to wonder (y empecé a preguntarme; to wonder – preguntarse, querer saber) how I should take it to the shore (cómo tenía que llevarlo a la orilla).

I had no oars nor any sail for my raft (no tenía remos ni vela para mi balsa). But the water was smooth (pero el agua estaba tranquila), the tide was flowing in (la marea subía), and a gentle wind was blowing toward the land (y un suave viento soplaba hacia la tierra).

It took more than an hour to get all these safely placed on my raft. I now had quite a heavy load, and I began to wonder how I should take it to the shore.

I had no oars nor any sail for my raft. But the water was smooth, the tide was flowing in, and a gentle wind was blowing toward the land.

I loosed the rope (solté la cuerda) that held the raft to the ship (que sujetaba la balsa al barco = con la que balsa estaba atada al barco), and soon began my little voyage (y pronto comencé mi pequeño viaje).

The tide was now so high (la marea estaba tan alta) that the dry land was much farther away (que la tierra seca estaba mucho más alejada) than when I came out (que cuando salí). But the raft floated smoothly along (pero la balsa flotaba suavemente; to go along — ir adelante), and drew nearer and nearer to the shore (y se acercaba cada vez más a la orilla; to draw, drew, drawn — acercarse, se acercó, acercado).

Just as I thought myself safe (justo cuando pensaba que estaba a salvo), I found that I was entering a strong current (descubrí que estaba entrando en una corriente fuerte) which carried me into a narrow bay (que me llevó a una estrecha bahía) far from my first landing place (lejos de mi primer lugar: «de aterrizaje» = de desembarque).

There the raft stuck fast (allí, la balsa se clavó firmemente; to stick — clavar, meter; fast – firmemente, velozmente) on an ugly sand bar (en una fea barra de arena; ugly — feo, desagradable), and was like to be tipped over (y estaba lista para volcar).

But the tide was still rising (pero la marea seguía subiendo). Soon the raft floated free (pronto la balsa flotó libremente) and glided slowly along again with the current (y se deslizó lentamente otra vez a favor de la corriente).

In a short time I found (en poco tiempo me di cuenta de) that I was being carried up (que estaba llevado: «estaba siendo llevado») into a little river ( en un pequeño río entre) with high banks on each side (los bancos altos en cada lado).

With a piece of plank for an oar (con un pedazo de tabla para remo; plank — tabla, tablón) I pushed the raft toward the shore on my right (empujé la balsa hacia la orilla a la derecha). The water was now so shallow (el agua ahora era tan poco profunda) that I could reach the bottom (que podía llegar al fondo).

I loosed the rope that held the raft to the ship, and soon began my little voyage.

The tide was now so high that the dry land was much farther away than when I came out. But the raft floated smoothly along, and drew nearer and nearer to the shore.

Just as I thought myself safe, I found that I was entering a strong current which carried me into a narrow bay far from my first landing place.

There the raft stuck fast on an ugly sand bar, and was like to be tipped over.

But the tide was still rising. Soon the raft floated free and glided slowly along again with the current.

In a short time I found that I was being carried up into a little river with high banks on each side.

With a piece of plank for an oar I pushed the raft toward the shore on my right. The water was now so shallow that I could reach the bottom.

The raft floated slowly (la balsa flotó lentamente) onward until it reached (hacia adelante hasta que no alcanzó) a little cove into which I pushed it (una pequeña cala en la que la empujé). The water there was quite still (el agua allí estaba bastante tranquila).

I looked around for a place to land (busqué un lugar para desembarcar). But the banks were steep (pero las orillas eran empinadas), and if I ran one end of my raft upon the shore (y si subía con un lado de mi balsa en la orilla), the other end might sink so low as to slide all my goods into the water (el otro lado podría hundirse tan bajo como para dejar caer todos mis bienes en el agua; to slide — deslizar, resbalar, caer).

The best I could do (lo mejor que pude hacer) was to wait till (fue esperar hasta) the tide was at its highest (que la marea se pusiera en su punto más alto). Then I might push (entonces podría empujar) a little farther inland (un poco más hacia el interior; inland — en el interior; tierra adentro) where the bank was somewhat lower (donde la orilla estaba un poco más abajo).

This I did (esto es lo que hice = así lo hice).

The tide rose higher and higher (la marea subía más y más). At last, to my joy (por fin, para mi alegría), the water reached the top of the bank (el agua llegó a la parte superior de la orilla). It covered a level spot of ground beyond (cubrió un punto nivelado de tierra más allá; level — nivel, nivelado; plano; spot – mancha; granito; lugar, sitio; beyond – más allá de).

I waited a little longer (esperé un poco más). The water on the level (el agua según el nivel) space was a foot deep (del espacio tenía un pie de profundidad). The tide was beginning to flow out (la marea estaba empezando a bajar; flow out – manar; fluir).

With all my might (con todas mis fuerzas) I pushed the raft into this shallow place (empujé la balsa a un lugar poco profundo). The tide ebbed fast (la marea bajó rápidamente). Soon the raft was left high and dry on the land (pronto la balsa se quedó alta y seca sobre la tierra).

It was easy now to unload the goods and carry them to a safe place (ahora era fácil para descargar las mercancías y llevarlas a un lugar seguro).

The raft floated slowly onward until it reached a little cove into which I pushed it. The water there was quite still.

I looked around for a place to land. But the banks were steep, and if I ran one end of my raft upon the shore, the other end might sink so low as to slide all my goods into the water.

The best I could do was to wait till the tide was at its highest. Then I might push a little farther inland where the bank was somewhat lower.

This I did.

The tide rose higher and higher. At last, to my joy, the water reached the top of the bank. It covered a level spot of ground beyond.

I waited a little longer. The water on the level space was a foot deep. The tide was beginning to flow out.

With all my might I pushed the raft into this shallow place. The tide ebbed fast. Soon the raft was left high and dry on the land.

It was easy now to unload the goods and carry them to a safe place.

CHAPTER 11. I LEARN THAT I AM ON AN ISLAND

(CAPÍTULO 11. ENTIENDO QUE ESTOY EN UNA ISLA)

The sun was still two hours high (el sol mostraba que solo eran las dos). I was very tired after my day’s work (estaba muy cansado después de mi día de trabajo), but I could not rest (pero no podía descansar). I wanted to know (quería saber) what sort of place I was in (en qué tipo de lugar me encontraba). I wondered whether I was on an island (me preguntaba si estaba en una isla) or on a continent (o en un continente).

About half a mile from the shore (aproximadamente a media milla de la orilla) there was a large hill (había una gran colina). It was steep and high (era empinada y alta) and seemed to overlook all the country (y parecía que recorría todo el país).

I thought that (pensé que) if I could get to the top of that hill (si podía llegar a la cima de aquella colina) I might see what kind of country I was in (podría ver en qué tipo de país me encontraba).

So I put one of the pistols in my belt (así que puse una de las pistolas en mi cinturón; to put — poner, colocar), and one of the guns on my shoulder (y otra de mis escopetas en mi hombro). I also hung the powder-horn from my neck (también colgué el cuerno de pólvora en mi cuello; powder — polvo; horn — cuerno) and put a handful of small shot in my pocket (y puse un puñado pequeño de perdigones en mi bolsillo).

Thus armed (así armado), I set out for the big hill (me salí hacia la gran colina).

There were but a few shrubs (había solo algunos arbustos) or trees in my way (o árboles en mi camino), and the walking was easy (y caminar era fácil = el camino no era complicado). In less than a quarter of an hour (en menos de un cuarto de hora) I was at my journey’s end (teminé mi caminata: «estaba al final de mi viaje»).

The sides of the hill were not rough (los lados de la colina no eran ásperos; rough — áspero, rugoso), but they were quite steep (pero eran bastante empinados).

Soon I was at the very top (pronto estaba en la parte superior). What a grand lookout it was (qué preciosas vistas: «puesto de observación»)!

North, south, east, west (norte, sur, este, oeste), the land and the sea were spread out before me (la tierra y el mar se extendieron ante mí).

The sun was still two hours high. I was very tired after my day’s work, but I could not rest. I wanted to know what sort of place I was in. I wondered whether I was on an island or on a continent.

About half a mile from the shore there was a large hill. It was steep and high and seemed to overlook all the country.

I thought that if I could get to the top of that hill I might see what kind of country I was in.

So I put one of the pistols in my belt, and one of the guns on my shoulder. I also hung the powder-horn from my neck and put a handful of small shot in my pocket.

Thus armed, I set out for the big hill.

There were but a few shrubs or trees in my way, and the walking was easy. In less than a quarter of an hour I was at my journey’s end.

The sides of the hill were not rough, but they were quite steep.

Soon I was at the very top. What a grand lookout it was!

North, south, east, west, the land and the sea were spread out before me.

The sea did I say (“el mar”, fue lo que dije)?

Yes, I was on an island (sí, estaba en una isla), and the sea was all around (y el mar estaba por todas partes).

No other land was in sight (ninguna otra tierra estaba a la vista) except two small islands (excepto dos pequeñas islas) and some great rocks (y algunas grandes rocas) that lifted themselves out of the water (que se levantaban: «levantaban a si mismas» fuera del agua).

I saw that my island was not very large (vi que mi isla no era muy grande). Perhaps it was ten miles broad (quizás eran diez millas de anchura); perhaps it was twenty (tal vez fueron veinte /millas/). I had no good idea of distances (no sabía mucho de las distancias).

There was no house (no había ni una casa) nor sign of life anywhere (ni una señal de vida en ninguna parte; sign — señal, signo). There might be wild beasts in the woods (podría haber animales salvajes en el bosque); but I was sure that no men lived there (pero estaba seguro de que ningún hombre vivía allí).

The thought of being alone on a desert island (la idea de que estaba solo: «de estar solo» en una isla desierta) made me feel very sad (me hizo sentir muy triste).

I should have been glad at that moment (debería haberme alegrado en aquel momento) to see even the face of a savage (de ver incluso el rostro de un salvaje).

But I dared not stay long (pero no me atreví a quedarme mucho tiempo) on the hilltop (en la cima de la colina). I hurried to get back to my raft (me apresuré a volver a mi balsa) before the sun should go down (antes de que el sol se bajara).

At the foot of the hill (al pie de la colina) I saw a great bird sitting in a tree (vi un gran pájaro sentado en un árbol). I thought it to be (pensé que era) some kind of a hawk and shot it (una especie de halcón y le disparé; to shoot, shot, shot — disparar, disparé, disparado).

The sea did I say?

Yes, I was on an island, and the sea was all around.

No other land was in sight except two small islands and some great rocks that lifted themselves out of the water.

I saw that my island was not very large. Perhaps it was ten miles broad; perhaps it was twenty. I had no good idea of distances.

There was no house nor sign of life anywhere. There might be wild beasts in the woods; but I was sure that no men lived there.

The thought of being alone on a desert island made me feel very sad.

I should have been glad at that moment to see even the face of a savage.

But I dared not stay long on the hilltop. I hurried to get back to my raft before the sun should go down.

At the foot of the hill I saw a great bird sitting in a tree. I thought it to be some kind of a hawk and shot it.

The sound of the gun echoed strangely (el sonido del arma resonó extrañamente) among the rocks and trees (entre las rocas y los árboles). Never before had such a sound been heard there (nunca antes se había escuchado tal sonido allí).

I picked up the bird (recogí el pájaro).

It was no hawk (no era un halcón). It had no sharp claws (no tenía ni garras afiladas) nor hooked beak (ni pico en forma de gancho). Its flesh was unfit to eat (su carne no era apta para ser comida; flesh — carne, pulpa), and I threw it away (y la tiré; to throw – tirar; to throw away — deshacerse; away — fuera).

The sun had set and it was almost dark (atardecía y estaba casi oscuro) when I got back to the inlet (cuando volví a la ensenada; inlet — brazo de mar; ensenada) where my raft was lying (donde estaba mi balsa). I did not know where to go for the night (no sabía a dónde ir a dormir), nor where to find a resting place (ni dónde encontrar un lugar para descansar; to rest — descansar; reposar).

But the day being gone (pero como el día pasó), there was no time for thinking (no había tiempo para pensar).

I made a kind of hut with the chests (hice una especie de choza con los cofres; kind — clase; especie; tipo; género) and the loose boards from the raft (y las tablas sueltas de la balsa; loose — flojas; sueltas; libres). Then I crept inside (luego me metí adentro; to creep — trepar; meterse) and lay down to rest (y me acosté para descansar; to lie — tumbarse; to lie down — echarse, tumbarse, acostarse; to rest — descansar; reposar).

For a little while (durante un tiempo; while — período de tiempo) I listened to every sound (escuchaba cada sonido). At length I fell asleep (por fin me quedé dormido; to fall asleep — quedarse dormido) and knew nothing more until broad daylight (y no supe nada hasta la plena luz del día) the next morning (a la mañana siguiente).

The sound of the gun echoed strangely among the rocks and trees. Never before had such a sound been heard there.

I picked up the bird.

It was no hawk. It had no sharp claws nor hooked beak. Its flesh was unfit to eat, and I threw it away.

The sun had set and it was almost dark when I got back to the inlet where my raft was lying. I did not know where to go for the night, nor where to find a resting place.

But the day being gone, there was no time for thinking.

I made a kind of hut with the chests and the loose boards from the raft. Then I crept inside and lay down to rest.

For a little while I listened to every sound. At length I fell asleep and knew nothing more until broad daylight the next morning.

CHAPTER 12. I HAVE A STRANGE VISITOR

(CAPÍTULO 12. TENGO UNA EXTRAÑA VISITA)

The next morning (a la mañana siguiente), when the tide was at its lowest (cuando la marea estaba en su punto más bajo; tide — marea) I swam out to the ship again (otra vez volví donde estaba el barco).

There were still many things on board of it (todavía había muchas cosas a bordo) that might be useful to me (que podrían ser útiles para mí) in my island home (en mi isla natal). I wished to save all that I could (deseé salvar todo lo que pude).

I climbed up the ship’s side (subí arriba por el costado del barco) just as I had done the day before (tal como lo había hecho el día anterior).

Before looking for anything (antes de buscar algo más) I made another raft (hice otra balsa), just like the first one (igual que la primera), but smaller (pero más pequeña). It was not so easy to make (no fue tan fácil de hacer), for I had used up all the best planks (porque se habían agotado todas las mejores tablas). It was neither so large (no era ni tan grande) nor so strong as the first raft (ni tan fuerte como la primera balsa).

In the carpenter’s shop I found (en la tienda de carpintería encontré; shop — tienda; bodega; taller) three bags of nails (tres bolsas de clavos) and a grindstone (y una piedra de afilar; to grind — moler; pulverizar; reducer a polvo; grindstone — piedra de afilar; piedra de molino). I found also a box full of little hatchets (encontré también una caja llena de pequeñas hachuelas) and a small barrel of musket balls (y un pequeño barril de mosquetes).

In the captain’s room I found (en la habitación del capitán encontré) six or seven guns (seis o siete escopetas), which I had overlooked before (a las que no me había dado cuenta antes), and another keg of powder (y otro barril de pólvora; another — otro, otro más; distinto).

All these things I loaded (todas estas cosas he cargado) with much care upon my raft (con mucho cuidado en mi balsa).

The next morning, when the tide was at its lowest I swam out to the ship again.

There were still many things on board of it that might be useful to me in my island home. I wished to save all that I could.

I climbed up the ship’s side just as I had done the day before.

Before looking for anything I made another raft, just like the first one, but smaller. It was not so easy to make, for I had used up all the best planks. It was neither so large nor so strong as the first raft.

In the carpenter’s shop I found three bags of nails and a grindstone. I found also a box full of little hatchets and a small barrel of musket balls.

In the captain’s room I found six or seven guns, which I had overlooked before, and another keg of powder.

All these things I loaded with much care upon my raft.

Then I gathered up as many clothes (luego recogí tanta ropa) as I could find (como pude encontrar); also a spare sail (también una vela de recambio), a hammock, and some bedding (una hamaca y algunas sábanas).

The raft was now quite full (la balsa ahora estaba bastante llena). The things were not heavy (las cosas no eran pesadas), but they made a large pile (pero hicieron = formaron una gran pila).

When the tide turned for the shore (cuando la marea giró hacia la orilla; tide — marea), I cut loose and was soon floating homeward (corté la sirga y pronto floté hacia casa: «estaba flotando»; homeward — de camino a casa).

I had found a good oar in the ship (encontré un buen remo en el barco). This I used as a paddle (lo usé como un remo «para canoa»; paddle — remo; zagual), and I had no trouble in guiding the raft (y no tuve problemas para guiar la balsa; to guide — guiar; orientar) to the right landing place (al lugar correcto de desembarque).

I looked to see if the goods were safe (miré para ver si las mercancías estaban a salvo) which I brought over the day before (que las había traído el día anterior).

There, on one of my chests (allí, en uno de mis cofres), I saw a strange animal sitting (vi un extraño animal sentado = vi sentado un animal extraño). She looked like a wild cat (parecía a un gato salvaje).

As I went toward her (cuando me acerqué hacia ella), she jumped down and ran a little way (ella saltó y corrió un poco; to run – correr). Then she stood still (después se paró; to stand — ponerse de pie; pararse; to stand still — quedarse quieto; still – inmóvil, quieto).

I followed (la seguí). She stood very firm (se mantuvo firme) and looked in my face (y me miró a la cara: «en mi cara»). She looked as though she had a mind to get acquainted (parecía que tenía la intención de conocerse; to get acquainted — llegar a conocer: «hacerse conocer»).

I pointed my gun at her (apunté mi arma hacia él), and shouted (y grité). But she did not care for that (pero a ella no le importaba eso).

Then I gathered up as many clothes as I could find; also a spare sail, a hammock, and some bedding.

The raft was now quite full. The things were not heavy, but they made a large pile.

When the tide turned for the shore, I cut loose and was soon floating homeward.

I had found a good oar in the ship. This I used as a paddle, and I had no trouble in guiding the raft to the right landing place.

I looked to see if the goods were safe which I brought over the day before.

There, on one of my chests, I saw a strange animal sitting. She looked like a wild cat.

As I went toward her, she jumped down and ran a little way. Then she stood still.

I followed. She stood very firm and looked in my face. She looked as though she had a mind to get acquainted.

I pointed my gun at her, and shouted. But she did not care for that.

I had a bit of biscuit in my pocket (tenía un poco de galletas en mi bolsillo). This I now tossed toward her (la tire uno: «hacia ella»). “Take this and begone (toma esto y vete),” I shouted (grité).

It rolled quite close to her nose (la galleta rodó bastante cerca de su nariz). She smell of it and ate it (la olió y se la comió; to eat, ate, eaten — comer, comió, comido). Then she looked up for more (luego alzó la vista esperando más: «miró arriba esperando mas»).

“Thank you, I have no more to give you (gracias, no tengo más para darte),” I said (/la/ dije).

Whether she understood me (si ella me entendió; to understand, undererstood, undererstood — entender), I do not know (no lo sé). But, with that (pero, con eso), she turned and marched away (ella se dio vuelta y se marchó; to march – desfilar; marchar; away — fuera).

I now set to work (ahora me puse a trabajar) to get my second cargo on shore (para obtener mi segunda carga en tierra). It was no easy task (no era una tarea fácil), and I had to make many trips to and from the raft (y tuve que hacer muchos viajes de ida y vuelta a balsa).

When everything was safely landed (cuando todo estaba desembarcado de forma segura; safely — sin peligro; sin riesgo; de manera segura), I made me a little tent with the sail (me hice una pequeña tienda con la vela) and some poles that I cut (y algunos postes que había cortado; to cut, cut, cut — cortar).

Then I put everything into the tent (luego puse en la tienda todo) that needed to be kept dry (lo que necesitaba mantenerse seco). The empty boxes, I piled outside (las cajas vacías, amontoné fuera; pile — un montón, pila; to pile — apilar, amontonar). They made a kind of wall around the tent (hacían una especie de muro alrededor de la tienda), like the wall of a fort (como la pared de una fortaleza).

“This will keep the wild beasts out (esto mantendrá a los animales salvajes fuera),” I said (yo dije).

By this time (para entonces) the day was nearly done (el día casi había terminado). I spread one of the beds on the ground (extendí una de las camas en el suelo). I laid two loaded pistols near its head (puse dos pistolas cargadas cerca de la cabecera), and one of the guns by one side of it (y una de las escopetas en cada lado de la cama). Then I crept in (luego me metí dentro; to creep — trepar; meterse) and was soon fast asleep (y pronto me quedé dormido: «estaba dormido profundamente»).

I had a bit of biscuit in my pocket. This I now tossed toward her. “Take this and begone,” I shouted.

It rolled quite close to her nose. She smell of it and ate it. Then she looked up for more.

“Thank you, I have no more to give you,” I said.

Whether she understood me, I do not know. But, with that, she turned and marched away.

I now set to work to get my second cargo on shore. It was no easy task, and I had to make many trips to and from the raft.

When everything was safely landed, I made me a little tent with the sail and some poles that I cut.

Then I put everything into the tent that needed to be kept dry. The empty boxes, I piled outside. They made a kind of wall around the tent, like the wall of a fort.

“This will keep the wild beasts out,” I said.

By this time the day was nearly done. I spread one of the beds on the ground. I laid two loaded pistols near its head, and one of the guns by one side of it. Then I crept in and was soon fast asleep.

CHAPTER 13. I FIND A GREAT STORE OF THINGS

(CAPÍTULO 13. ENCUENTRO UNA GRANDE TIENDA DE COSAS)

The next day I went to the ship again (al día siguiente fui otra vez al barco). This I kept up for more than a week (lo seguía haciendo durante más de una semana; to keep up — mantener; seguir).

Every day I brought a load of things to the shore (todos los días traía un montón de cosas a la orilla; to bring — llevar, traer).

At last there was nothing left (Por fin no quedaba nada: «nada estaba quedado»; to leave — dejar) that one pair of hands could lift (que un par de manos pudiera levantar). But I do believe that (pero creo que) if the fine days had held out (si los buenos días hubieran durado), I would have brought away the whole ship (habría llevado todo el barco).

You ask how I would have done that (me preguntas cómo lo habría hecho)? I would have cut it into pieces (lo habría cortado en pedazos) and brought one piece at a time (y habría traído una pieza a la vez).

The last thing that I found (lo último que encontré) was a secret drawer in the cabin (fue un cajón secreto en la cabina; drawer — cajón, gaveta; to draw — sacar, obtener, extraer). In that drawer there was some money (en ese cajón había algo de dinero).

A part of this money was in gold pieces (una cantidad de este dinero estaba en pedazos de oro) — “pieces of eight (peso: «peso de ocho»; piece of eight — una moneda con valor de ocho reales),” we called them (los llamábamos). The rest was in silver (el resto era de plata; rest — resto).

I smiled to myself when I saw this money (me sonreí = ensimismado cuando vi este dinero).

The next day I went to the ship again. This I kept up for more than a week.

Every day I brought a load of things to the shore.

At last there was nothing left that one pair of hands could lift. But I do believe that if the fine days had held out, I would have brought away the whole ship.

You ask how I would have done that? I would have cut it into pieces and brought one piece at a time.

The last thing that I found was a secret drawer in the cabin. In that drawer there was some money.

A part of this money was in gold pieces — “pieces of eight,” we called them. The rest was in silver.

I smiled to myself when I saw this money.

“O useless stuff (oh, cosa inútil; stuff — cosa; sustancia)!” I cried (grité). “What are you good for now (para qué sirves ahora)? You are not worth picking up (no vale la pena recogeros). This little old knife is worth much more (este pequeño cuchillo viejo vale mucho más/ tiene mucho más valor; worth — mérito; valor). I have no manner of use for you (no sé cómo utilizaros: «no tengo ninguna forma de utilizaros»; manner — manera; modo; forma). Lie there (quedaos aquí), where you are, and go to the bottom (donde estáis, e iros al fondo).”

I was about to leave the cabin (estaba a punto de salir de la cabina; to be about /+ infinitivo/ — estar a punto de hacer algo) when I looked around again (cuando volví a mirar alrededor). The bright pieces were so pretty (los pedazos brillantes eran tan bonitos) that I could not bear to leave them (que no podía soportar dejarlos = simplemente no podía dejarlos).

So I put them all in a strong bag (así que los puse todos en una bolsa) and tied it around my waist (y la até alrededor de mi cintura) like a belt (como un cinturón).

“It will not do to throw good money away (no servirá tirar un buen dinero),” I said (dije).

When I went up on deck (cuando subí a la cubierta) the wind was blowing hard (el viento soplaba fuertemente). Dark clouds were beginning to cover the sky (nubes oscuras comenzaban a cubrir el cielo). The waves were rolling high (las olas subían: «rodaban» hacia arriba). A storm was coming (una tormenta iba a venir).

I saw that it was time for me (vi = entendí que era hora) to hurry back to the shore (de que volviera rápidamente a la orilla).

I let myself down into the water (bajé al agua = «me dejé caer al agua») and began to swim (y comencé a nadar). The sea was rough (el mar estaba revuelto; rough — áspero; rugoso; revuelto /sobre el mar/). The money was heavy (el dinero era pesado).

I hastened home to my little tent (me apresuré a llegar a mi pequeña tienda). The storm had already begun (la tormenta ya había comenzado).

“O useless stuff!” I cried. “What are you good for now? You are not worth picking up. This little old knife is worth much more. I have no manner of use for you. Lie there, where you are, and go to the bottom.”

I was about to leave the cabin when I looked around again. The bright pieces were so pretty that I could not bear to leave them.

So I put them all in a strong bag and tied it around my waist like a belt.

“It will not do to throw good money away,” I said.

When I went up on deck the wind was blowing hard. Dark clouds were beginning to cover the sky. The waves were rolling high. A storm was coming.

I saw that it was time for me to hurry back to the shore.

I let myself down into the water and began to swim. The sea was rough. The money was heavy.

I hastened home to my little tent. The storm had already begun.

CHAPTER 14. I BUILD ME A CASTLE

(CAPÍTULO 14. ME CONSTRUYO UN CASTILLO)

I lay down on my bed (me acosté en mi cama), with my money (con mi dinero) and other precious things close at hand (y otras cosas valiosas al alcance de la mano = al lado de mi). All night long the wind blew and the rain poured (toda la noche el viento soplaba y llovía a cántaros; to blow — soplar; to pour — llover a cántaros).

Early in the morning I arose (temprano por la mañana me levanté; to arise — levantarse) and looked out toward the sea (y miré hacia el mar).

The waves were rolling very high (las olas subían: «rodaban» hacia arriba).

The ship was gone (el barco se había ido). The sea had swallowed it up (el mar se lo había tragado; to swallow — tragar; to swallow up — envolver por completo).

As I could make no more visits to the ship (como no pude visistar: “hacer más visitas” al barco), I now began to think of other things (comencé a pensar en otras cosas).

I was still afraid (todavía tenía miedo) lest there were savage beasts on the island (por temor de que hubiera animales salvajes en la isla; lest — no sea que; por temor de que / después de verbos y frases que denotan un miedo: introduce una adición que expresa una acción a la que se teme).

Savage men, too (los hombres salvajes también), might come that way (podrían venir de esa manera).

If any of these should find me (si alguno de estos me encontrara), how could I protect myself from them (cómo podría protegerme de ellos)?

I must have a stronger house to live in (necesito: «debo tener» una casa más fuerte para vivir). I must build me a little fort or castle (debo construirme una pequeña fortaleza o un castillo).

The place I was in was flat and wet (el lugar donde estaba era plano y húmedo). My tent was on open ground (mi tienda estaba en terreno abierto) and could be plainly seen from a distance (y se podía ver claramente desde lejos; plainly — claramente, explícitamente, evidentemente). There was no fresh water near it (no había agua fresca cerca de ella).

I must find a better place (debo encontrar un lugar mejor) than this for my castle (que este para mi castillo).

A little way from the shore (un poco más allá de la orilla) there was a rocky hill (había una colina rocosa). I went to look at it (fui a verla).

I lay down on my bed, with my money and other precious things close at hand. All night long the wind blew and the rain poured.

Early in the morning I arose and looked out toward the sea.

The waves were rolling very high.

The ship was gone. The sea had swallowed it up.

As I could make no more visits to the ship, I now began to think of other things.

I was still afraid lest there were savage beasts on the island.

Savage men, too, might come that way.

If any of these should find me, how could I protect myself from them?

I must have a stronger house to live in. I must build me a little fort or castle.

The place I was in was flat and wet. My tent was on open ground and could be plainly seen from a distance. There was no fresh water near it.

I must find a better place than this for my castle.

A little way from the shore there was a rocky hill. I went to look at it.

Halfway up the hill (a mitad de la colina) there was a large level place (había un lugar llano), with a great rock rising behind it (con una gran roca que se alzaba detrás) like the side of a house (como el costado de una casa).

I climbed up to the level place (subí al lugar llano). There was but one way to go (solo había una manera de ir) and that was by a steep and winding path (precisamente: «y era» por un camino empinado y sinuoso).

I found the place much larger than I thought (encontré el lugar mucho más grande de lo que pensaba). It was more than a hundred yards long (tenía más de cien yardas de largo; yarda — es una unidad de longitud, que equivale a 3 pies o 0,914 m) and almost half as broad (y casi la mitad de ancho).

It was, indeed, a green field (era, de hecho, un campo verde), or plain (o llanura), with steep cliff rising up behind it (con un acantilado que se levantaba detrás de ella). You must think of it as a great shelf (debes pensar = imaginarte que es como un gran estante) half way up the side of the hill (a mitad de camino de la ladera de la colina).

“Here (aquí),” I said to myself (me dije), “is the place for my castle (es el lugar para mi castillo).”

It was no easy thing to carry all my goods (no fue fácil llevar todos mis bienes) up the steep path to this level plain (por el camino empinado hasta esta llanura llana). I worked hard for many days (trabajé duro durante muchos días); but, then, there was nothing else to do (pero, entonces, no había nada más que hacer), and I must needs keep busy (y tenía que mantenerme ocupado»; to keep, kept, kept — guardar; seguir; mantener; busy — ocupado).

At one place on the side (en un lugar en el lado) of the great rock there was a break (de la gran roca había una brecha), or opening (o apertura), like the door to a cave (como una puerta de cueva). But there was no cave there (pero allí no había cueva).

Just in front of this break (justo en frente de esta ruptura) I began to build my castle (comencé a construir mi castillo). First (primeramente), I drew a half circle upon the ground (dibujé un medio círculo sobre el suelo), with the opening at the center (con la apertura en el centro). The space which it inclosed (el espacio que contenía) was about thirty feet across (tenía unos treinta pies de ancho; across — sobre; a lo largo de; entre).

Halfway up the hill there was a large level place, with a great rock rising behind it like the side of a house.

I climbed up to the level place. There was but one way to go, and that was by a steep and winding path.

I found the place much larger than I thought. It was more than a hundred yards long and almost half as broad.

It was, indeed, a green field, or plain, with steep cliff rising up behind it. You must think of it as a great shelf half way up the side of the hill.

“Here,” I said to myself, “is the place for my castle.”

It was no easy thing to carry all my goods up the steep path to this level plain. I worked hard for many days; but, then, there was nothing else to do, and I must needs keep busy.

At one place on the side of the great rock there was a break, or opening, like the door to a cave. But there was no cave there.

Just in front of this break I began to build my castle. First, I drew a half circle upon the ground, with the opening at the center. The space which it inclosed was about thirty feet across.

In this half circle I set up (en este semicírculo establecí) two rows of strong stakes (dos filas de fuertes estacas), driving them deep into the ground (impulsándolas profundamente en el suelo; to drive — impulsar; to drive home — remachar).

The rows were not more (las filas no tenían más) than six inches apart (de seis pulgadas de largo; pulgada es una unidad de longitud que equivale 2,5 cm). The stakes were about two inches apart (los postes estaban a unos dos centímetros de distancia; stake — poste, estaca) and as high as my head (y tan altas como mi cabeza = a la altura de mi cabeza).

Then between and around these stakes (luego, entre y alrededor de estas postes) I laid the great ropes (coloqué las grandes cuerdas to lay — poner) that I had brought from the ship (que había traído del barco; to bring, brought, brought – llevar; traer). Among these I twined (entre ellos entrelacé) the slender branches of trees (las esbeltas ramas de árboles) and long grapevines (y largas vides) that I found in the woods (que encontré en el bosque).

When all was finished (cuando todo estaba terminado) I had a wall nearly six feet high (tenía una pared de casi seis pies de altura). It was so strong (fue tan fuerte) that nothing could break through it (que nada podía romperla).

I made no door in the wall (no hice ninguna puerta en la pared). The only way in which to get into the yard (la única manera de entrar al patio) behind it was by going over the top (era ir por encima). This was done by climbing a short ladder (se hacía subiendo por una pequeña escalera; to climb — subir, ascender; escalar, trepar) which I could lift up after me (que podía levantar después), and then let down again (y luego bajarla otra vez).

How safe I felt now (qué seguro me sentía ahora; safe — seguro; a salvo), as I stood inside of my castle wall (mientras estaba dentro del muro de mi castillo)!

Over this wall I next carried all my riches (sobre esta pared llevé todas mis riquezas), food (comida), my tools (mis herramientas), my boxes of clothing (mis cajas de ropa). Then, right against the great rock (entonces, justo enfrente la gran roca; against — estar en contra de; contra; enfrente), I made me a large tent to shelter me from the rain (hice una grande tienda para protegerme de la lluvia).

In this half circle I set up two rows of strong stakes, driving them deep into the ground.

The rows were not more than six inches apart. The stakes were about two inches apart and as high as my head.

Then between and around these stakes I laid the great ropes that I had brought from the ship. Among these I twined the slender branches of trees and long grapevines that I found in the woods.

When all was finished I had a wall nearly six feet high. It was so strong that nothing could break through it.

I made no door in the wall. The only way in which to get into the yard behind it was by going over the top. This was done by climbing a short ladder which I could lift up after me, and then let down again.

How safe I felt now, as I stood inside of my castle wall!

Over this wall I next carried all my riches, food, my tools, my boxes of clothing. Then, right against the great rock, I made me a large tent to shelter me from the rain.

Into this tent I brought everything (en esta tienda traje todo) that would be spoiled by getting wet (lo que se podría estropear al mojarse). In the middle of it I swung the hammock (en el medio, colgué la hamaca; to swing, swung, swung — balancear, balanceé, balanceado; mover; oscilar) that I had brought from the ship (que había traído del barco). For you must remember that I was a sailor (porque debes recordar que era marinero), and I could sleep better in a hammock than on a bed (y que podía dormir mejor en una hamaca que en una cama).

The hollow place in the rock (el lugar vacío en la roca) was just as I hoped (era justo como esperaba). It was, indeed (era, de hecho), a large cleft or crack (una gran hendidura o grieta), filled only with earth (llena solo de tierra) and small stones (y pequeñas piedras).

With such tools as I had (con tales herramientas como las que tenía) I began to dig the earth and stones away (comencé a desenterrar la tierra y las piedras). I carried them out through my tent (las llevé fuera de mi tienda) and piled them up along the inside of my wall (y las apilé a lo largo del interior de mi pared; to pile — apilar, amontonar).

In a few days I had made quite a cave (en pocos días había construido una cueva; cave — cueva; caverna; bodega) which would serve very well as a cellar to my castle (que serviría muy bien como una bodega para mi castillo; cellar — sótano; bodega; despensa).

I called the cave my kitchen (llamé a la cueva mi cocina); but when I began my cooking (pero cuando comencé a cocinar) I found it best to do most (me pareció mejor hacer la mayor parte) of that work outside (del trabajo = cocción afuera).

In bad weather, however (cuando hacia mal tiempo, sin embargo), the kitchen was an excellent place to live in (la cocina era un lugar excelente para vivir).

Into this tent I brought everything that would be spoiled by getting wet. In the middle of it I swung the hammock that I had brought from the ship. For you must remember that I was a sailor, and I could sleep better in a hammock than on a bed.

The hollow place in the rock was just as I hoped. It was, indeed, a large cleft or crack, filled only with earth and small stones.

With such tools as I had I began to dig the earth and stones away. I carried them out through my tent and piled them up along the inside of my wall.

In a few days I had made quite a cave which would serve very well as a cellar to my castle.

I called the cave my kitchen; but when I began my cooking I found it best to do most of that work outside.

In bad weather, however, the kitchen was an excellent place to live in.

CHAPTER 15. I GO A-HUNTING

(CAPÍTULO 15. VOY A LA CAZA; to hunt — cazar)

Weeks and weeks passed (pasaron semanas y semanas) before my castle was finished (antes de que mi castillo estuviera terminado).

I did not work at it all the time (no trabajé = no lo construía todo el tiempo). Almost every day I went out with my gun (casi todos los días salía con mi arma) to see what I could find (para ver qué podía encontrar). The very first day I saw a flock of goats (el primer día vi un rebaño de cabras). How glad I was (qué contento estaba)!

But they were very shy (pero eran muy tímidas) and very swift (y muy rápidas). As soon as they saw me (en cuanto me vieron) they ran away in great fright (huyeron con mucho miedo).

After that (después de eso), I saw them nearly every day (las veía casi todos los días). But it was hard to get near them (pero era difícil acercarme a ellas).

One morning I saw an old goat (una mañana vi una vieja cabra) feeding in the valley with a kid by her side (alimentándose en el valle con un cabrito a su lado; kid — cabrito). I crept along among the rocks in such a way (me arrastré entre las rocas de tal manera; to go along — ir adelante; to creep — trepar; arrastrarse; moverse con lentitud) that she did not see me (que ella no me vio).

Weeks and weeks passed before my castle was finished.

I did not work at it all the time. Almost every day I went out with my gun to see what I could find. The very first day I saw a flock of goats. How glad I was!

But they were very shy and very swift. As soon as they saw me they ran away in great fright.

After that, I saw them nearly every day. But it was hard to get near them.

One morning I saw an old goat feeding in the valley with a kid by her side. I crept along among the rocks in such a way that she did not see me.

When I was close enough (cuando estaba lo suficientemente cerca), I raised my gun and fired (levanté mi arma y disparé). The mother goat fell (la madre cabra cayó; to fall — caer), being killed at once by the shot (siendo matada de inmediato por el disparo; at once — inmediatamente, enseguida).

It was a cruel deed (fue una acción cruel), and I felt indeed sorry for the poor beast (y realmente sentí lástima por el pobre animal; to feel sorry — sentir lástima). But how else should I find food (pero cómo de otra manera debería encontrar comida) for myself in that lonely place (para mí en ese lugar solitario)?

The kid did not run away (el cabrito no huyó). It stood quite still (estaba bastante quieto) by its mother’s side (al lado de su madre; side — lado; costado). When I picked up the old goat (cuando recogí la vieja cabra) and carried her to my castle (y la llevé a mi castillo), the little one followed me (el pequeño me siguió).

I lifted it over the wall (lo levanté sobre la pared). I thought I would take it (pensé que lo tomaría), and keep it as a pet (y lo mantendría como mascota).

But it would not eat (pero no quería comer). I could do no better than kill it (no podría hacer nada mejor = tuve que matarlo) and use it for my own food (y usarlo para comer).

When I was close enough, I raised my gun and fired. The mother goat fell, being killed at once by the shot.

It was a cruel deed, and I felt indeed sorry for the poor beast. But how else should I find food for myself in that lonely place?

The kid did not run away. It stood quite still by its mother’s side. When I picked up the old goat and carried her to my castle, the little one followed me.

I lifted it over the wall. I thought I would take it, and keep it as a pet.

But it would not eat. I could do no better than kill it and use it for my own food.

The flesh of these two goats (la carne de estas dos cabras) lasted me a long time (me duró para mucho tiempo); for I did not eat much meat (porque no comí mucha carne), and I still had many of the biscuits (y todavía tenía muchos de los galletas) that I had saved from the ship (que había salvado del barco; to save — salvar; rescatar; gurdar).

About a month later (aproximadamente un mes después) I shot at a young goat (disparé a una cabra joven) and lamed it (y la hiza coja; lame — cojo). I caught it and carried it home (la atrapé y la llevé a casa; to catch, caught, caught — atrapar), dressed its wounded leg (la entablillé su pata herida), and fed it (y la alimenté; to feed, fed, fed — alimentar).

Its leg was soon as well and as strong as ever (su pata estaba más fuerte que nunca). The little animal became quite tame (el pequeño animal se volvió bastante manso) and followed me everywhere I went (y me seguía a todos lados).

I thought how fine it would be if I could have (pensé en lo bueno que sería si pudiera tener) a whole flock of such creatures (un rebaño de tales criaturas creature — criatura; to create — crear). Then I would be sure of food (entonces estaría seguro de la comida = que recibiera comida) when my powder and shot were gone (cuando mi polvo y mis municiones se acaben).

The flesh of these two goats lasted me a long time; for I did not eat much meat, and I still had many of the biscuits that I had saved from the ship.

About a month later I shot at a young goat and lamed it. I caught it and carried it home, dressed its wounded leg, and fed it.

Its leg was soon as well and as strong as ever. The little animal became quite tame and followed me everywhere I went.

I thought how fine it would be if I could have a whole flock of such creatures. Then I would be sure of food when my powder and shot were gone.

CHAPTER 16. I KEEP MYSELF BUSY

(CAPÍTULO 16. ME MANTENGO OCUPADO)

Among the things that I brought from the ship (entre las cosas que traje del barco) there were several (había varias) which I have not told you about (de lasque no te he hablado). I will name them now (las nombraré ahora). First I got from the captain’s desk some pens (primero saqué del escritorio del capitán unas plumas; pen — pluma), ink, and paper (tinta y papel). These were afterward a great comfort to me (después fueron un gran consuelo para mí; comfort — consuelo; comodidad), as you shall learn (lo vas a ver; to learn — aprender; enterarse de /algo/).

There were some charts and compasses (hubo algunos cuadros y brújulas), and three or four books on navigation (y tres o cuatro libros sobre navegación). These I threw in a corner (estas cosas las arrojé a un rincón), for I did not think I should ever need them (porque no pensaba que alguna vez las necesitaría).

Among my own things (entre mis cosas) there were three very old Bibles (había tres Biblias muy antiguas), which I had bought in England (que había comprado en Inglaterra; to buy, bought, bought — comprar) and had packed with my clothing (y había empacado con mi ropa).

And I must not forget the dog (y no debo olvidar = debo mencionar al perro) and two cats (y a las dos gatas) that came to shore with me (que vinieron a la orilla conmigo). I carried both the cats on my raft (llevé a las dos gatas en mi balsa) with my first cargo (con mi primer cargamento).

As for the dog (en cuanto al perro), he jumped off the wreck (él saltó del naufragio) and swam to the shore (y nadó hasta la orilla). He was my best friend for a long time (era mi mejor amigo durante mucho tiempo). He followed me everywhere (me seguía a todas partes; to follow smb. — seguir a alguien). He would run and fetch things (corría y me traía cosas; would — /aqui/ un verbo semiauxiliar que expresa la acción habitual relacionada con el pasado) to me as I bade him (cuando yo le ordenaba; to bid, bade, bidden — ordenar). I wanted him to talk to me (quería que me hablara), but this he could not do (pero eso no lo podría hacer).

Among the things that I brought from the ship there were several which I have not told you about. I will name them now. First I got from the captain’s desk some pens, ink, and paper. These were afterward a great comfort to me, as you shall learn.

There were some charts and compasses, and three or four books on navigation. These I threw in a corner, for I did not think I should ever need them.

Among my own things there were three very old Bibles, which I had bought in England and had packed with my clothing.

And I must not forget the dog and two cats that came to shore with me. I carried both the cats on my raft with my first cargo.

As for the dog, he jumped off the wreck and swam to the shore. He was my best friend for a long time. He followed me everywhere. He would run and fetch things to me as I bade him. I wanted him to talk to me, but this he could not do.

As for my pens (en cuanto a mis plumas), ink, and paper (tinta y papel), I took the greatest care of them (los cuidaba muchísimo). As long as my ink lasted (mientras duró la tinta; to last — durar), I wrote down everything that happened to me (apunté todo lo que me pasó; to write — escribir; to write down — anotar; apuntar).

But when that was gone (pero cuando se me acabó), I could write no more for I did not know (no pude escribir más porque no sabía) how to make ink (cómo se hace tinta).

I soon found (pronto descubrí) that I needed many things (que necesitaba muchas cosas) to make me comfortable (para hacerme sentir cómodo).

First (primero), I wanted a chair and a table (quería una silla y una mesa); for without them (porque sin ellos) I must live like a savage (debo vivir como un salvaje).

So I set to work (entonces me puse a trabajar). I had never handled (nunca había manejad = no tuve que manejar) a tool in my life (una herramienta en mi vida). But I had a saw (pero tenía una sierra), an ax (un hacha), and several hatchets (y varias hachuelas); and I soon learned to use them all (y pronto aprendí a usarlas todas).

If I wanted a board (si quería una tabla), I had to chop down a tree (tenía que talar un árbol). From the trunk of the tree (del tronco del árbol) I cut a log of the length (corté un tronco de la longitud) that my board was to be (que tenía mi tabla). Then I split the log (luego dividí el tronco) and hewed it flat till it was (y lo partí hasta que quedó) as thin as a board (tan plano como una tabla).

All this took time and much hard work (todo esto llevó tiempo y mucho trabajo duro). But I had nothing else to do (pero no tenía nada más que hacer).

I made the table and chair (hice la mesa y la silla) out of short pieces of board I had brought from the ship (de los trozos de tabla que había traído del barco).

As for my pens, ink, and paper, I took the greatest care of them. As long as my ink lasted, I wrote down everything that happened to me.

But when that was gone, I could write no more for I did not know how to make ink.

I soon found that I needed many things to make me comfortable.

First, I wanted a chair and a table; for without them I must live like a savage.

So I set to work. I had never handled a tool in my life. But I had a saw, an ax, and several hatchets; and I soon learned to use them all.

If I wanted a board, I had to chop down a tree. From the trunk of the tree I cut a log of the length that my board was to be. Then I split the log and hewed it flat till it was as thin as a board.

All this took time and much hard work. But I had nothing else to do.

I made the table and chair out of short pieces of board I had brought from the ship.

Of the large boards (de las grandes tablas) which I hewed from trees (que corté de los árboles), I made some wide shelves along the side of my cave or kitchen (hice algunos estantes anchos a lo largo del costado de mi cueva o cocina).

On these shelves I laid my tools (en estos estantes coloqué mis herramientas), nails, and other things (clavos y otras cosas).

I had a place for everything (tenía un lugar para todo), and kept everything in its place (y guardé todo en este lugar).

My cave looked like some stores (mi cueva se parecía a algunas tiendas) you have seen where (que has visto donde) a little of everything is kept for sale (todo está puesto a la venta).

From time to time (de vez en cuando) I made many useful things (hacía muchas cosas útiles).

From a piece of hard wood (de una pieza de madera dura) that I cut in the forest (que corté en el bosque) I made a spade to dig with (hice una pala para cavar). The handle I shaped (al mango le hice forma) just like the handles you buy at the stores (al igual a los mangos que compras en las tiendas). But the shovel part was of wood (pero la parte de la pala era de madera) and would not last long (y no duraría mucho; to last — durar; persistir; prolongarse).

While I was digging my cave (mientras cavaba mi cueva), I found it very hard work to carry the earth (me resultó muy difícil llevar la tierra; to carry away — llevar) and small stones away (y las piedras pequeñas). I needed a wheelbarrow very much (necesitaba una carretilla y mucho, además; to need smth. — necesitar algo).

I could make the frame part of this (podría hacer que el marco fuera parte de esto), but I did not know (pero no sabía) how to make the wheel (cómo hacer la rueda). I worked four days at it (trabajé durante cuatro días), and then had to give it up (y luego tuve que dejarlo).

At last I made me (por fin me hice) a kind of hod (una especie de espuerta), like that which masons use (como el que usaban los albañiles). It was better than a basket (era mejor que un cubo) and almost as good as a wheelbarrow (y casi tan bueno como una carretilla).

Of the large boards which I hewed from trees, I made some wide shelves along the side of my cave or kitchen.

On these shelves I laid my tools, nails, and other things.

I had a place for everything, and kept everything in its place.

My cave looked like some stores you have seen where a little of everything is kept for sale.

From time to time I made many useful things.

From a piece of hard wood that I cut in the forest I made a spade to dig with. The handle I shaped just like the handles you buy at the stores. But the shovel part was of wood and would not last long.

While I was digging my cave, I found it very hard work to carry the earth and small stones away. I needed a wheelbarrow very much.

I could make the frame part of this, but I did not know how to make the wheel. I worked four days at it, and then had to give it up.

At last I made me a kind of hod, like that which masons use. It was better than a basket and almost as good as a wheelbarrow.

CHAPTER 17. I HAVE A GREAT FRIGHT

(CAPÍTULO 17. ME LLEVÉ UN GRAN SUSTO: «tengo un gran susto»)

The very next day (al día siguiente) after my cave was finished (cuando mi cueva estaba terminada) a frightful thing happened (sucedió una cosa espantosa; frightful — aterrador, espantoso, horroroso). I came near losing everything (estuve a punto de perder todo) and my own life as well (y mi propia vida también). I will tell you about it (te lo voy a contar).

I was busy behind my tent (estaba ocupado detrás de mi tienda) when I heard a fearful noise above my head (cuando oí un ruido temeroso sobre mi cabeza). Before I could look up (antes de que pudiera mirar hacia arriba), a great load of earth (una gran carga = mucha tierra) and stones came tumbling down (y piedras se derrumbaron; to tumble — precipitarse, caerse, derrumbarse).

It was a wonder (fue una maravilla) that I was not buried alive (que no fui enterrado vivo; to bury — enterrar, sepultar). I was scared (tenía miedo), for I thought (porque pensé) the whole top of the cave was falling in (que la parte superior de la cueva estaba cayendo: «caía dentro»; to fall in — caerse, derrumbarse).

I ran out and climbed over my wall (salí corriendo y trepé por mi muro). The great rock behind my castle (la gran roca detrás de mi castillo) seemed to be shaking (parecía temblar: «parecía ser temblada»). Stones and earth were rolling down its side (las piedras y la tierra caían por su costado).

The very next day after my cave was finished a frightful thing happened. I came near losing everything and my own life as well. I will tell you about it.

I was busy behind my tent when I heard a fearful noise above my head. Before I could look up, a great load of earth and stones came tumbling down.

It was a wonder that I was not buried alive. I was scared, for I thought the whole top of the cave was falling in.

I ran out and climbed over my wall. The great rock behind my castle seemed to be shaking. Stones and earth were rolling down its side.

“An earthquake, an earthquake (un terremoto, un terremoto)!” I cried (grité).

The ground shook (el suelo tembló; to shake, shook, shaken — agitar, temblar). A tall rock that stood between me (una roca alta que se interponía entre mí) and the seashore toppled over and fell (y la costa se derrumbó y se cayó). The noise was the most frightful (el ruido fue el más espantoso) I ever heard (que haya oído).

There were three shocks (hubo tres choques; shock — choque) about eight minutes apart (con ocho minutos de diferencia; apart — separado, alejado, aparte). The strongest building you ever saw (el edificio más fuerte que jamás hayas visto) would have been overturned (habría sido volcado).

I was so frightened (estaba tan asustado) that I did not know what to do (que no sabía qué hacer). I sat on the ground (me senté en el suelo; to sit — sentarse) and could not move (y no pude moverme; to move — moverse). I could only cry (solo podía gritar), over and over again (una y otra vez), “Lord, have mercy on me (señor, ten misericordia de mí; mercy — misericordia, indulgencia; alivio, consuelo)!”

After the third shock was over (después de que el tercer choque terminó) I began to grow braver (comencé a ser más valiente). But still I sat on the ground (pero aun así me senté en el suelo), wondering what would come next (preguntándome qué vendría después; to wonder — preguntarse, querer saber).

“An earthquake, an earthquake!” I cried.

The ground shook. A tall rock that stood between me and the seashore toppled over and fell. The noise was the most frightful I ever heard.

There were three shocks about eight minutes apart. The strongest building you ever saw would have been overturned.

I was so frightened that I did not know what to do. I sat on the ground and could not move. I could only cry, over and over again, “Lord, have mercy on me!”

After the third shock was over I began to grow braver. But still I sat on the ground, wondering what would come next.

All at once (de repente) the sky was overcast (el cielo se puso nublado; overcast — nublado, cubierto; to overcast — cubrir, ponerse nublado; to cast — lanzar, arrojar, echar). Dark clouds rolled over the sea (las nubes oscuras rodaban sobre el mar; cloud — nube). The wind began to blow (el viento comenzó a soplar). A dreadful hurricane was at hand (un terrible huracán estaba cerca; dreadful — terrible, espantoso; dread — temor, pavor, terror).

The sea was covered with foam (el mar estaba cubierto de espuma). The waves were mountain high (las olas eran altas como las montañas). On the shore (en la orilla), trees were torn up by the roots (los árboles fueron arrancados por las raíces; to tear, tore, torn — arrancar; to tear up — romper algo en mil pedazos). If my tent had not been well sheltered (si mi tienda no hubiera estado bien protegida) behind the great rock (detrás de la gran roca), it would have been carried away (habría sido llevada).

The hurricane lasted fully three hours (el huracán duró tres horas; fully — completamente; full — lleno, completo, entero). Then the rain began to pour down (después empezó a llover a cántaros).

All this time I sat on the ground outside (todo este tiempo estaba sentado en el suelo afuera), too much frightened to go back into my castle (estaba demasiado asustado para volver: «ir atrás» a mi castillo).

Toward night (hacia la noche) the rain slackened (la lluvia se aflojó; to slacken — aflojarse, disminuir), and I ventured over my wall (y me atrevé trepar sobre mi muro; to venture — atreverse, arriesgarse, animarse). The tent was half beaten down (la tienda estaba medio caida a plomo; to beat, beat, beaten — golpear, caer a plomo; batir). So I crept through into the cave (así que me metí a través de ella a la cueva). I was half afraid (tenía un poco de miedo) that even it would tumble down on my head (de que incluso cayera sobre mi cabeza).

All at once the sky was overcast. Dark clouds rolled over the sea. The wind began to blow. A dreadful hurricane was at hand.

The sea was covered with foam. The waves were mountain high. On the shore, trees were torn up by the roots. If my tent had not been well sheltered behind the great rock, it would have been carried away.

The hurricane lasted fully three hours. Then the rain began to pour down.

All this time I sat on the ground outside, too much frightened to go back into my castle.

Toward night the rain slackened, and I ventured over my wall. The tent was half beaten down. So I crept through into the cave. I was half afraid that even it would tumble down on my head.

CHAPTER 18. I GET READY FOR WINTER

(CAPÍTULO 18. ESTOY PREPARADO PARA EL INVIERNO)

I was so much pleased with the valley (estaba tan contento con el valle) I had discovered (que había descubierto) that I spent much of my time there (que pasé mucho tiempo allí; to spend, spent, spent — pasar /tiempo/). At last I built me (por fin, me construí) a small summer house (una pequeña casa de verano) close by a grove of orange trees (cerca de una arboleda de naranjos).

It was but little more than a bower (era poco un más grande que un emparrado; bower — emparrado, glorieta), made of the branches of trees (hecho con ramas de árboles).

I built a strong fence around it (construí una valla fuerte a su alrededor; to build, built, built — construir). This was made of two rows of tall stakes (estaba hecha de dos filas de estacas altas) with brushwood between (con maleza entre ellas; brushwood — maleza, matorral).

There was no gate in this fence (no había ninguna cancela en esta valla; gate — verja, cancela, reja), but only a short ladder (sino sólo una pequeña escalera), just as at my castle (como en mi castillo).

I was so much pleased with the valley I had discovered that I spent much of my time there. At last I built me a small summer house close by a grove of orange trees.

It was but little more than a bower, made of the branches of trees.

I built a strong fence around it. This was made of two rows of tall stakes with brushwood between.

There was no gate in this fence, but only a short ladder, just as at my castle.

Here I sometimes stayed (aquí a veces me quedaba) two or three nights together (dos o tres noches juntas).

I gathered about two hundred clusters (recogí unos doscientos racimos) of grapes and hung them up to dry (de uvas y los colgué a secar; to hang — colgar, tender). In due time they made the finest of raisins (a su debido tiempo se hicieron las mejores pasas). I took them down and carried them to my castle (los bajé y los llevé a mi castillo).

Thus little by little (así, poco a poco) I gathered food for winter (recogí comida para el invierno).

The winters there were not cold (los inviernos allí no eran fríos). But the rain fell every day (pero la lluvia caía todos los días), and often all the day (y a menudo todo el día).

I had just finished my bower (acababa de terminar mi emparrado), and was beginning to enjoy myself (y comenzaba a disfrutar; to enjoy smth. — disfrutar, gozar de; to enjoy oneself — pasárselo bien, disfrutar) when the rainy season, or winter, began (cuando comenzó la estación lluviosa o del invierno).

Here I sometimes stayed two or three nights together.

I gathered about two hundred clusters of grapes and hung them up to dry. In due time they made the finest of raisins. I took them down and carried them to my castle.

Thus little by little I gathered food for winter.

The winters there were not cold. But the rain fell every day, and often all the day.

I had just finished my bower, and was beginning to enjoy myself when the rainy season, or winter, began.

What could I do but hurry back to my castle (qué podría hacer sino apresurarme a regresar a mi castillo) and its dry, warm cave (y a la cueva seca y cálida)?

For weeks (durante semanas) I could not stir out without getting wet (no pude salir sin mojarme; to stir — remover; moverse). My store of food began to grow small (mis reservas de comida comenzó a disminuir: «hacerse pequeña»).

One day, in spite of the rain (un día, a pesar de la lluvia), I went out and killed a goat (salí y maté una cabra). The next day I found (al día siguiente encontré) a very large turtle among the rocks (una tortuga muy grande entre las rocas).

This was all good luck (todo fue buena suerte), for I had now enough to eat for many a day (porque ahora tenía suficiente comida: «para comer» para muchos días).

My meals were simple and plain (mis comidas eran simples y sencillas…; plain — sencillo, simple; meal — comida).

For breakfast (para el desayuno), I had a bunch of raisins (tuve un puñado de pasas) and a bit of biscuit (y un poco de galletas).

For dinner (para la cena), I had broiled turtle (tuve tortuga asada). I could not have turtle soup (no podía preparar una sopa de tortuga), for I had no vessel in which to cook it (ya que no tenía vasijas para cocinarla).

For supper (para la cena), I ate two or three turtle’s eggs (comí dos o tres huevos de tortuga; to eat — comer).

Although I was kept close indoors by the rain (aunque me mantuve adentro cuando llovía; indoors — adentro; interior; door — puerta; close — cerrado; bloqueado), I was never idle (nunca estaba desocupado; idle — ocioso, desocupado; vago).

Every day I worked at making my cave larger (todos los días trabajaba para agrandar mi cueva). I dug far in (cavé muy lejos; to dig, dug, dug — cavar), behind the rock (detrás de la roca), and made a fine, large room there (e hice una bonita y grande habitación allí).

What could I do but hurry back to my castle and its dry, warm cave?

For weeks I could not stir out without getting wet. My store of food began to grow small.

One day, in spite of the rain, I went out and killed a goat. The next day I found a very large turtle among the rocks.

This was all good luck, for I had now enough to eat for many a day.

My meals were simple and plain.

For breakfast, I had a bunch of raisins and a bit of biscuit.

For dinner, I had broiled turtle. I could not have turtle soup, for I had no vessel in which to cook it.

For supper, I ate two or three turtle’s eggs.

Although I was kept close indoors by the rain, I was never idle.

Every day I worked at making my cave larger. I dug far in, behind the rock, and made a fine, large room there.

Then I made another door or way out (luego hice otra puerta o salida), which opened on the outside of my wall (que se abrió en el exterior de mi muro). So now I could come into the castle (así que ahora podía entrar al castillo) through the cellar (a través del sótano), or kitchen, and without climbing the ladder (o la cocina y sin subir por la escalera).

This was much handier (esto fue mucho más útil; handy — útil, práctico) and easier than the other way (y fácil que al revés). But it did not seem so safe (pero no pareció tan seguro). I feared now lest some wild beast (temía ahora que algún animal salvaje) might get into my house (entrara en mi casa); and yet the biggest animal (y, sin embargo, el animal más grande) I had seen on the island was a goat (que había visto en la isla era una cabra).

Soon after this (poco después de esto) I put a roof over my whole inclosure (puse un techo sobre todo mi recinto; inclosure/enclosure — recinto). I took a number of long poles for rafters (tomé varios postes largos para vigas) and laid one end of each on the wall (y puse un extremo de cada uno en la pared; to lay — poner), while the other end leaned against the rock above the cave (mientras que el otro extremo se apoyaba en la roca sobre la cueva).

These I covered with boughs of trees (estos los cubrí con ramas de árboles), long grass (hierba larga), and such other things as I could get (y otras cosas semejantes que pude obtener). In this way I made a very good roof (de esta manera hice un techo muy bueno) which turned the rain and kept everything dry (que impidió = me protegió de la lluvia y me mantuvo todo seco).

My castle was now a very roomy place (mi castillo ahora era un lugar muy espacioso; room — habitación, cuarto; espacio, lugar, sitio). It was quite warm and dry (hacía bastante calor y estaba) even in the worst of weather (seco incluso cuando hacia el peor tiempo; wore — peor; the worst — lo más peor).

Then I made another door or way out, which opened on the outside of my wall. So now I could come into the castle through the cellar, or kitchen, and without climbing the ladder.

This was much handier and easier than the other way. But it did not seem so safe. I feared now lest some wild beast might get into my house; and yet the biggest animal I had seen on the island was a goat.

Soon after this I put a roof over my whole inclosure. I took a number of long poles for rafters and laid one end of each on the wall, while the other end leaned against the rock above the cave.

These I covered with boughs of trees, long grass, and such other things as I could get. In this way I made a very good roof which turned the rain and kept everything dry.

My castle was now a very roomy place. It was quite warm and dry even in the worst of weather.

CHAPTER 19. I EXPLORE MY ISLAND

(CAPÍTULO 19. EXPLORO MI ISLA)

It rained all that night (llovía toda la noche). But in the cave everything was warm and dry (pero en la cueva todo estaba cálido y seco), and little by little I lost my fear (y poco a poco perdí mi miedo; to lose — perder). The earthquake and the hurricane (el terremoto y el huracán) had done great damage to my castle (habían causado un gran daño a mi castillo). I had to work hard for many days (tuve que trabajar duro durante muchos días) to put things to rights again (para poner las cosas en orden de nuevo).

I had now been on the island (ya había estado en la isla) about ten months (unos diez meses). In all that time (en todo ese tiempo) I had seen only a small part of it (había visto solo una pequeña parte).

One morning I set out with my gun (una mañana fui con mi arma) on my shoulder for a long walk (en mi hombro para dar un largo paseo).

I went up the little river (fui arriba a lo largo del pequeño río) where I had first landed with my rafts (donde había desembarcado por primera vez con mis balsas). I found that it was a very short river (descubrí que era un río de muy escasa longitud). After about two miles (después de unas dos millas), the tide did not flow any higher (la marea no subía); and above that (y por encima de este /sitio/), the stream was only a little brook of fresh water (la corriente era solo un pequeño manantial de agua dulce).

Along the brook there were pleasant meadows (a lo largo del manantial había campos agradables; pleasant — placentero, agradable), covered with high grass (cubiertas con hierba alta).

In the dryer parts of these meadows (en las partes más secas de estos campos) I found tobacco growing wild (encontré que crecía el tabaco silvestre).

I looked for the roots of a plant (buscaba las raíces de una planta) which the Indians use instead of bread (que los indios usan en lugar de pan), but could find none (pero no pude encontrar ninguna).

It rained all that night. But in the cave everything was warm and dry, and little by little I lost my fear. The earthquake and the hurricane had done great damage to my castle. I had to work hard for many days to put things to rights again.

I had now been on the island about ten months. In all that time I had seen only a small part of it.

One morning I set out with my gun on my shoulder for a long walk.

I went up the little river where I had first landed with my rafts. I found that it was a very short river. After about two miles, the tide did not flow any higher; and above that, the stream was only a little brook of fresh water.

Along the brook there were pleasant meadows, covered with high grass.

In the dryer parts of these meadows I found tobacco growing wild.

I looked for the roots of a plant which the Indians use instead of bread, but could find none.

In one place, however (sin embargo, en un lugar), I saw many tall sugar canes (vi muchas cañas altas de azúcar) and some fair-looking plants (y algunas plantas bonitas) of a kind that was strange to me (que me resultaban extrañas).

As I went back to my castle (mientras volvía a mi castillo) I wondered how I could learn something useful (me preguntaba cómo podría aprender algo útil) about the many objects I had seen (sobre los muchos objetos que había visto). But I had never taken much thought about such things (pero nunca había pensado mucho sobre tales cosas), and now I had but little chance to learn (y ahora tenía pocas oportunidades = no tenía posibilidad de aprender).

The next day (al día siguiente) I went up the same way (subí por el mismo camino), but much farther (pero mucho más lejos).

Beyond the meadows (más allá de los campos) I came to some beautiful woods (llegué = encontré a un hermoso bosque).

Here I found several different kinds of fruits (aquí encontré varios tipos diferentes de frutas). There were grapevines covering the trees (había vides que cubrían los árboles), and huge clusters (y unos enormes racimos) of ripe grapes were hanging from them (de uvas maduras que colgaban de ellos).

I was very glad of this (estaba muy contento por esto). I made up my mind to come another day (me decidí a venir otro día) and gather some of this fruit (y recoger algo = un poco de esta fruta). I would dry the grapes in the sun (secaría las uvas al sol; would — /aquí/ verbo auxiliar; se utiliza para formar el futuro en el pasado en 2 y 3 persona), and have some raisins (y tendría algunas pasas).

Night came on while I was still in the woods (se hizo de noche mientras estaba en el bosque), and I could not do better (no podía hacer otra cosa mejor = no me queda otra) than stay there till morning (que quedarme allí hasta la mañana). So I climbed into a tree (así que trepé a un árbol) and slept there quite well (y dormí allí bastante bien; to sleep, slept, slept — dormir).

In one place, however, I saw many tall sugar canes and some fair-looking plants of a kind that was strange to me.

As I went back to my castle I wondered how I could learn something useful about the many objects I had seen. But I had never taken much thought about such things, and now I had but little chance to learn.

The next day I went up the same way, but much farther.

Beyond the meadows I came to some beautiful woods.

Here I found several different kinds of fruits. There were grapevines covering the trees, and huge clusters of ripe grapes were hanging from them.

I was very glad of this. I made up my mind to come another day and gather some of this fruit. I would dry the grapes in the sun, and have some raisins.

Night came on while I was still in the woods, and I could not do better than stay there till morning. So I climbed into a tree and slept there quite well.

It was the first night (fue la primera noche) that I had spent away from home (que pasé fuera de casa; to spend, spent, spent — pasar /tiempo/).

The next day I went (al día siguiente seguí; to go on — seguir, continuar) on through the woods for nearly four miles (por el bosque casi unas cuatro millas).

At last I came to an open space (por fin, llegué a un espacio abierto) where the land sloped to the west (donde la tierra descendía hacia el oeste; slope — cuesta, inclinación; to slope — descender). The country was so fresh and green (el país era tan fresco y verde) that it looked like a big garden (que parecía un gran jardín).

I went down into a pleasant valley (bajé a un delicioso valle) where there were many beautiful trees (donde había muchos árboles hermosos). There I found oranges (allí encontré naranjos), lemons (limones), limes (limas), and citrons (y cidras), besides many grapes (además de muchas uvas).

I loaded myself with fruit (me cargué con fruta) and started homeward (y comencé a ir a casa). “I must come again and bring a sack (debo volver otra vez /aquí/ y traer un saco),” I said (dije).

It was three days before I reached my castle (pasaron tres días antes de llegar a mi castillo). By that time the fruit (para entonces la fruta) had lost all its flavor (había perdido todo su sabor; to lose, lost, lost — perder).

The next day I went back to the same valley (al día siguiente volví al mismo valle). I carried two small sacks (llevé dos pequeños sacos) to bring home my harvest (para llevar a casa mi cosecha).

But I found many (pero encontré muchas) of the grapevines torn down (de las vides derribadas; to tear down — demoler, derribar; to tear, tore, torn — arrancar, romper, derribar). The fruit was scattered on the ground (la fruta fue esparcida por el suelo). Some had been eaten (alguna fruta había sido comida). Some had been trodden to pieces (alguna había sido pisoteada en cachos; to tread — pisar, aplastar, hollar, pisotear).

A wild animal had been there (un animal salvaje había estado allí). Perhaps it was a goat (tal vez era una cabra), perhaps it was a larger beast (o tal vez era un animal más grande). Perhaps several animals had done the mischief (quizás varios animales habían hecho la travesura; mischief — travesura, trastada, jugarreta).

It was the first night that I had spent away from home.

The next day I went on through the woods for nearly four miles.

At last I came to an open space where the land sloped to the west. The country was so fresh and green that it looked like a big garden.

I went down into a pleasant valley where there were many beautiful trees. There I found oranges, lemons, limes, and citrons, besides many grapes.

I loaded myself with fruit and started homeward. “I must come again and bring a sack,” I said.

It was three days before I reached my castle. By that time the fruit had lost all its flavor.

The next day I went back to the same valley. I carried two small sacks to bring home my harvest.

But I found many of the grapevines torn down. The fruit was scattered on the ground. Some had been eaten. Some had been trodden to pieces.

A wild animal had been there. Perhaps it was a goat, perhaps it was a larger beast. Perhaps several animals had done the mischief.

CHAPTER 20. I MAKE ME A CALENDAR

(CAPÍTULO 20. ME HAGO UN CALENDARIO)

It was now just one year (era = habia pasado solo un año) since I was cast upon this lonely island (desde que fui lanzado a esta isla solitaria; to cast — lanzar; lonely — aislado; solitario; desolado). Do you wonder how I have kept an account of the time (te preguntas cómo he llevado una cuenta del tiempo)? I will tell you (te lo diré).

A few days after the ship wreck (unos días después del naufragio) it came into my mind (me vino a la mente) that I should lose track of the days (que debía perder el rumbo de los días) and the seasons (y las estaciones). For I had neither almanac (porque no tenía ni almanaque = calendario; almanac — almanaque; calendario; anuario) nor notebook (ni un cuaderno). It would be hard always to remember the days of the week (sería difícil recordar los días de la semana) and I might even forget when it was Sunday (e incluso podría olvidar cuándo era domingo).

So I set up a large post by my door (así que preparé un gran poste junto a mi puerta). At the top of this post (en la parte superior de este poste; post — poste; palo; madera) I cut in large letters these words (grabé en letras mayúsculas estas palabras):

I CAME ON SHORE HERE (AQUÍ LLEGUÉ A TIERRA)

SEPTEMBER 30, 1659 (EL 30 DE SEPTIEMBRE DEL 1659).

Every morning I cut a little notch (todas las mañanas hacía una pequeña incisión) on the side of the post under these words (en el costado del poste bajo estas palabras).

Every seventh notch was (cada séptima incisión era) twice as long as the rest (dos veces más larga que el resto; rest — resto), and this showed me that the day was Sunday (y esto me mostró que aquel día era el domingo).

Every thirtieth notch was (cada trigésima incisión era) longer still and broader (más larga y más ancha). This showed me that a full month had gone by (esto me mostró que había pasado un mes completo).

It was thus I made my calendar (fue así que hice mi calendario).

It was now just one year since I was cast upon this lonely island. Do you wonder how I have kept an account of the time? I will tell you.

A few days after the ship wreck it came into my mind that I should lose track of the days and the seasons. For I had neither almanac nor notebook. It would be hard always to remember the days of the week and I might even forget when it was Sunday.

So I set up a large post by my door. At the top of this post I cut in large letters these words:

I CAME ON SHORE HERE

SEPTEMBER 30, 1659.

Every morning I cut a little notch on the side of the post under these words.

Every seventh notch was twice as long as the rest, and this showed me that the day was Sunday.

Every thirtieth notch was longer still and broader. This showed me that a full month had gone by.

It was thus I made my calendar.

One morning I found (una mañana encontré), on counting up (al contar), that there were three hundred and sixty-five notches on the post (que había trescientas sesenta y cinco incisiones en el poste). I knew, therefore (sabía, por lo tanto), that it was just one year since my landing (que ya había pasado un año desde mi desembarque).

I kept this day as a solemn fast (guardé este día como un ayuno solemne).

I sat in my castle (me quedé en mi castillo) and thought of the goodness of God (y pensé en la bondad de Dios; goodness — bondad) in thus keeping me alive and safe (al mantenerme vivo y a salvo; to keep alive —mantener vivo) in the midst of so many perils (entre tantos peligros).

I humbled myself (me humillé; humble — humilde), and thanked him (y le di las gracias) for his many mercies (por sus muchas misericordias).

For twelve hours I tasted nothing (durante doce horas no comí: «probe» nada; to taste — probar). When, at last, the sun went down (cuando, por fin, el sol se fue), I ate a biscuit and a bunch of grapes (comí una galleta y un racimo de uvas) and went to bed (y me fui a la cama).

Having now been on the island a whole year (habiendo estado en la isla un año entero), I had learned that the seasons (me enteré de que las estaciones) there were not the same as in England (allí no eran las mismas que en Inglaterra).

They were not to be spoken of as spring (no se les podía llamar como primavera), summer (verano), autumn (otoño), and winter (e invierno). They were rather to be called the wet season (más bien se les llamaría la estación húmeda) and the dry season (y la estación seca). Indeed (de hecho), there were two wet seasons (hubo dos temporadas húmedas = de lluvias) and two dry seasons, in the year (y dos temporadas secas durante el año).

One morning I found, on counting up, that there were three hundred and sixty-five notches on the post. I knew, therefore, that it was just one year since my landing.

I kept this day as a solemn fast.

I sat in my castle and thought of the goodness of God in thus keeping me alive and safe in the midst of so many perils.

I humbled myself, and thanked him for his many mercies.

For twelve hours I tasted nothing. When, at last, the sun went down, I ate a biscuit and a bunch of grapes and went to bed.

Having now been on the island a whole year, I had learned that the seasons there were not the same as in England.

They were not to be spoken of as spring, summer, autumn, and winter. They were rather to be called the wet season and the dry season. Indeed, there were two wet seasons and two dry seasons, in the year.

CHAPTER 21. I SOW SOME GRAIN

(CAPÍTULO 21. SIEMBRO GRANOS)

The first wet season (la primera temporada de lluvias) began about the middle (comenzó a mediados) of February (de febrero) and lasted till the middle April (y duró hasta mediados de abril). The first dry season (la primera estación seca) began about the middle of April (comenzó a mediados de abril) and lasted till the middle of August (y duró hasta mediados de agosto).

The second wet season (la segunda temporada de lluvias) began about the middle of August (comenzó a mediados de agosto) and lasted till the middle October (y duró hasta mediados de octubre).

The second dry season (la segunda temporada seca) began about the middle of October (comenzó a mediados de octubre) and lasted till the middle of February (y duró hasta mediados de febrero).

I could not have kept track (no podría haber hecho un seguimiento) of these thing easily (de estas cosas fácilmente) if it had not been for my calendar (si no hubiera sido por mi calendario).

Just before the first rainy season began (justo antes de que comenzara la primera temporada de lluvias) I was one day rummaging among the shelves in my cave (un día estaba revolviendo los estantes de mi cueva; to rummage — hurgar, rebuscar, revolver).

There I found the little bag (allí encontré una pequeña bolsa) that I had brought from the ship (que había traído del barco) with some barley in it (con algo de cebada), as I have already told you (como ya te he dicho).

The first wet season began about the middle of February and lasted till the middle April. The first dry season began about the middle of April and lasted till the middle of August.

The second wet season began about the middle of August and lasted till the middle October.

The second dry season began about the middle of October and lasted till the middle of February.

I could not have kept track of these thing easily if it had not been for my calendar.

Just before the first rainy season began I was one day rummaging among the shelves in my cave.

There I found the little bag that I had brought from the ship with some barley in it, as I have already told you.

I lifted it (la levanté); it was almost empty (estaba casi vacía).

I looked inside (miré dentro). I saw nothing there (no vi nada allí) but some dust and chaff (excepto algo de polvo y paja). The rats had been there (las ratas habían estado allí), and had eaten the grains of barley (y habían comido los granos de cebada).

The bag would be useful for something else (la bolsa sería útil para otra cosa). I took it outside (la saqué fuera) and shook the dust (y sacudí el polvo) and chaff upon the ground (y la paja al suelo). It was a sunny place (era un lugar soleado), close by the great rock (cerca de la gran roca).

About a month after this (dentro de un mes después de esto), I saw that something green was starting (vi que algo verde comenzaba) to grow at that place (a crecer en aquel lugar). I wondered what it was (me preguntaba qué era). It could not be grass (no podía ser hierba), for the stalks were larger (porque los tallos eran más grandes) and stronger (y más fuertes).

I had forgotten about the barley (me había olvidado de la cebada; to forget, forgot, forgotten – olvidar). But I took care that nothing should break the stalks down (pero cuidé los tallos para que nada los rompa).

They grew fast (crecieron rápido; to grow, grew, grown — crecer), and were soon as high as my waist (y pronto se hicieron tan altos como mi cintura = llegaron a mi cintura). Then I was surprised to see (entonces me sorprendió ver salir a) ten or twelve heads of green barley come out (diez o doce cabezas = espigas de cebada verde).

You cannot think how glad I was (no te puedes creer = imaginar lo feliz que estaba). I remembered, then (recordé, entonces), how I had shaken the bag (cómo había sacudido la bolsa; to shake — sacudir) of dust and chaff over that very spot (de polvo y la paja en ese mismo lugar).

I lifted it; it was almost empty.

I looked inside. I saw nothing there but some dust and chaff. The rats had been there, and had eaten the grains of barley.

The bag would be useful for something else. I took it outside and shook the dust and chaff upon the ground. It was a sunny place, close by the great rock.

About a month after this, I saw that something green was starting to grow at that place. I wondered what it was. It could not be grass, for the stalks were larger and stronger.

I had forgotten about the barley. But I took care that nothing should break the stalks down.

They grew fast, and were soon as high as my waist. Then I was surprised to see ten or twelve heads of green barley come out.

You cannot think how glad I was. I remembered, then, how I had shaken the bag of dust and chaff over that very spot.

But there was another surprise for me (pero hubo otra sorpresa para mí). I noticed in the wet ground (me di cuenta que en el terreno húmedo) a little nearer the rock (un poco más cerca de la roca) some other green plants (había algunas otras plantas verdes). These were not so tall (estas no eran tan altas) as the barley stalks (como los tallos de cebada), and they did not seem to be the same (y no parecían ser las mismas).

I watched them for several days (los observaba durante varios días). Then I saw that they were stalks of rice (entonces vi que eran tallos de arroz). No doubt (sin duda) some grains of rice (algunos granos de arroz) had been in the bag with the barley (habían estado en la bolsa con la cebada), and had fallen out with the dust and chaff (y se habían caído con el polvo y la paja).

You may be sure (puedes estar seguro) that I took good care of the grain (de que cuidé bien el grano). As soon as the barley was ripe (tan pronto como la cebada estaba madura) I harvested it (la coseché; to harvest — cosechar). There was only a handful or two (solo había un puñado o dos); but I put it away where no rats could get to it (pero lo guardé donde no podían llegar las ratas). I wished to keep it safe (deseé mantenerlo a salvo) and plant it again the next season (y plantarlo de nuevo para la próxima temporada).

I did the same way with the rice (hice lo mismo con el arroz).

There was so little to begin with (había tan poco para empezar = tuve que empezar con poca cantidad) that it took a long time to grow a big crop (que tomó mucho tiempo para cultivar una gran cosecha). It was not until the fourth harvest (no había hasta la cuarta cosecha; until — hasta que, hasta) that I could keep some of the barley for bread (cuando pude guardar/dejar algo de cebada para el pan).

But there was another surprise for me. I noticed in the wet ground a little nearer the rock some other green plants. These were not so tall as the barley stalks, and they did not seem to be the same.

I watched them for several days. Then I saw that they were stalks of rice. No doubt some grains of rice had been in the bag with the barley, and had fallen out with the dust and chaff.

You may be sure that I took good care of the grain. As soon as the barley was ripe I harvested it. There was only a handful or two; but I put it away where no rats could get to it. I wished to keep it safe and plant it again the next season.

I did the same way with the rice.

There was so little to begin with that it took a long time to grow a big crop. It was not until the fourth harvest that I could keep some of the barley for bread

I found that the best place (descubrí que el mejor lugar) to plant the grain (para plantar el grano) was not on the hillside (no estaba en la ladera), but in a moist spot (sino en una zona húmeda) not far from my summer home (no muy lejos de mi casa de verano).

One day (un día), as soon as the wet season was at an end (en cuanto la temporada de lluvias terminó: «llegó a su fin»), I made a visit to the country (hice una visita al país) to see how my crops were growing (para ver cómo crecían mis cultivos).

There I saw something that surprised me (ahí vi algo que me sorprendió).

You will remember the fence (recuerdas la valla) that I built around my summer house (que construí alrededor de mi casa de verano), or bower as I called it (o emparrado como la llamé). It was made of two rows of tall stakes (estaba hecho de dos filas de estacas altas), with brush between (con un matorral entre ellas).

Well (bueno), I now found that the stakes were still green (ahora descubrí que las estacas seguían estando verdes), and that long shoots or twigs were growing from them (y que los brotes largos o ramitas estaban creciendo en ellas). Some of these branches were already two or three feet long (algunas de estas ramas ya tenían dos o tres pies de largo).

This pleased me very much (esto me agradó mucho; to please — agradar, gustar). I cut and trained the growing branches (corté e doble las ramas crecientes) into just such shapes as I wished (en las formas que deseaba).

I found that the best place to plant the grain was not on the hillside, but in a moist spot not far from my summer home.

One day, as soon as the wet season was at an end, I made a visit to the country to see how my crops were growing.

There I saw something that surprised me.

You will remember the fence that I built around my summer house, or bower as I called it. It was made of two rows of tall stakes, with brush between.

Well, I now found that the stakes were still green, and that long shoots or twigs were growing from them. Some of these branches were already two or three feet long.

This pleased me very much. I cut and trained the growing branches into just such shapes as I wished.

They grew very fast (crecieron muy rápidamente; to grow — crecer), and soon the whole fence (y pronto toda la valla) was covered with green leaves (se cubrió con hojas verdes). Then I trained the long branches (luego puse las largas ramas) toward the top of a pole (hacia la parte superior de un poste) which I set up in the center of my bower (que coloqué en el centro de mi emparrado).

In a few months (en unos pocos meses) the whole inclosure was covered (todo el recinto fue cubierto) with a green roof (con un techo verde).

You cannot think how beautiful it was (no puedes pensar lo hermoso que estaba). The place was shady and cool (era un lugar sombreado y fresco; shade — sombra), the pleasantest spot (un lugar agradable) one could wish to have (que uno podría desear tener).

I did not know what kind of tree it was (no sabía qué tipo de árbol era) that grew in this wonderful way (que creció de esta maravillosa manera). But I cut some more stakes of the same sort and carried them home to my castle (pero corté algunas estacas más del mismo tipo y las llevé a casa a mi castillo).

I set these stakes in a double row (puse estas estacas en una doble fila), about twenty inches outside of my first wall (a unos veinte centímetros afuera de mi primer muro). In a few weeks they began to grow (en unas pocas semanas comenzaron a crecer). They grew so fast (crecieron tan rápido) that in two years (que en dos años) they covered the whole space (cubrieron todo el espacio) in front of my castle (frente de mi castillo).

They were not only handsome to look at (no sólo se veían bonitas; handsome — guapo), but they helped to protect my castle (sino que /también/ ayudaban a proteger mi castillo).

They grew very fast, and soon the whole fence was covered with green leaves. Then I trained the long branches toward the top of a pole which I set up in the center of my bower.

In a few months the whole inclosure was covered with a green roof.

You cannot think how beautiful it was. The place was shady and cool, the pleasantest spot one could wish to have.

I did not know what kind of tree it was that grew in this wonderful way. But I cut some more stakes of the same sort and carried them home to my castle.

I set these stakes in a double row, about twenty inches outside of my first wall. In a few weeks they began to grow. They grew so fast that in two years they covered the whole space in front of my castle.

They were not only handsome to look at, but they helped to protect my castle.

CHAPTER 22. I MAKE A LONG JOURNEY

(CAPÍTULO 22. HAGO UN LARGO VIAJE)

I had long wished to see the whole of my island (hacía tiempo que deseaba ver toda mi isla: «mi isla entera»). So, one fine morning (así que, una buena mañana), I set out to travel across (empecé a viajar) to the other side of it (al otro lado de isla). Of course I carried my gun with me (por supuesto, llevé mi arma conmigo). In my belt was my best hatchet (en mi cinturón era mi mejor hacha). In my pouch I had plenty of (en mi bolsa tenía un montón de) powder and shot (polvo y municiones). In my pocket were two biscuits (en mi bolsillo había dos galletas) and a big bunch of raisins (y un montón de pasas; bunch — un montón de). My dog followed behind me (mi perro iba detrás de mí).

I went past my summer house (pasé por delante de mi casa de verano), or bower (o emparrado), and toward evening (y a la tarde) came to a fine open place close by the sea (llegué a un hermoso lugar cerca del mar).

It was a beautiful sight (fue una vista hermosa). The sky was clear (el cielo estaba despejado), the air was still (el aire estaba inmóvil). The smooth waters (las aguas tranquilas se extendían; smooth — liso) stretched away and away toward the setting sun (y se alejaban lejos y lejos hacia puesta del sol).

Far in the distance I could see land (a lo lejos pude ver tierra). I could not tell whether it was an island (no podría decir si era una isla) or some part of the mainland of America (o alguna parte de la parte continental de América). It was at least fifty miles away (estaba al menos a cincuenta millas de distancia).

If it were the mainland (si fuera un continente), I felt quite sure (estaba bastante seguro de; to feel — sentir) that I would at some time (que en algún momento) or other see a ship sailing hither to it or from it (vería un barco navegando hasta allí o desde allí; hither — aquí). If it were an island (si fuera una isla), there might be savages on it (podría haber animales salvajes con los) whom it would not be safe for me to meet (que sería inseguro para encontrarme con ellos). But it would do no good to worry (pero no sería bueno preocuparme) my mind about such matters (sobre tales asuntos).

I found this side of the island much more beautiful (encontré este lado de isla mucho más hermoso) than that where my castle was (que el de mi castillo).

I had long wished to see the whole of my island. So, one fine morning, I set out to travel across to the other side of it. Of course I carried my gun with me. In my belt was my best hatchet. In my pouch I had plenty of powder and shot. In my pocket were two biscuits and a big bunch of raisins. My dog followed behind me.

I went past my summer house, or bower, and toward evening came to a fine open place close by the sea.

It was a beautiful sight. The sky was clear, the air was still. The smooth waters stretched away and away toward the setting sun.

Far in the distance I could see land. I could not tell whether it was an island or some part of the mainland of America. It was at least fifty miles away.

If it were the mainland, I felt quite sure that I would at some time or other see a ship sailing hither to it or from it. If it were an island, there might be savages on it whom it would not be safe for me to meet. But it would do no good to worry my mind about such matters.

I found this side of the island much more beautiful than that where my castle was.

Here were large, open fields (aquí había grandes campos abiertos), green with grass (verdes de hierba) and sweet with flowers (y bonitos de flores; sweet — dulce; adorable, bonito). Here, too, were fine woods (aquí también había maderas finas), with many strange trees and vines (con muchos árboles y enredaderas extrañas).

I saw many green parrots (vi a muchos loros verdes) among the trees (entre los árboles), and I thought how I would catch one (y pensé en cómo coger uno) and teach it to talk (y enseñarlo a hablar).

After a great deal of trouble (después de una gran cantidad de problemas) I knocked a young one down with my stick (golpeé a un joven loro con mi bastón). He was a good fighter (era un buen luchador; to fight — luchar), and it was no easy matter to get him (y no era fácil conseguirlo). But at last I picked him up (pero al final lo recogí) and put him in my bag (y lo puse en mi bolsa).

He was not hurt (él no estaba herido; to hurt — hacer daño; herir), and I carried him home (y lo llevé a casa). It was a long time before (pasó mucho tiempo antes de) I could make him talk (que pudiera hacerlo hablar). But at last he became a great pet (pero al final se convirtió en una buena mascota) and would call me by my name (y me llamaba por mi nombre). I shall have a funny story (tengo una divertida historia) to tell about him after a while (sobre él que contarte después de un tiempo).

Besides parrots (además de los loros) there were many other birds in the woods (había muchas otras aves en el bosque). Some of these were of kinds (algunas de ellas eran de unos tipos) that I had never seen before (que nunca había visto antes).

In the low grounds I saw some animals (en los terrenos bajos vi algunos animales) that looked like rabbits (que parecían conejos). There were others that I took to be foxes (hubo otros que consideré zorros), but they were not such foxes (pero no eran zorros como los) as we have in England (que tenemos en Inglaterra).

Here were large, open fields, green with grass and sweet with flowers. Here, too, were fine woods, with many strange trees and vines.

I saw many green parrots among the trees, and I thought how I would catch one and teach it to talk.

After a great deal of trouble I knocked a young one down with my stick. He was a good fighter, and it was no easy matter to get him. But at last I picked him up and put him in my bag.

He was not hurt, and I carried him home. It was a long time before I could make him talk. But at last he became a great pet and would call me by my name. I shall have a funny story to tell about him after a while.

Besides parrots there were many other birds in the woods. Some of these were of kinds that I had never seen before.

In the low grounds I saw some animals that looked like rabbits. There were others that I took to be foxes, but they were not such foxes as we have in England.

I traveled very slowly around the island (viajaba muy lentamente por la isla), for I wished to see everything (porque deseaba ver todo). Often I did not go (a menudo no pasaba) more than two miles in a day (más de dos millas en un día).

At night (por la noche) I sometimes slept in a tree (a veces dormía en un árbol; to sleep — dormir), while my dog watched below me (mientras mi perro vigilaba abajo). Sometimes I shut myself up in a little pen (a veces me encerraba en un corral; to shut — cerrar; encerrar; to shut up — cerrar; pen — corral) made by driving tall stakes into the ground (hecho de postes altos en el suelo). I felt quite safe (me sentía bastante seguro; to feel, felt, felt – sentir), for nothing could come near me (porque nada podía acercarse a mí) without waking me (sin despertarme).

Along the seashore (a lo largo de la orilla del mar) there were thousands of turtles (había miles de tortugas) and a great plenty of waterfowl (y una gran cantidad de aves marinas; fowl — ave de caza).

I had no trouble (no tuve problemas) to find all the food I needed (para encontrar toda la comida que necesitaba). Sometimes I had a roast pigeon for dinner (a veces tenía una paloma asada para la cena), sometimes the juicy meat of a turtle (a veces la carne jugosa de una tortuga; juice — zumo), sometimes that of a goat (o a veces de una cabra). No king could have fared better (ningún rey podría alimentarse mejor; to fare — vivir bien; alimentarse).

One day my dog caught a young kid (un día mi perro atrapó al cabrito). I ran and got hold of it (corrí y lo agarré; to get hold of smth. — agarrar; coger, tomar), and would not let him hurt it (y no le permití que le hiciera daño).

I had a great mind to take it home with me (tenía muchas ganas de llevármelo a casa). So I made a collar for it (así que le hice un collar), and led it along by a string (y lo llevé con una cuerda; to lead, led, led — llevar) which I had in my pocket (que tenía en mi bolsillo).

It was quite wild and did not lead well (fue bastante salvaje y no iba bien). It gave me so much trouble (me dio tantos problemas) that I took it to my summer house (que lo llevé a mi casa de verano) and left it there (y lo dejé allí; to leave, left, left — dejar).

I then went home to my castle (luego fui a casa a mi castillo).

I traveled very slowly around the island, for I wished to see everything. Often I did not go more than two miles in a day.

At night I sometimes slept in a tree, while my dog watched below me. Sometimes I shut myself up in a little pen made by driving tall stakes into the ground. I felt quite safe, for nothing could come near me without waking me.

Along the seashore there were thousands of turtles and a great plenty of waterfowl.

I had no trouble to find all the food I needed. Sometimes I had a roast pigeon for dinner, sometimes the juicy meat of a turtle, sometimes that of a goat. No king could have fared better.

One day my dog caught a young kid. I ran and got hold of it, and would not let him hurt it.

I had a great mind to take it home with me. So I made a collar for it, and led it along by a string which I had in my pocket.

It was quite wild and did not lead well. It gave me so much trouble that I took it to my summer house and left it there.

I then went home to my castle.

CHAPTER 23. I HARVEST MY GRAIN

(CAPÍTULO 23. COSECHO MIS GRANOS)

I cannot tell you how glad I was (no puedo decirte lo contento) to get to my old house again (que estaba al volver a mi vieja casa) and lie down in my good hammock bed (y acostarme en mi buena cama de hamaca).

I had been away for nearly a month (estuve fuera casi un mes; to be away — estar fuera). I was so tired from my long journey that I stayed in my castle nearly a week (estaba tan cansado de mi largo viaje que me quedé en mi castillo casi una semana).

While I was thus resting myself (mientras estaba descansando), I made a cage for my parrot (hice una jaula para mi loro) which I named Poll (al cual llamé Poll; poll — un nombre estándar para un loro). He was very gentle for a parrot (fue muy bueno/tranquilo como para ser un loro; gentle — amable, dulce, tranquilo / cuando se trata de animales/), and soon became very fond of me (y pronto tomó mucho cariño a mí: «y me quiso/apreció mucho»; to become, became, become — volverse; fond of smb., smth. — querer, apreciar algo o a alguien).

Then I began to think of the kid (entonces comencé a pensar en el cabrito) that I had left in my summer bower (que había dejado en mi emparrado de verano). So I went with my dog to fetch it (así que fui con mi perro a buscarlo).

I found it where I had left it (lo encontré donde lo había dejado to leave, left, left — dejar). It had eaten all the grass inside of the fence (había comido toda la hierba dentro de la valla) and was now very hungry (y ahora tenía mucha hambre).

I gave it as much as it wished (le di tanta /hierba/ que deseaba), and then I tied the string to it (y luego lo até con cuerda) to lead it away (para llevarlo lejos). But there was no need of that (pero no había necesidad de ello), for it was quite tame (porque era bastante amansado; tame — domesticado, amansado).

It followed me everywhere (me seguía a todas partes). It was very gentle and loving (era muy amable y cariñoso).

I cannot tell you how glad I was to get to my old house again and lie down in my good hammock bed.

I had been away for nearly a month. I was so tired from my long journey that I stayed in my castle nearly a week.

While I was thus resting myself, I made a cage for my parrot which I named Poll. He was very gentle for a parrot, and soon became very fond of me.

Then I began to think of the kid that I had left in my summer bower. So I went with my dog to fetch it.

I found it where I had left it. It had eaten all the grass inside of the fence and was now very hungry.

I gave it as much as it wished, and then I tied the string to it to lead it away. But there was no need of that, for it was quite tame.

It followed me everywhere. It was very gentle and loving.

I had now a number of pets (ahora tenía varias: «número» mascotas; number — número; a number — una cantidad de; varios) and was no longer lonesome (y ya no estaba solo).

My life was much happier (mi vida era mucho más feliz) than it had been while I was sailing the seas (de lo que había sido mientras navegaba por los mares). I took delight in many things (me encantaban muchas cosas; delight — encantado, contento) that I had never cared for before (que nunca antes me habían importado/ llamado; to care for smb., smth. — cuidar; atraer, llamar, gustar).

My barley and rice had grown well (mi cebada y arroz habían crecido bien; to grow, grew, grown — crecer) and in another month would be ready (y para el otro mes estarían listos) to be harvested (para ser cosechados; harvest — cosecha; to harvest — cosechar).

But one day I saw (pero un día vi) that some animals had been in the field (que algunos animales habían estado en el campo). Goats and rabbits had trampled upon the green stalks (cabras y conejos habían pisoteado los tallos verdes) and had eaten the long blades of barley (y habían comido las largas hojas de cebada).

If things kept on this way (si las cosas siguen así) I should soon lose my grain (pronto perderé mis granos).

There was nothing to be done (no había nada más que hacer) but to build a fence or hedge (que construir una valla o un seto; hedge — seto) around the field (alrededor del campo). This was easy (esto fue fácil), for the field was not large (porque el campo no era grande).

I drove tall stakes into the ground (clavé estacas altas al suelo; to drive — llevar; dirigir; clavar; meter) all around my growing crops (alrededor de mi cultivo). These stakes were so close together (estas estacas estaban tan unidas = cerca) that not even a rabbit (que ni siquiera un conejo) could get between them (podría interponerse entre ellas).

Then I tied my dog near the gate (luego até a mi perro cerca de la puerta) of the little field (del pequeño campo), so that he would bark whenever (para que ladre cada vez que; whenever — cuando sea; cada vez que) any animal came near (se acerque algún animal).

I had now a number of pets and was no longer lonesome.

My life was much happier than it had been while I was sailing the seas. I took delight in many things that I had never cared for before.

My barley and rice had grown well and in another month would be ready to be harvested.

But one day I saw that some animals had been in the field. Goats and rabbits had trampled upon the green stalks and had eaten the long blades of barley.

If things kept on this way I should soon lose my grain.

There was nothing to be done but to build a fence or hedge around the field. This was easy, for the field was not large.

I drove tall stakes into the ground all around my growing crops. These stakes were so close together that not even a rabbit could get between them.

Then I tied my dog near the gate of the little field, so that he would bark whenever any animal came near.

My grain was now safe from the beasts (mi grano = cereales ahora estaban a salvo de las bestias). It grew fast (crecieron rápido). The barley sent out large heads (la cebada soltó grandes cabezas = espigas) which soon began to ripen (que pronto comenzaron a madurar).

But now the birds came down (pero ahora los pájaros vinieron) in great flocks to rob me (en grandes bandadas para robarme). They sat on the fence (se sentaban en la valle), they flew among the stalks of grain (volaban entre los tallos de grano; to fly, flew, flown — volar), they carried away all the ripe barley (se llevaban toda la cebada madura) they could find (que pudieron encontrar).

This troubled me very much (esto me molestó mucho). The most of the grain was still green (la mayor parte del grano todavía estaba verde). But I feared (pero temía) that as soon as it ripened (que tan pronto como madurara) I should lose it all (debería perderlo todo).

I loaded my gun (cargué mi arma) and went out to the field (y salí al campo). There I saw the thieves (allí vi a los ladrones), sitting on the fence and watching me (sentados en la valla y observándome). I was so angry (estaba tan enojado) that I fired right among them (que les disparé directamente) and killed three (y maté a tres).

“Now I will show you (ahora os mostraré) how to steal my grain (cómo robar mi grano)!” I cried (grité).

I put up a long pole (puse un poste largo) in the center of the field (en el centro del campo), and on top of it I hung (y por encima colgué; to hang — colgar) the three dead birds (a los tres pájaros muertos).

“This will I do to all (esto haré a todos) that venture to come into my field ( los que se arriesguen a entrar en mi campo),” I said (dije).

Strange to say (por extraño que parezca), this ended all my troubles (pero esto puso fin a todos mis problemas). Not another bird came to that place (ningún otro pájaro no volvió a ese lugar) so long as my scarecrows hung there (mientras mis espantapájaros colgaban allí; scarecrow — espantapájaros; to scare — asustar; crow — cuervo). In fact (de hecho), the birds went away from that part of the island (los pájaros se fueron de esta parte de la isla), and I did not soon see another (y no vi pronto a otro = no veía a otros pájaros).

My grain was now safe from the beasts. It grew fast. The barley sent out large heads which soon began to ripen.

But now the birds came down in great flocks to rob me. They sat on the fence, they flew among the stalks of grain, they carried away all the ripe barley they could find.

This troubled me very much. The most of the grain was still green. But I feared that as soon as it ripened I should lose it all.

I loaded my gun and went out to the field. There I saw the thieves, sitting on the fence and watching me. I was so angry that I fired right among them and killed three.

“Now I will show you how to steal my grain!” I cried.

I put up a long pole in the center of the field, and on top of it I hung the three dead birds.

“This will I do to all that venture to come into my field,” I said.

Strange to say, this ended all my troubles. Not another bird came to that place so long as my scarecrows hung there. In fact, the birds went away from that part of the island, and I did not soon see another.

CHAPTER 24. I WORK UNDER MANY DIFFICULTIES

(CAPÍTULO 24. TRABAJO BAJO MUCHAS DIFICULTADES)

My barley ripened (mi cebada maduró) and was ready to be harvested (y estaba lista para ser cosechada). I had neither scythe (no tenía ni guadaña) nor sickle to cut it down (ni hoz para cortarla).

But you will remember (pero recuerdas) that I had two old swords (que tenía dos viejas espadas) which I had found in the ship (que había encontrado en el barco). With one of the swords I cut off (con una de las espadas corté) the heads of the barley (las espigas de cebada) and dropped them into a big basket (y las dejé caer en una gran cesta) I had made (que había hecho). I carried these heads into my cave (llevé estas espigas a mi cueva) and thrashed out the grain with my hands (y trituré el grano con mis manos).

When all my harvesting was done (cuando toda mi cosecha estaba terminada: «hecha»), I measured the grain (medí el grano; to measure — medir, sopesar). I had two bushels of rice (tenía dos busheles de arroz; bushel – es una medida de capacidad para mercancía solida) and two bushels and a half of barley (y dos y media busheles de cebada).

This pleased me very much (esto me agradó mucho). I felt now that I should soon be able to raise grain (sentí que pronto podría cultivar grano) enough for food (lo suficiente como para comer).

Have you ever thought how many things (alguna vez has pensado cuántas cosas) are necessary for the making of your bread (son necesarias para hacer tu pan)?

You have nothing to do but eat the bread (no tienes nada más que hacer que comer el pan) after others have made it (después de que otros lo hayan hecho). But I had to sow (pero tuve que sembrar), to reap (cosechar), to thrash (triturar), to grind (moler), to sift (tamizar), to mix (mezclar), and to bake (y hornear).

My barley ripened and was ready to be harvested. I had neither scythe nor sickle to cut it down.

But you will remember that I had two old swords which I had found in the ship. With one of the swords I cut off the heads of the barley and dropped them into a big basket I had made. I carried these heads into my cave and thrashed out the grain with my hands.

When all my harvesting was done, I measured the grain. I had two bushels of rice and two bushels and a half of barley.

This pleased me very much. I felt now that I should soon be able to raise grain enough for food.

Have you ever thought how many things are necessary for the making of your bread?

You have nothing to do but eat the bread after others have made it. But I had to sow, to reap, to thrash, to grind, to sift, to mix, and to bake.

To do all these (para hacer todo esto) I needed many tools (necesitaba muchas herramientas).

I had no plow (no tenía arado) to turn up the ground (para arrar el suelo; to turn up — alzar, elevar, arrar; to turn — girar, doblar, virar; dar vueltas). I had no spade (no tenía ni espada) nor shovel with which to dig it (ni pala para cavar). But with great labor (pero con un gran trabajo) I made me a wooden spade (me hice una pala de madera), which was better than nothing (que era mejor que nada).

After the ground was turned up (después de que el suelo estaba arrado), I sowed the seed (sembré la semilla) by scattering it with my hands (dispersándola con mis manos; to scatter — dispersarse, desperdigarse, esparcir). But it must be covered so it would grow (pero debe estar cubierta para que crezca), and I had no harrow (y no tenía rastra). I cut down the branch of a tree (corté la rama de un árbol), and dragged it over the field (y la arrastré sobre el campo; to drag — arrastrar). This, I think (esto, creo), was the way that people (que fue la forma en que la gente) in old times harrowed their ground (en los viejos tiempos labraba su terreno).

The third thing to be done was to build a fence around my field (lo tercero que se debería hacer era construir una valla alrededor de mi campo). After that came the reaping (después de eso vinieron la cosecha), the curing (el curado), the carrying home (entrega a casa), the thrashing (la trituración), the parting of the grain from the chaff (la separación del grano de la paja), the grinding (la molienda).

I needed a mill (necesitaba un molino) to do the grinding (para hacer la molienda). I needed a sieve (necesitaba un colador) to sift the flour (para tamizar la harina). I needed yeast and salt (necesitaba levadura y sal) to mix with the dough (para mezclar con la masa). I needed an oven to bake it (necesitaba un horno para hornearlo).

I had to do without the most of these things (tuve que prescindir de la mayoría de estas cosas). And this made my work (y esto hizo que mi trabajo) very slow and hard (fuera muy lento y duro; hard – difícil, duro).

To do all these I needed many tools.

I had no plow to turn up the ground. I had no spade nor shovel with which to dig it. But with great labor I made me a wooden spade, which was better than nothing.

After the ground was turned up, I sowed the seed by scattering it with my hands. But it must be covered so it would grow, and I had no harrow. I cut down the branch of a tree, and dragged it over the field. This, I think, was the way that people in old times harrowed their ground.

The third thing to be done was to build a fence around my field. After that came the reaping, the curing, the carrying home, the thrashing, the parting of the grain from the chaff, the grinding.

I needed a mill to do the grinding. I needed a sieve to sift the flour. I needed yeast and salt to mix with the dough. I needed an oven to bake it.

I had to do without the most of these things. And this made my work very slow and hard.

I was very lucky (tuve mucha suerte) in having saved so many tools (de haber ahorrado tantas herramientas) from the wreck (del naufragio), and for this I was indeed thankful (y por eso estaba realmente agradecido). What a hard case I would have been in (en qué situación difícil: «duro caso» hubiera sido) if I had saved nothing at all (si no hubiera salvado nada)!

From time to time (de vez en cuando), as I felt the need of things (a medida que sentía la necesidad de las cosas) I made a number of tools (creaba una serie de herramientas) that served me very well (que me servían muy bien). They were not such tools (no eran herramientas) as you would buy at the store (como las que compras en la tienda), but what did it matter (pero ¿qué más da)?

I have already told you about (ya te he contado sobre) the shovel which I made (la pala que hice) from a piece of hard wood (de un pedazo de madera dura). Next to the shovel (después de la pala) I needed a pickax most of all (necesitaba un pico más que nada).

Among the many things (entre las muchas cosas) that I had saved from the wreck (que había salvado del naufragio), I found an old crowbar (encontré una vieja palanca). This I heated in the fire until (la calenté en el fuego) it was almost white hot (hasta que estuvo casi al rojo vivo; hot – caliente, calurosos).

I then found (luego descubrí) that I could bend it quite easily (que podía doblarla con bastante facilidad). Little by little I shaped it (poco a poco la di forma; shape — forma; to shape — dar forma) until I had made quite a good pickax of it (hasta que hice de ella un pico bastante bueno). Of course, it was heavy (por supuesto, era pesada) and not at all pretty (y no era bonita para nada). But who would look for beauty in a pickax (pero quién buscaría la belleza en un pico)?

I was very lucky in having saved so many tools from the wreck, and for this I was indeed thankful. What a hard case I would have been in if I had saved nothing at all!

From time to time, as I felt the need of things I made a number of tools that served me very well. They were not such tools as you would buy at the store, but what did it matter?

I have already told you about the shovel which I made from a piece of hard wood. Next to the shovel I needed a pickax most of all.

Among the many things that I had saved from the wreck, I found an old crowbar. This I heated in the fire until it was almost white hot.

I then found that I could bend it quite easily. Little by little I shaped it until I had made quite a good pickax of it. Of course, it was heavy and not at all pretty. But who would look for beauty in a pickax?

I at first felt the need (al principio sentí la necesidad) of some light baskets (de algunas cestas ligeras) in which to carry my fruit and grain (para llevar mi fruta y mi grano). So I began to study (entonces comencé a estudiar; to study — estudiar, analizar) how baskets are made (cómo se hacen las cestas).

It was not until I had searched almost (solamente después de que busqué en casi) every nook on the island (todos los rincones de la isla) that I found some long slender twigs (encontré algunas ramitas largas y delgadas) that would bend to make wicker ware (que se doblaban para hacer artículos de mimbre; wicker — mimbre; ware — objetos, artículos, bienes). Then I spent many an hour learning (luego pasé muchas horas aprendiendo) how to weave these twigs together (cómo tejer estas ramas juntas) and shape them into the form of a basket (y darles forma de cesta).

In the end, however (al final, sin embargo), I was able to make as good baskets (pude hacer las mejores cestas) as were ever bought in the market (que jamás fueron compradas en el mercado).

I had quite a goodly number (tenía bastante buena cantidad; goodly — considerable, importante) of edge tools (de herramientas de corte). Among these there were three large axes (entre ellas había tres grandes hachas) and a great store of hatchets (y una gran cantidad de hachuelas); for you will remember (porque recuerdas) that we carried hatchets (que llevábamos hachas) to trade with the savages (para comerciar/ intercambiar con los bárbaros). I had also many knives (también tenía muchos cuchillos).

But all these became (pero todo esto se volvió) very dull with use (muy desafilado con el uso). I had saved a grindstone from the wreck (había guardado una piedra de afilar del naufragio), but I could not turn it (pero no podía girarla) and grind my tools at the same time (y afilar mis herramientas al mismo tiempo).

I studied hard to overcome this difficulty (estudié duro para superar esta dificultad). At last (por fin), I managed to fasten a string to the crank of the grindstone in such a way (logré sujetar una cuerda a la manivela de la piedra de afilar de tal manera) that I could turn it with my foot (que pudiera girarla con mi pie).

My tools were soon sharp (mis herramientas pronto estaban afiladas), and I kept them so (y las mantuve así = en tal estado/afiladas).

I at first felt the need of some light baskets in which to carry my fruit and grain. So I began to study how baskets are made.

It was not until I had searched almost every nook on the island that I found some long slender twigs that would bend to make wicker ware. Then I spent many an hour learning how to weave these twigs together and shape them into the form of a basket.

In the end, however, I was able to make as good baskets as were ever bought in the market.

I had quite a goodly number of edge tools. Among these there were three large axes and a great store of hatchets; for you will remember that we carried hatchets to trade with the savages. I had also many knives.

But all these became very dull with use. I had saved a grindstone from the wreck, but I could not turn it and grind my tools at the same time.

I studied hard to overcome this difficulty. At last, I managed to fasten a string to the crank of the grindstone in such a way that I could turn it with my foot.

My tools were soon sharp, and I kept them so.

CHAPTER 25. I BECOME A POTTER

(CAPÍTULO 25. ME CONVIERTO EN UN ALFARERO)

When it came to making bread (cuando se trataba de hacer pan: «cuando vino de hacer»), I found that I needed several vessels (descubrí = entendí que necesitaba varias vasijas). In fact (de hecho), I needed them in many ways (las necesitaba por muchas razones). It would be hard to make wooden vessels (sería difícil hacer vasijas de madera). Of course it was out of the question (por supuesto, estaba fuera de cuestión = era completamente imposible) to make vessels of iron or any other metal (hacer vasijas de hierro o cualquier otro metal). But (pero) why might I not make some earthen vessels (por qué no podría hacer algunas vasijas de barro)?

If I could find some good clay (si pudiera encontrar una buena arcilla), I felt quite sure that I could make pots (estaría bastante seguro de poder hacer los potes) strong enough to be of use (lo suficientemente fuertes como para ser útiles).

After much trouble (después de muchos problemas) I found the clay (encontré la arcilla). The next thing was (lo siguiente fue) to shape it into pots or jars (darle forma de potes o tarros).

You would have laughed to see the first things (te habrías reído al ver las primeras cosas) I tried to make (que traté de hacer). How ugly they were (qué feas eran)!

Some of them fell in pieces (algunas de ellas se partían en pedazos) of their own weight (de su propio peso). Some of them fell in pieces (algunas de ellas se partían en pedazos) when I tried to lift them (cuando traté de levantarlas).

They were of all shapes and sizes (eran de todas posibles formas y tamaños).

When it came to making bread, I found that I needed several vessels. In fact, I needed them in many ways. It would be hard to make wooden vessels. Of course it was out of the question to make vessels of iron or any other metal. But why might I not make some earthen vessels?

If I could find some good clay, I felt quite sure that I could make pots strong enough to be of use.

After much trouble I found the clay. The next thing was to shape it into pots or jars.

You would have laughed to see the first things I tried to make. How ugly they were!

Some of them fell in pieces of their own weight. Some of them fell in pieces when I tried to lift them.

They were of all shapes and sizes.

After I had worked two months (después de trabajar dos meses) I had only two large jars (sólo tenía dos tarros grandes) that were fit to look at (que se podían ver; fit — quedar bien, valer; servir). These I used for holding my (los usé para sostener mi) rice and barley meal (comida de arroz y cebada).

Then I tried some smaller things (luego probé algunas cosas más pequeñas), and did quite well (y lo hice bastante bien).

I made some plates (hice algunos platos), a pitcher (una jarra), and some little jars (y algunos pequeños tarros) that would hold about a pint (que sostenían alrededor de una pinta; pinta – es una unidad de volumen que equivale a 0,57 litros).

All these I baked in the hot sun (todos los horneé en el sol ardiente). They kept their shape (mantenían su forma), and seemed quite hard (y parecían bastante duros). But of course (pero, por supuesto) they would not hold water (no aguantarían el agua) or bear the heat of the fire (ni soportarían el calor del fuego).

One day (un día) when I was cooking my meat for dinner (cuando estaba preparando mi carne para la comida), I made a very hot fire (preparé un fuego ardiente). When I was done with it (cuando terminé con eso), I raked down the coals (bajé las brasas) and poured water on it to put it out (y vertí agua sobre el fuego para apagarlo).

It so happened that one of my little earthenware jars (sucedió que uno de mis pequeños tarros de arcilla) had fallen into the fire and been broken (cayó al fuego y se rompió). I had not taken it out (no lo había sacado), but had left it in the hot flames (sino lo había dejado en las llamas ardientes; to leave, left, left – dejar).

Now (ahora), as I was raking out the coals (mientras estaba recogiendo los carbones), I found some pieces of it (encontré algunos pedazos /del tarro/) and was surprised at the sight of them (y me sorprendió verlos), for they were burned as hard as stones and as red as tiles (porque estaban quemados como piedras y rojos como una teja).

After I had worked two months I had only two large jars that were fit to look at. These I used for holding my rice and barley meal.

Then I tried some smaller things, and did quite well.

I made some plates, a pitcher, and some little jars that would hold about a pint.

All these I baked in the hot sun. They kept their shape, and seemed quite hard. But of course they would not hold water or bear the heat of the fire.

One day when I was cooking my meat for dinner, I made a very hot fire. When I was done with it, I raked down the coals and poured water on it to put it out.

It so happened that one of my little earthenware jars had fallen into the fire and been broken. I had not taken it out, but had left it in the hot flames.

Now, as I was raking out the coals, I found some pieces of it and was surprised at the sight of them, for they were burned as hard as stones and as red as tiles.

“If broken pieces will burn so (si los pedazos rotos ardían),” said I (dije), “why cannot a whole jar be made as hard (por qué no se puede hacer una jarra tan dura) and as red as these (y tan roja como estos)?”

I had never seen potters at work (nunca había visto alfareros en el trabajo). I did not know how to build a kiln (no sabía cómo construir un horno) for firing the pots (para hornear los potes). I had never heard (nunca había escuchado) how earthenware is glazed (cómo se esmalta loza de arcilla).

But I made up my mind (pero me decidí; to make up one's mind to do smth. — decidirse a hacer algo) to see what could be done (a ver qué se podía hacer).

I put several pots (puse varios potes) and small jars in a pile (y pequeños tarros todos juntos), one upon another (uno sobre otro). I laid dry wood (puse madera seca) all over and about them (por todas partes y sobre ellos), and then set it on fire (y luego prendí fuego).

As fast as the wood burned up (en cuanto la madera se quemó), I heaped other pieces upon the fire (amontoné otros trozos sobre el fuego; heap — un monton, multitud; to heap — apilar, amontonar). The hot flames roared all round (las llamas ardientes rugieron = hirvieron alrededor; to roar — rugir; bramar) the jars and pots (de los tarros y potes). The red coals burned beneath them (las brasas rojas ardieron debajo de ellos).

I kept the fire going all day (mantuve el fuego encendido todo el día). I could see the pots (pude ver que las ollas) become red-hot through and through (se pusieron al rojo vivo de la cabeza a los pies; through — a travez de; todo, entero). The sand on the side of a little jar (la arena del costado de un tarro) began to melt and run (comenzó a derretirse y salir).

“If broken pieces will burn so,” said I, “why cannot a whole jar be made as hard and as red as these?”

I had never seen potters at work. I did not know how to build a kiln for firing the pots. I had never heard how earthenware is glazed.

But I made up my mind to see what could be done.

I put several pots and small jars in a pile, one upon another. I laid dry wood all over and about them, and then set it on fire.

As fast as the wood burned up, I heaped other pieces upon the fire. The hot flames roared all round the jars and pots. The red coals burned beneath them.

I kept the fire going all day. I could see the pots become red-hot through and through. The sand on the side of a little jar began to melt and run.

After that (después de eso) I let the fire go down (dejé que el fuego se apagara), little by little (poco a poco). I watched it all night (lo miraba toda la noche), for I did not wish (así que no quería) the pots and jars (que los potes y tarros) to cool too quickly (se enfriaran demasiado rápido).

In the morning (por la mañana) I found that (descubrí que) I had three very good earthen pots (tenía tres potes de arcilla muy buenos). They were not at all pretty (no eran nada bonitas), but they were as hard as rocks (pero eran tan duros como las rocas; rock – roca) and would hold water (y aguantarían el agua).

I had two fine jars also (también tenía dos tarros finos), and one of them (y uno de ellos) was well glazed with the melted sand (estaba bien acristalado con la arena derretida).

After this (después de esto) I made all the pots (hice todas los potes) and jars (y tarros) and plates (y platos) and pans that I needed (y sartenes que necesitaba). They were of all shapes and sizes (eran de todas las formas y tamaños).

You would have laughed to see them (te habrías reído al verlos).

Of course (por supuesto) I was awkward at this work (que era torpe en este trabajo). I was like a child (yo era como un niño) making mud pies (haciendo tartas de barro).

But how glad I was when (pero qué contento estaba cuando) I found that I had a vessel (descubrí que tenía una vasija) that would bear the fire (que aguantaría el fuego)! I could hardly wait (apenas podía esperar) to put some water in it (para poner un poco de agua) and boil me some meat (y cocer un poco de carne).

That night I had turtle soup (aquella noche comí sopa de tortuga; night — noche) and barley broth for supper (y un caldo de cebada para la cena).

After that I let the fire go down, little by little. I watched it all night, for I did not wish the pots and jars to cool too quickly.

In the morning I found that I had three very good earthen pots. They were not at all pretty, but they were as hard as rocks and would hold water.

I had two fine jars also, and one of them was well glazed with the melted sand.

After this I made all the pots and jars and plates and pans that I needed. They were of all shapes and sizes.

You would have laughed to see them.

Of course I was awkward at this work. I was like a child making mud pies.

But how glad I was when I found that I had a vessel that would bear the fire! I could hardly wait to put some water in it and boil me some meat.

That night I had turtle soup and barley broth for supper.

CHAPTER 26. I BUILD A BIG CANOE

(CAPÍTULO 26. CONSTRUYO UNA GRAN CANOA)

While I was doing these things (mientras hacía estas cosas) I was always trying to think of some way (siempre intentaba pensar en alguna forma) to escape from the island (de escapar de la isla). True (es cierto), I was living there with much comfort (que estaba viviendo allí con mucha comodidad). I was happier than (estaba más feliz que cuando) I had ever been while sailing the seas (había estado navegando por los mares).

But I longed to see other men (pero deseaba ver a otra gente). I longed for home and friends (deseaba ver a la casa y los amigos; to long for smth. — ansiar, desear).

You will remember that when (recuerdas que cuando) I was over at the farther side of the island (estaba en el otro lado de la isla) I had seen land in the distance (había visto tierra a lo lejos). Fifty or sixty miles of water (cincuenta o sesenta millas de agua) lay between me and that land (se extienden entre mí y aquella tierra). Yet I was always wishing that I could reach it (sin embargo, siempre deseé poder alcanzarla).

It was a foolish wish (fue un deseo estúpido). For there was no telling what I might find (no se sabía lo que podría encontrar) on that distant shore (porque en esa orilla lejana; distant — lejano).

Perhaps it was a far worse place (tal vez era un lugar mucho peor) than my little island (que mi pequeña isla). Perhaps there were savage beasts there (tal vez había bestias salvajes allí). Perhaps wild men lived there (quizás vivían allí hombres salvajes) who would kill me and eat me (que me matarían y comerían).

I thought of all these things (pensé en todas estas cosas); but I was willing to risk (pero estaba dispuesto a arriesgarme) every kind of danger (a todo tipo de peligro) rather than stay where I was (en lugar de quedarme donde estaba).

While I was doing these things I was always trying to think of some way to escape from the island. True, I was living there with much comfort. I was happier than I had ever been while sailing the seas.

But I longed to see other men. I longed for home and friends.

You will remember that when I was over at the farther side of the island I had seen land in the distance. Fifty or sixty miles of water lay between me and that land. Yet I was always wishing that I could reach it.

It was a foolish wish. For there was no telling what I might find on that distant shore.

Perhaps it was a far worse place than my little island. Perhaps there were savage beasts there. Perhaps wild men lived there who would kill me and eat me.

I thought of all these things; but I was willing to risk every kind of danger rather than stay where I was.

At last I made up my mind to build a boat (por fin decidí construir un bote). It should be large enough (debería ser lo suficientemente grande) to carry me (como para llevar a mí) and all that belonged to me (y todo lo que me pertenecía). It should be strong enough (debería ser lo suficientemente fuerte) to stand a long voyage over stormy seas (como para soportar un largo viaje sobre mares tormentosos).

I had seen the great canoes (había visto las grandes canoas) which Indians sometimes make (que los indios a veces hacen) of the trunks of trees (de los troncos de los árboles). I would make one of the same kind (haría uno del mismo tipo).

In the woods I found a cedar tree (en el bosque encontré un cedro) which I thought was (que pensé que era) just the right thing for my canoe (la cosa correcta para mi canoa).

It was a huge tree (fue un gran árbol). Its trunk was more than five feet (su tronco tenía más de cinco pies) through at the bottom (de ancho en la parte inferior; through — a través de).

I chopped and hewed many days (cortaba y labraba muchos días; to chop — cortar, talar; trocear; to hew — tallar; labrar) before it fell to the ground (antes de que cayera al suelo). It took two weeks to cut (me tomó dos semanas para cortar) a log of the right length from it (un tronco de la longitud correcta).

Then I went to work on the log (luego fui a trabajar sobre el tronco). I chop (corté) and hewed (y labré) and shaped the outside into the form of a canoe (y di a su parte exterior una forma de canoa). With hatchet and chisel (con hacha y cincel) I hollowed out the inside (ahuequé la parte interior; hollow — hueco, vacío; to hollow /out/ — vaciar algo; ahuecar algo).

At last I made up my mind to build a boat. It should be large enough to carry me and all that belonged to me. It should be strong enough to stand a long voyage over stormy seas.

I had seen the great canoes which Indians sometimes make of the trunks of trees. I would make one of the same kind.

In the woods I found a cedar tree which I thought was just the right thing for my canoe.

It was a huge tree. Its trunk was more than five feet through at the bottom.

I chopped and hewed many days before it fell to the ground. It took two weeks to cut a log of the right length from it.

Then I went to work on the log. I chop and hewed and shaped the outside into the form of a canoe. With hatchet and chisel I hollowed out the inside.

For full three months I worked (durante tres meses completos trabajé) on that cedar log (sobre este tronco de cedro). I was both proud and glad (estaba orgulloso y contento; both – los dos, ambos) when the canoe was finished (cuando la canoa estuvo terminada). I had never seen so big a boat (nunca había visto un bote tan grande) made from a single tree (hecho de un solo árbol; single — uno solo; único; individual).

It was well shaped and handsome (estaba bien formado y era bonito). More than twenty men (más de veinte hombres) might find room to sit in it (podrían encontrar espacio para sentarse en él).

But now the hardest question (pero ahora la pregunta más difícil) of all must answered (de todas debe ser respondida).

How was I to get my canoe into the water (cómo iba a llevar mi canoa al agua: «en el agua»)?

It lay not more than three hundred feet (estaba a no más de trescientos pies; to lie – estar; tumbarse) from the little river (del pequeño río) where I had first landed with my raft (donde había desembarcado por primera vez con mi balsa).

But how was I to move it three hundred feet (pero cómo iba a moverla trescientos pies), or even one foot (o incluso un pie)? It was so heavy (era tan pesada) that I could not even roll it over (que ni siquiera podía rodarla; to roll – rodar).

I thought of several plans (pensé en varios planes). But when I came to reckon (pero cuando llegué a calcular) the time and the labor (el tiempo y el trabajo), I found that (descubrí que) even by the easiest plan (incluso con el plan más sencillo) it would take twenty years (tomaría veinte años) to get the canoe into the water (llevar la canoa al agua).

What could I do but leave it (qué podría hacer más que dejarlo) in the woods where it lay (en el bosque donde estaba)?

How foolish I had been (qué tonto había sido)! Why had I not thought (por qué no había pensado) of the weight of the canoe (en el peso de la canoa) before going to the labor of making it (antes de ponerme a hacerlo)?

For full three months I worked on that cedar log. I was both proud and glad when the canoe was finished. I had never seen so big a boat made from a single tree.

It was well shaped and handsome. More than twenty men might find room to sit in it.

But now the hardest question of all must answered.

How was I to get my canoe into the water?

It lay not more than three hundred feet from the little river where I had first landed with my raft.

But how was I to move it three hundred feet, or even one foot? It was so heavy that I could not even roll it over.

I thought of several plans. But when I came to reckon the time and the labor, I found that even by the easiest plan it would take twenty years to get the canoe into the water.

What could I do but leave it in the woods where it lay?

How foolish I had been! Why had I not thought of the weight of the canoe before going to the labor of making it?

The wise man will always look (el hombre sabio siempre mirará) before he leaps (antes de saltar). I certainly had not acted wisely (ciertamente no había actuado sabiamente = había soltado una majadería).

I went back to my castle (regresé a mi castillo), feeling sad and thoughtful (sintiéndome triste y pensativo).

Why should I be discontented and unhappy (por qué debería estar descontento e infeliz)?

I was the master of all that I saw (yo era el dueño de todo lo que vi). I might call myself the king of the island (podría llamarme el rey de la isla).

I had all the comforts of life (tenía todas las comodidades de la vida).

I had food in plenty (tenía comida en abundancia).

I might raise shiploads of grain (podría aumentar la carga de granos; shipload — cargamento), but there was no market for it (pero no había mercado para eso).

I had thousands of trees (tenía miles de árboles) for timber and fuel (para madera y combustible), but no one wished to buy (pero nadie quería comprar).

I counted the money (conté el dinero) which I had brought from the ship (que había traído del barco). There were above a hundred pieces (había más de cien piezas) of gold and silver (de oro y plata); but of what use were they (pero para qué servían)?

I would have given all for a handful of peas or beans to plant (hubiera dado todo por un puñado de guisantes o habas para plantar). I would have given all for a bottle of ink (hubiera dado todo por una botella de tinta).

The wise man will always look before he leaps. I certainly had not acted wisely.

I went back to my castle, feeling sad and thoughtful.

Why should I be discontented and unhappy?

I was the master of all that I saw. I might call myself the king of the island.

I had all the comforts of life.

I had food in plenty.

I might raise shiploads of grain, but there was no market for it.

I had thousands of trees for timber and fuel, but no one wished to buy.

I counted the money which I had brought from the ship. There were above a hundred pieces of gold and silver; but of what use were they?

I would have given all for a handful of peas or beans to plant. I would have given all for a bottle of ink.

CHAPTER 27. I MAKE AN UMBRELLA

(CAPÍTULO 27. HAGO UNA SOMBRILLA)

As the years went by (con el paso de los años) the things which I had brought from the ship (las cosas que había traído del barco) were used up or worn out (se agotaron o se desgastaron; to wear — llevar puesto, vestir; to wear out — desgastarse). My biscuits lasted more than a year (mis galletas duraron más de un año); for I ate only one cake each day (sólo comía una galleta cada día; cake — pastel; torta; bizcocho).

My ink soon gave out (mi tinta pronto se agotó; to give out — agotarse), and then I had no more use for (y luego ya no tuve más donde usar) pens or paper (plumas o papel).

At last my clothes were all worn out (al fin mi ropa estaba desgastada).

The weather was always warm (el clima siempre era cálido) on my island (en mi isla) and there was little need for clothes (y había poca necesidad de ropa). But I could not go without them (pero no podía vivir sin ella; to go without smth. — pasar sin; vivr sin).

It so happened (dio la casualidad) that I had saved (de que había guardado) the skins of all the animals (las pieles de todos los animales) I had killed (que había matado).

I stretched every skin on a framework of sticks (estiré cada piel sobre los palos), and hung it up in the sun to dry (y la colgué al sol para que se secara).

In time (con el tiempo) I had a great many of these skins (tuve muchas de estas pieles). Some were coarse (algunas eran gruesas) and stiff and fit for nothing (y tiesas y no servían para nada; stiff – rígido, tieso; fit – servir). Others were soft to the touch (otras eran suaves al tacto) and very pretty to look at (y se veían muy bonitas).

As the years went by the things which I had brought from the ship were used up or worn out. My biscuits lasted more than a year; for I ate only one cake each day.

My ink soon gave out, and then I had no more use for pens or paper.

At last my clothes were all worn out.

The weather was always warm on my island and there was little need for clothes. But I could not go without them.

It so happened that I had saved the skins of all the animals I had killed.

I stretched every skin on a framework of sticks, and hung it up in the sun to dry.

In time I had a great many of these skins. Some were coarse and stiff and fit for nothing. Others were soft to the touch and very pretty to look at.

One day I took one of the finest (un día tomé una de las mejores) and made me a cap of it (y me hice una gorra). I left all the hair on the outside (dejé todo el pelo fuera), so as to shoot off the rain (para escapar = protegerse de la lluvia).

It was not very pretty (no fue muy lindo); but it was of great use (pero fue de gran utilidad), and what more did I want (y ¿qué más quería)?

I did so well with the cap (lo hice tan bien con la gorra) that I thought I would try something else (que pensé que probaría otra cosa). So, after a great deal of trouble (entonces, después de tantos esfuerzos), I made me a whole suit (me hice un traje completo).

I made me a waistcoat (me hice un chaleco) and a pair of knee breeches (y un par de calzones abiertos en las rodillas; knee — rodilla; breeches — calzones; pantalón pirata). I wanted them to keep me cool (quería que me mantuvieran fresco) rather than warm (en lugar de cálido = de estar abrigado). So I made them quite loose (así que los hice bastante sueltos; loose — flojo; suelto).

You would have laughed to see them (te habrías reído al verlos). They were funny things (eran cosas divertidas), I tell you (ya te digo). But when I went out in the rain (pero cuando salí bajo la lluvia), they kept me dry (me mantuvieron seco).

This, I think (esto, creo), put me in mind of an umbrella (que me hizo pensar en una sombrilla).

One day I took one of the finest and made me a cap of it. I left all the hair on the outside, so as to shoot off the rain.

It was not very pretty; but it was of great use, and what more did I want?

I did so well with the cap that I thought I would try something else. So, after a great deal of trouble, I made me a whole suit.

I made me a waistcoat and a pair of knee breeches. I wanted them to keep me cool rather than warm. So I made them quite loose.

You would have laughed to see them. They were funny things, I tell you. But when I went out in the rain, they kept me dry.

This, I think, put me in mind of an umbrella.

I had seen umbrellas in Brazil (había visto sombrillas en Brasil), although they were not yet common in England (aunque todavía no eran comunes en Inglaterra; common – común). They were of much use in the summer (eran de mucha utilidad en el verano) when the sun shone hot (cuando brillaba el sol; to shine – brillar).

I thought that (pensé que) if they were good in Brazil (si fueran buenas en Brasil), they would be still better here (serían aún mejores aquí), where the sun was much hotter (donde el sol era mucho más caliente).

So I set about the making of one (así que me puse a hacer una /sombrilla/).

I took great pains with it (me tomé grandes esfuerzos con ella; pain – dolor; sufrimiento), and it was a long time before (y pasó mucho tiempo antes) it pleased me at all (de que me complaciera en absoluto).

I could make it spread (podría hacer que se abriera; to spread — estenderse; abrir), but it did not let down (pero no cerrarla). And what would be the use of an umbrella (y cuál sería el uso de una sombrilla) that could not be folded (que no se puede cerrar: «que no se podía estar plegada»)?

I do not know how many weeks (no sé cuántas semanas) I spent at this work (me gasté en este trabajo). It was play work rather than anything else (era un juego = diversión en lugar de otra cosa), and I picked it up only at odd times (y la cogía sólo en tiempo libre; odd — raro; impar, non; de vez en cuando).

I had seen umbrellas in Brazil, although they were not yet common in England. They were of much use in the summer when the sun shone hot.

I thought that if they were good in Brazil, they would be still better here, where the sun was much hotter.

So I set about the making of one.

I took great pains with it, and it was a long time before it pleased me at all.

I could make it spread, but it did not let down. And what would be the use of an umbrella that could not be folded?

I do not know how many weeks I spent at this work. It was play work rather than anything else, and I picked it up only at odd times.

At last I had an umbrella (por fin tenía una sombrilla) that opened and shut (que se abría y se cerraba) just as an umbrella should (como debería hacerlo una sombrilla).

I covered it with skins (lo cubrí de pieles), with the hair on the outside (con el pelo en la parte exterior). In the rain (en la lluvia) it was as good as a shed (era tan buena como un cobertizo). In the sun (en el sol) it made a pleasant shade (hacía una sombra agradable).

I could now go out (ahora podría salir) in all kinds of weather (en todo tipo de clima). I need not care (no me importa) whether the rain fell (si caía la lluvia) or the sun shone (o brillaba el sol).

For the next five years (durante los siguientes cinco años) I lived very quietly (viví tranquilamente). I kept always busy (siempre estaba ocupado) and did not allow myself to feel lonely (y no me permitía sentirme solo).

I divided each day into parts (dividí cada día en partes) according to my several duties (según en el número de mis deberes; several — varios).

After reading in my Bible (después de leer mi Biblia), it was my custom to spend about three hours (mi costumbre era pasar unas tres horas) every morning in search of food (cada mañana en búsqueda de comida). Through the heat of the day (con el calor del día), I busied myself in the shade (estaba ocupado bajo la sombra) of my castle or bower (de mi castillo o emparrado).

In the evening (a la tarde), when the sun was low (cuando el sol estaba bajo), I worked in my fields (trabajaba en mis campos). But sometimes I went to work very early in the morning (pero a veces me iba a trabajar muy temprano por la mañana) and left my hunting until the afternoon (y dejaba mi caza hasta la tarde).

At last I had an umbrella that opened and shut just as an umbrella should.

I covered it with skins, with the hair on the outside. In the rain it was as good as a shed. In the sun it made a pleasant shade.

I could now go out in all kinds of weather. I need not care whether the rain fell or the sun shone.

For the next five years I lived very quietly. I kept always busy and did not allow myself to feel lonely.

I divided each day into parts according to my several duties.

After reading in my Bible, it was my custom to spend about three hours every morning in search of food. Through the heat of the day, I busied myself in the shade of my castle or bower.

In the evening, when the sun was low, I worked in my fields. But sometimes I went to work very early in the morning and left my hunting until the afternoon.

CHAPTER 28. I HAVE A PERILOUS ADVENTURE

(CAPÍTULO 28. TENGO UNA AVENTURA PELIGROSA; peril — peligro; riesgo)

I had never given up (nunca me había rendido; to give up — dejar; rendir) the idea of having a canoe (la idea de tener una canoa).

My first trial (mi primera prueba), as you have seen (como has visto), was a failure (ha sido un fracaso). I had made too big a boat (había hecho un bote demasiado grande), and I had made it too far from the water (y lo había hecho demasiado lejos del agua). I could do better another time (podría hacerlo mejor en otro momento). One day after I had harvested my grain (un día después de haber cosechado mi grano), I set to work (me puse a trabajar).

There was no tree near (no había ningún árbol cerca) the river that was fit for a canoe (del río que fuera apto para una canoa). But I found a fine one (pero encontré un buen árbol) nearly half a mile away (a casi media milla de distancia).

Before I began to chop the tree (antes de comenzar a cortar el árbol), I made all my plans for taking the canoe to the water (hice todos mis planes para llevar la canoa al agua).

I worked now with a will (trabajé ahora con voluntad), for I felt sure that I would succeed (porque estaba seguro de que tendría éxito).

In a few weeks (en unas pocas semanas) the little vessel was finished (el pequeño buque estaba terminado). It was a very pretty canoe (era una canoa muy bonita), and large enough (y lo suficientemente grande) for only two or three persons (para dos o tres personas).

Small as it was (por pequeña que fuera), it was quite heavy (era bastante pesada). For you must remember (porque debes recordar) that it was a part of the tree (que era una parte del árbol), hollowed out and shaped like a boat (ahuecada y con forma de bote). It was as much as I could do (era todo lo que podía hacer) to lift one end of it (para levantar un extremo de ella /canoa/).

I had never given up the idea of having a canoe.

My first trial, as you have seen, was a failure. I had made too big a boat, and I had made it too far from the water. I could do better another time. One day after I had harvested my grain, I set to work.

There was no tree near the river that was fit for a canoe. But I found a fine one nearly half a mile away.

Before I began to chop the tree, I made all my plans for taking the canoe to the water.

I worked now with a will, for I felt sure that I would succeed.

In a few weeks the little vessel was finished. It was a very pretty canoe, and large enough for only two or three persons.

Small as it was, it was quite heavy. For you must remember that it was a part of the tree, hollowed out and shaped like a boat. It was as much as I could do to lift one end of it.

How should I ever get it to the river (cómo debería llevarla al río)?

I have already told you (ya te dije) that I had made plans for this (que había hecho planes para esto = había pensado como hacerlo).

Through the soft ground (a través del terreno blando; through – a través de) between the river and the canoe (entre el río y la canoa) I dug a big ditch (cavé una gran zanja; to dig – cavar). It was four feet deep (tenía cuatro pies de profundidad) and six feet wide (y seis pies de ancho) and nearly half a mile long (y casi media milla de largo).

I worked at this ditch (trabajé sobre esta zanja) for nearly two years (durante casi dos años). When it was done and filled (cuando estaba hecha y llenada) with water from the river (de agua del río), I slid my canoe into it (deslicé mi canoa). It floated (flotó), as I knew it would (como pensaba que haría).

As I pushed it along to the end (en cuanto la empujé hasta el final) of the great ditch (de la gran zanja) and out into the river (y salió al río), it looked very small (parecía muy pequeña). I could never hope (nunca podría esperar) to make a long voyage in it (hacer un largo viaje en ella; long – largo; de largo plazo)!

But I could sail round the island (pero podría navegar alrededor de la isla), and make little journeys close to the shore (y hacer pequeños viajes cerca de la orilla).

Before starting out (antes de comenzar), I put up a mast (puse un mástil) in the prow of the canoe (en la proa de la canoa) and made a sail for it of a piece (e hice una vela de un pedazo) of the ship’s sail (de la vela del barco) that I had kept with great care (que había guardado con gran cuidado).

How should I ever get it to the river?

I have already told you that I had made plans for this.

Through the soft ground between the river and the canoe I dug a big ditch. It was four feet deep and six feet wide and nearly half a mile long.

I worked at this ditch for nearly two years. When it was done and filled with water from the river, I slid my canoe into it. It floated, as I knew it would.

As I pushed it along to the end of the great ditch and out into the river, it looked very small. I could never hope to make a long voyage in it!

But I could sail round the island, and make little journeys close to the shore.

Before starting out, I put up a mast in the prow of the canoe and made a sail for it of a piece of the ship’s sail that I had kept with great care.

Then (luego) at each end of the little vessel (en cada extremo del pequeño buque) I made lockers or small boxes (construí casilleros o cajas pequeñas; locker — casillero; to lock — cerrar con llave; cerrar con candado; cerrar con pestillo; lock — cerradura), in which I put a supply of food (en las que puse un abastecimiento de alimentos) and other things (y otras cosas) that I would need on my voyage (que necesitaría en mi viaje).

On the inside of the vessel (en el interior del buque) I cut a little (hice un pequeño), long (largo), hollow place (amplio hueco) or shelf where I could lay my gun (o estante donde podía colocar mi arma); and above this (y encima de esto) I tacked a long flap of goatskin (clavé un largo colgajo de piel de cabra; tack – tachuela; chincheta; to tack – clavar; fijar; sujetar con tachuelas; flap – colgajo; to flap — agitar; aletear; batir) to hang down over it and keep it dry (para colgarlo y mantenerlo seco).

In the stern I set up my umbrella (en la popa coloqué mi sombrilla), so that it would keep the hot sun off of me (para que no me quemara el sol) while I was steering the canoe (mientras manejaba la canoa).

Then every day (entonces, todos los días) I made short trips down the river (hacía pequeños viajes por el río) to the sea and back again (hasta el mar y con vuelta otra vez). Sometimes (a veces), when the wind was fair (cuando el viento era favorable), I sailed a little way out (navegaba un poco más); but I was afraid to go far (pero tenía miedo de ir muy lejos).

At last I made up my mind (por fin decidí) for a voyage around the island (hacer un viaje alrededor de la isla).

I filled my lockers with food (llené mis casilleros con comida). In one I put two dozen barley cakes (en uno de ellos puse dos docenas de bizcochos de cebada) and a pot full of parched rice (y un pote lleno de arroz tostado; to parch — secar; tostar; requemar). In the other I stored (en el otro almacenaba) the hind quarters of a goat (los cuartos traseros /codillo/ de una cabra; quarter — cuarto; parte trasera; hind quarters – cuartos traseros; ancas).

I also put in powder and shot enough to kill as much game as I would need (también puse suficiente pólvora y disparo para poder matar tanta presa como necesitaba).

Then at each end of the little vessel I made lockers or small boxes, in which I put a supply of food and other things that I would need on my voyage.

On the inside of the vessel I cut a little, long, hollow place or shelf where I could lay my gun; and above this I tacked a long flap of goatskin to hang down over it and keep it dry.

In the stern I set up my umbrella, so that it would keep the hot sun off of me while I was steering the canoe.

Then every day I made short trips down the river to the sea and back again. Sometimes, when the wind was fair, I sailed a little way out; but I was afraid to go far.

At last I made up my mind for a voyage around the island.

I filled my lockers with food. In one I put two dozen barley cakes and a pot full of parched rice. In the other I stored the hind quarters of a goat.

I also put in powder and shot enough to kill as much game as I would need.

On a day in November (un día de noviembre) I set sail on my voyage (fui de viaje; to set sail — zarpar). It proved to be a harder voyage (resultó ser un viaje) than I had bargained for (más difícil de lo que había esperado; to bargain — regatear; negociar).

In the first place (en primer lugar), there were so many rocks along the shore (había tantas rocas a lo largo de la orilla) that I sometimes had to sail for miles out (que a veces tuve que navegar millas) into the sea to get around them (por mar para eludirlas).

Then, when I was (luego, cuando estaba) on the farther side of the island (en el lado más alejado de la isla), I struck a furious current of water (me golpeó una furiosa corriente de agua; to strike — golpear; estrellar; furious — furioso, colérico, rabioso; fury — furia, ira, virulencia) that was pouring round a point (que se derramaba alrededor de un punto) of land like the sluice of mill (de una tierra firme como la compuerta de un molino; sluice — canal; saetín; compuerta; esclusa).

I could do nothing in such a current (no podría hacer nada con esta corriente). My canoe was whirled along (mi canoa fue girada; to whirl — girar, rodar, remolinar) like a leaf in a whirlwind (como una hoja en un torbellino). The sail was of no use (la vela no era de utilidad). The little vessel spun round and round (el pequeño buque daba vueltas y vueltas; to spin — hacer girar; dar vueltas; tejer) in the eddies (en los remolinos) and was carried far out to sea (y fue llevado lejos hacia el mar).

I gave myself up for lost (me di por perdido). I was so far out that I could hardly see (estaba tan lejos que casi no podía ver) the low shores of my island (las orillas bajas de mi isla).

On a day in November I set sail on my voyage. It proved to be a harder voyage than I had bargained for.

In the first place, there were so many rocks along the shore that I sometimes had to sail for miles out into the sea to get around them.

Then, when I was on the farther side of the island, I struck a furious current of water that was pouring round a point of land like the sluice of mill.

I could do nothing in such a current. My canoe was whirled along like a leaf in a whirlwind. The sail was of no use. The little vessel spun round and round in the eddies and was carried far out to sea.

I gave myself up for lost. I was so far out that I could hardly see the low shores of my island.

Suddenly I noticed (de repente noté) that the canoe was only a little (que la canoa estaba solo un poco) way from the edge of the current (lejos del borde de la corriente). Just beyond it the water (más allá, el agua) was quite calm and smooth (estaba bastante tranquila y lisa; smooth – liso).

I took up my paddle again (tomé mi remo nuevamente) and paddled with all my might (y remaba con todas mis fuerzas). With great joy (con gran alegría) I soon found myself (pronto me encontré) floating in quiet water (flotando en aguas tranquilas; to float – flotar).

The wind was fair for the shore (el viento soplaba hacia la orilla), and I set my sail again (y otra vez icé mi vela). The canoe sped swiftly (la canoa aceleró velozmente; to speed — aquí acelerar) back toward the island (hacia la isla).

I saw then that I was sailing (entonces vi que estaba navegando) midway between two strong currents (a mitad de camino entre dos fuertes corrientes). If I should be caught in either (si me atrapara cualquiera de las dos; to catch, caught, caught – atrapar), I would again be carried out to sea (me llevarían de nuevo al mar).

I needed all the skill I had (necesitaba toda la habilidad) to steer the canoe aright (que tenía para dirigir la canoa correctamente; aright — bien, correctamente). At last (por fin), when the sun was almost down (cuando el sol casi había bajado), I brought it into a quiet little cove (la llevé en una pequeña tranquila ensenada) where the shore was green with grass (donde la orilla estaba verde de la hierba).

Suddenly I noticed that the canoe was only a little way from the edge of the current. Just beyond it the water was quite calm and smooth.

I took up my paddle again and paddled with all my might. With great joy I soon found myself floating in quiet water.

The wind was fair for the shore, and I set my sail again. The canoe sped swiftly back toward the island.

I saw then that I was sailing midway between two strong currents. If I should be caught in either, I would again be carried out to sea.

I needed all the skill I had to steer the canoe aright. At last, when the sun was almost down, I brought it into a quiet little cove where the shore was green with grass.

CHAPTER 29. I AM ALARMED BY A VOICE

(CAPÍTULO 29. ESTOY ALARMADO POR UNA VOZ; alarm — alarma, señal de alarma; advertencia; to alarm — alarmar; asustar)

As soon as I touched the land (tan pronto como pisé la tierra), I fell upon my knees (caí sobre mis rodillas) and gave God thanks for bringing me (y agradecí a Dios: «di las gracias a Dios» por haberme) safe out of so great danger (salvado de tan gran peligro). I made the canoe fast (até la canoa firmemente; fast – firmemente) to a rock by the shore (a una roca junto a la orilla), and lay down on the grass (y me acosté sobre la hierba).

I was so tired that I soon fell asleep (estaba tan cansado que pronto me quedé dormido) and did not waken once until the next morning (y no me había despertado hasta la mañana siguiente).

I went up a little hill close by the shore (subí sobre una pequeña colina cerca de la orilla), and looked around (y miré alrededor) to see what part of the island I was in (para ver en qué parte de la isla estaba).

To my right I saw some well-known trees (a la derecha vi unos árboles conocidos) which I had visited (que había visitado = había visto) when I was exploring the island (cuando exploraba la isla). Then I knew that I was only a little way (entonces supe que estaba solo a un paso) from my summer house (de mi casa de verano) and that I could reach it easily by walking (y que podía alcanzarla fácilmente caminando).

I was sick of the sea (estaba harto del mar; sick – enfermo; nauseabundo; cansado; to be sick of smth – estar harto de algo), and I thought that nothing would be so pleasant (y pensé que nada sería tan agradable) as a few days in my quiet bower (como unos pocos días en mi tranquilo emparrado).

So (entonces), with my umbrella over my head (con mi sombrilla sobre mi cabeza), I started across the country (comencé a caminar por el país). It was a hot day (era un día caluroso), and I walked slowly (y caminé lentamente).

I stopped often to rest (me detenía a menudo para descansar), and did not reach my summer house (y no alcancé mi casa de verano) until it was growing dark (hasta que no oscureció).

As soon as I touched the land, I fell upon my knees and gave God thanks for bringing me safe out of so great danger. I made the canoe fast to a rock by the shore, and lay down on the grass.

I was so tired that I soon fell asleep and did not waken once until the next morning.

I went up a little hill close by the shore, and looked around to see what part of the island I was in.

To my right I saw some well-known trees which I had visited when I was exploring the island. Then I knew that I was only a little way from my summer house and that I could reach it easily by walking.

I was sick of the sea, and I thought that nothing would be so pleasant as a few days in my quiet bower.

So, with my umbrella over my head, I started across the country. It was a hot day, and I walked slowly.

I stopped often to rest, and did not reach my summer house until it was growing dark.

I saw that everything was standing (vi que todo estaba) just as I had left it (tal como lo había dejado); for I always kept it in good order (porque siempre lo = todas las cosas mantuve en buen orden).

As soon as I got over the fence (tan pronto como pasé por encima de la valla; to go over – pasar por encima), I sat down to rest (me senté a descansar); and I was so tired that I fell asleep (y estaba tan cansado que me quedé dormido).

Then, all at once in the darkness (entonces, de repente en la oscuridad), I heard a voice calling me (oí una voz que me llamaba), “Robin, Robin, Robin Crusoe (¡Robin, Robin, Robin Crusoe!)!”

I was so full of sleep (estaba tan dormido: «estaba tan lleno de sueño») that I did not wake up at once (que no me desperté de inmediato). But between sleeping and waking (pero entre el sueño y el despertar) I could hear somebody saying (podía oír a alguien que decía), “Robin Crusoe, Robin Crusoe (¡Robin Crusoe, Robin Crusoe!)!”

I wondered who it could be (me preguntaba quién podría ser), but I was still more than half asleep (pero aún estaba medio dormido).

Then the voice screamed in my ear (entonces, la voz gritó en mi oído), “ROBIN CRUSOE (¡ROBIN CRUSOE!)!”

I sprang to my feet (me puse de pie de un salto; to spring, sprang, sprung – salir; saltar; aparecer). I was frightened almost out of my wits (estaba asustado hasta un punto muerto; wit /a menudo se usa en plural/ – humor; ingenio; a un punto muerto). Who in the world could be speaking my name in that place (quién en el mundo podría estar pronunciando mi nombre en ese lugar)?

No sooner were my eyes well open (tan pronto como abrí a mis ojos; no sooner…than – no más antes que = tan pronto, en cuanto) than I saw in the dim light of the moon (vi a la tenue luz de la luna) my Poll Parrot sitting on a post quite close (a mi loro Poll sentado en el poste bastante cerca) to my shoulder (de mi hombro).

I saw that everything was standing just as I had left it; for I always kept it in good order.

As soon as I got over the fence, I sat down to rest; and I was so tired that I fell asleep.

Then, all at once in the darkness, I heard a voice calling me, “Robin, Robin, Robin Crusoe!”

I was so full of sleep that I did not wake up at once. But between sleeping and waking I could hear somebody saying, “Robin Crusoe, Robin Crusoe!”

I wondered who it could be, but I was still more than half asleep.

Then the voice screamed in my ear, “ROBIN CRUSOE!”

I sprang to my feet. I was frightened almost out of my wits. Who in the world could be speaking my name in that place?

No sooner were my eyes well open than I saw in the dim light of the moon my Poll Parrot sitting on a post quite close to my shoulder.

“Poor Robin Crusoe (pobre Robin Crusoe),” he said (dijo él). “Poor Robin Crusoe (pobre Robin Crusoe).”

He was looking down at me (él me estaba mirando) as though in pity (como si estuviera de pena).

He was but repeating the words (él solo estaba repitiendo las palabras) I had taught him (que le había enseñado). I knew that he was glad to see me (sabía que estaba contento de verme), as I also was glad to see him (al igual que yo también estaba contento de verlo).

I let him sit on my thumb (dejé que se sentara en mi dedo pulgar) as he often did at home (como solía hacer en casa). He rubbed his bill on my face (se frotó su pico en mi cara) and kept saying (y siguió diciendo): “Poor Robin Crusoe (pobre Robin Crusoe)! Where are you (dónde estás)? Where have you been (dónde has estado)?” and other words that he knew (y otras palabras que él sabía).

I wondered how (me preguntaba cómo) the bird had come to this place (el pájaro había llegado a este lugar), for I had left him at the castle (si lo había dejado en el castillo). I asked him (le pregunté); “Why are you here, Poll (por qué estás aquí, Poll)?”

But he answered me only by saying (pero él solo me respondió diciendo): “Poor Robin Crusoe (pobre Robin Crusoe)! Where have you been (dónde has estado)?”

I surely believe that the bird loved me (seguramente creo que el pájaro me quería; surely –por supuesto; seguramente).

In the morning (por la mañana) I carried him with me back to my castle (lo llevé conmigo a mi castillo).

As for the canoe (en cuanto a la canoa), I would gladly have brought it back (con gusto la habría devuelto) to its place in the little river (a su lugar en el pequeño río). But I was afraid of being caught again in the furious currents (pero tenía miedo de ser atrapado de nuevo en las furiosas corrientes; to catch – atrapar); and so I left it in the safe cove on the other side of the island (así que la dejé en la ensenada segura al otro lado de la isla).

“Poor Robin Crusoe,” he said. “Poor Robin Crusoe.”

He was looking down at me as though in pity.

He was but repeating the words I had taught him. I knew that he was glad to see me, as I also was glad to see him.

I let him sit on my thumb as he often did at home. He rubbed his bill on my face and kept saying: “Poor Robin Crusoe! Where are you? Where have you been?” and other words that he knew.

I wondered how the bird had come to this place, for I had left him at the castle. I asked him; “Why are you here, Poll?”

But he answered me only by saying: “Poor Robin Crusoe! Where have you been?”

I surely believe that the bird loved me.

In the morning I carried him with me back to my castle.

As for the canoe, I would gladly have brought it back to its place in the little river. But I was afraid of being caught again in the furious currents; and so I left it in the safe cove on the other side of the island.

CHAPTER 30. I AM HAPPY AS A KING

(CAPÍTULO 30. ESTOY FELIZ COMO UN REY)

I had now had adventures enough (había tenido suficientes aventuras) for a time (por un tiempo), and I felt very happy (y me sentí muy feliz) to be at home (de estar en casa) with my goats and other pets (con mis cabras y otras mascotas).

A few years before (unos años antes), I had started with keeping (había empezado a mantener) three kids that I had caught (a tres cabritos que había atrapado; to catch, caught, caught – atrapar). Now I had a herd (ahora tenía un rebaño) of three and forty goats (de tres a cuarenta cabras), some of them young, some old (algunas /eran/ jóvenes, otras viejas).

I kept them in five little fields (los mantuve en cinco pequeños campos; to keep, kept, kept – guardar; conservar; almacenar; mantener; criar / a los animales/) that I had fenced (que había vallado), at the foot of my castle hill (al pie de la colina de mi castillo). I never had any lack of meat (nunca tuve falta de carne) and I had plenty of milk, too (y también tuve mucha leche).

Indeed (de hecho), I had gone so far (había ido tan lejos) as to set up a little dairy (como para establecer una pequeña lechería; to set up – instalar; establecer; poner; montar), and sometimes my goats gave me (y algunas veces mis cabras me daban) a gallon or two of milk in a day (un galón o dos de leche en un día; galón – es una unidad de volumen para medir volúmenes de líquidos y equivale a 4,54 litros).

Before coming to the island (antes de llegar a la isla) I had never milked a cow (nunca había ordeñado una vaca), much less a goat (y mucho menos una cabra). I had never seen butter made (nunca había visto como se hace la mantequilla), or even cheese (o incluso el queso). But I learned (pero aprendí) how to do everything of the kind (a hacer todo el tipo de cosas; kind – clase, tipo). And now I had (y ahora tenía) more butter and cheese (mucho más mantequilla y queso) than I could eat (de lo que podía comer).

After dinner (después de la cena) it was my custom to go out for a stroll (era mi costumbre salir a dar un paseo). How proud I was of my little kingdom (qué orgulloso estaba de mi pequeño reino)!

I had now had adventures enough for a time, and I felt very happy to be at home with my goats and other pets.

A few years before, I had started with keeping three kids that I had caught. Now I had a herd of three and forty goats, some of them young, some old.

I kept them in five little fields that I had fenced, at the foot of my castle hill. I never had any lack of meat and I had plenty of milk, too.

Indeed, I had gone so far as to set up a little dairy, and sometimes my goats gave me a gallon or two of milk in a day.

Before coming to the island I had never milked a cow, much less a goat. I had never seen butter made, or even cheese. But I learned how to do everything of the kind. And now I had more butter and cheese than I could eat.

After dinner it was my custom to go out for a stroll. How proud I was of my little kingdom!

If you had seen me then (si me hubieras visto entonces), you would not have laughed (no te habrías reído). You would have been frightened (habrías estado asustado). For a stranger-looking fellow (ya que a un hombre más extraño; fellow – hombre; tío; tipo; compañero; colega) you never saw (nunca habías visto).

Be pleased to take a picture of me (esté complacido de tomarme una foto = la descripción de mí).

On my head was (en mi cabeza había) a big cap (una grande gorra) made of goatskin (hecha de piel de cabra). It was very tall and without shape (era muy alta y sin forma). A flap hung down from the back of it (una solapa colgaba de la parte trasera) to keep the rain off my neck (para evitar que la lluvia cayera sobre mi cuello).

I wore a short jacket of goatskin and a pair of knee breeches of the same (me puse una chaqueta corta de piel de cabra y un par de calzones / del mismo material/).

I had neither stockings nor shoes (no tenía calcetines, ni zapatos). But I wore around my legs and feet (pero llevaba alrededor de mis piernas y pies; to wear – llevar puesto) some queer things (algunas cosas extrañas) that I called buskins (a las que llamaba borceguí; buskins – el borceguí se considera como una bota que cubría la pierna hasta la altura de la rodilla). They were made of goatskin, too (también estaban hechos de piel de cabra), and were of great use (y eran de gran utilidad) when walking among briers or stones (cuando caminaba entre arbustos o piedras; brier – arbusto espinoso).

Around my waist (alrededor de mi cintura) I had a broad belt of rawhide (tenía un ancho cinturón de cuero crudo; raw — crudo; en carne viva; hide — piel; cuero; pellejo). I had no need of sword or dagger (no necesitaba ni espada ni daga); and so I carried in this belt (y así llevé en este cinturón) a little saw and a hatchet (una pequeña sierra y un hacha).

Another belt (otro cinturón), which hung over my shoulder (que colgaba sobre mi hombro), held my powderhorn (sostenía mi pólvora) and shot pouch (y mi bolsa de municiones).

On my back was slung a basket (en mi espalda colgaba una canasta; to sling, slung, slung — lanzar; tirar; arrojar; colgar). On my shoulder was my gun (en mi hombro estaba mi arma). Above my head I carried my great clumsy, ugly umbrella (sobre mi cabeza llevaba mi sombrilla mal hecha y fea; clumsy – torpe; patoso; chapucero; mal hecho).

If you had seen me then, you would not have laughed. You would have been frightened. For a stranger-looking fellow you never saw.

Be pleased to take a picture of me.

On my head was a big cap made of goatskin. It was very tall and without shape. A flap hung down from the back of it to keep the rain off my neck.

I wore a short jacket of goatskin and a pair of knee breeches of the same.

I had neither stockings nor shoes. But I wore around my legs and feet some queer things that I called buskins. They were made of goatskin, too, and were of great use when walking among briers or stones.

Around my waist I had a broad belt of rawhide. I had no need of sword or dagger; and so I carried in this belt a little saw and a hatchet.

Another belt, which hung over my shoulder, held my powderhorn and shot pouch.

On my back was slung a basket. On my shoulder was my gun. Above my head I carried my great clumsy, ugly umbrella.

My face was as dark as mahogany (mi cara estaba tan oscura como la caoba). It was tanned by the sun (estaba bronceado del sol; to tan — bronceado; quemado) and browned by the hot winds (y moreno de los vientos cálidos).

My beard was (mi barba tenía) at one time a yard long (una yarda de largo; yarda es una unidad de longitud básica que equivale a 0,914 m). But I soon grew tired of it (pero pronto me cansé) and cut it pretty short (y la acorté; cut – cortar). Yet even then it looked grizzly enough (Sin embargo, incluso entonces parecía canoso; grizzly – canoso; gris), I assure you (te lo aseguro).

It is not a very handsome picture (no es una imagen muy bonita), is it (verdad)?

But do not blame me (pero no me culpes). I dressed as well as I could (me vestía tan bien como pude). I kept myself clean (me mantuve limpio). I tried to be worthy of respect (traté de ser digno de respeto), even though no one saw me (aunque nadie me vio).

I looked over my little kingdom (miraba/ revisaba mi pequeño reino) and was proud and happy (y estaba orgulloso y feliz).

You would have laughed to see me (te hubieras reído al vernos a mí) and my family when dinner time came (y a mi familia cuando llegó la hora de la cena).

First there was myself (primero estaba yo), Robinson Crusoe (Robinson Crusoe), king of the island (el rey de la isla). I was the lord of everything I could see (yo era el señor de todo lo que podía ver).

My face was as dark as mahogany. It was tanned by the sun and browned by the hot winds.

My beard was at one time a yard long. But I soon grew tired of it and cut it pretty short. Yet even then it looked grizzly enough, I assure you.

It is not a very handsome picture, is it?

But do not blame me. I dressed as well as I could. I kept myself clean. I tried to be worthy of respect, even though no one saw me.

I looked over my little kingdom and was proud and happy.

You would have laughed to see me and my family when dinner time came.

First there was myself, Robinson Crusoe, king of the island. I was the lord of everything I could see.

Then, like a king (entonces, al igual que un rey), I dined alone (cené solo), with my servants looking on (y mis sirvientes me estaban mirando).

No one was allowed to talk to me (nadie podía hablar conmigo) but Poll Parrot (excepto loro Poll), who sat on the back of my chair (que estaba sentado en el respaldo de mi silla) and waited for what I would give him (y esperando lo que le daría).

My dog was now so old and feeble (mi perro ahora era tan viejo y débil) that he could hardly stir (que apenas podía moverse). He sat always at my right hand (se sentaba siempre a mi mano derecha) and wagged his tail (y meneaba la cola) if I did but snap my finger (si = en cuanto chasqueaba mis dedos).

My two cats waited (mis dos gatas esperaban), one on each side of the table (una a cada lado de la mesa), to see what I would give them (para ver qué las daría).

These two cats were not the same (estos dos gatas no eran las mismas) that I had brought from the ship (que había traído del barco). Those were dead (aquellas estaban muertas), long ago (hace mucho tiempo), of old age (de la vejez). But they had left many kittens (pero habían dejado muchos gatitos; to leave – dejar).

Indeed (de hecho), there had come to be so many cats (había tantas gatas) that I was forced to drive them away (que me vi obligado a echarlas; to drive — echar; to drive away — echar; alejar; espantar). All but these two had gone into the woods (todas menos estas dos se habían ido al bosque) and become very wild (y se habían vuelto muy salvajes).

Then, like a king, I dined alone, with my servants looking on.

No one was allowed to talk to me but Poll Parrot, who sat on the back of my chair and waited for what I would give him.

My dog was now so old and feeble that he could hardly stir. He sat always at my right hand and wagged his tail if I did but snap my finger.

My two cats waited, one on each side of the table, to see what I would give them.

These two cats were not the same that I had brought from the ship. Those were dead, long ago, of old age. But they had left many kittens.

Indeed, there had come to be so many cats that I was forced to drive them away. All but these two had gone into the woods and become very wild.

CHAPTER 31. I LEARN TO BAKE AND AM PROSPEROUS

(CAPÍTULO 31. APRENDO A HORNEAR Y SOY PRÓSPERO; prosperous — próspero; exitoso; triunfador)

I have already told you about farming (ya te he hablado de la agricultura), and of the difficulties (y de las dificultades) under which I did my work (bajo los cuales hice mi trabajo = que aparecían en mi trabajo). The thing which I wished to do (la cosa que más deseaba hacer) most of all to make good bread (era hacer un buen pan). I tried many plans (intenté muchos planes), but it was several years before (pero pasaron varios años antes) I could think of myself (de que pudiera pensar en mí mismo = considerarme) as a really good baker (como un panadero realmente bueno).

My barley was very fine (mi cebada estaba muy bien). The grains were large and smooth (los granos eran grandes y blandos). When boiled a long time (cuando los hervía mucho tiempo) with a bit of goat’s meat (con un poco de carne de cabra), they made good food (hacían = eran buena comida).

But they did not take the place of bread (pero ellos no reemplazaban el pan). Before bread could be made (antes de que se pudiera hacer pan), the grains of barley (los granos de cebada) must be ground into meal (se deberían reducir a polvo; to grind, ground, ground — moler; pulverizar; reducir a polvo; triturar).

I tried pounding them with a stone (intenté molerlos con una piedra; to pound – golpear; moler). But that was slow work (pero era un trabajo lento). The stone crumbled into sand (la piedra se derrumbó en arena; to crumble – desmoronarse; derrumbarse; desmenuzarse). My meal was worth nothing (mi comida no valió nada).

I looked all over the island (miré por toda la isla buscando) for a harder stone (una piedra más dura). All were alike (todas eran iguales; alike – parecido, similar, igual).

So at last I cut a large block (así que finalmente corté un gran bloque) of very hard wood (de madera muy dura). I rounded it on the outside (lo redondeé por fuera) with my hatchet (con mi hacha). Then, partly by chopping (luego, parcialmente cortando), partly by burning (parcialmente quemando), I made a hollow place in the end of it (le hice una cavidad en el final).

I have already told you about farming, and of the difficulties under which I did my work. The thing which I wished to do most of all to make good bread. I tried many plans, but it was several years before I could think of myself as a really good baker.

My barley was very fine. The grains were large and smooth. When boiled a long time with a bit of goat’s meat, they made good food.

But they did not take the place of bread. Before bread could be made, the grains of barley must be ground into meal.

I tried pounding them with a stone. But that was slow work. The stone crumbled into sand. My meal was worth nothing.

I looked all over the island for a harder stone. All were alike.

So at last I cut a large block of very hard wood. I rounded it on the outside with my hatchet. Then, partly by chopping, partly by burning, I made a hollow place in the end of it.

Out of a piece of ironwood (de una pieza de madera de palo fierro; ironwood – madera de palo fierro) I made a heavy pestle or beater (hice una mano pesada de almirez o un batidor).

I had now a very good little mill (ahora tenía un pequeño molino muy bueno). In a short time (en poco tiempo) I had crushed enough barley (había triturado suficiente cebada) to make meal for a large loaf (para preparar una barra de pan; loaf — barra de pan; pan de molde).

It was easy to make the dough (fue fácil hacer la masa). I had only to mix (sólo tenía que mezclar) the meal with water (la harina con agua) and knead it with my hands (y amasarla con mis manos). I must not think of yeast (no debía pensar en la levadura) to make the dough light (para hacer la masa liviana; light – ligero, liviano).

The baking part was the main thing (la parte de hornear fue lo principal), and the hardest to learn (y la más difícil de aprender).

At first I put my biscuits of dough (al principio puse mis pedazos de masa) in the hot ashes (en las ascuas) and left them there (y las dejaba allí) till they were baked (hasta que estuvieran horneadas). But I did not like these ash cakes very well (pero no me gustaron mucho estos bizcochos con ceniza).

Then I tried another plan (luego intenté otro plan = intenté hacer de otra manera).

I made two large earthen vessels (hice dos grandes vasijas de barro; vessel – vasija; navío). They were broad and shallow (eran amplias y superficiales). Each was about (cada una tenía alrededor) two feet across (de dos pies de ancho) and not more (y no más) than nine inches deep (de nueve pulgadas de profundidad).

These I burned in the fire (las cocí en el fuego hasta) till they were as hard as rocks (que fueran tan duras como las rocas) and as red as tiles (y tan rojas como la teja).

I made also a hearth (hice también un hogar; hearth – hogar) before my fireplace (delante de mi chimenea; fireplace – chimenea), and paved it with some square tiles (y lo pavimenté con alguna teja cuadrada) of my own making (de mi propia creación). But (pero), perhaps I ought not to call them square (tal vez no debería llamarla cuadrada).

Out of a piece of ironwood I made a heavy pestle or beater.

I had now a very good little mill. In a short time I had crushed enough barley to make meal for a large loaf.

It was easy to make the dough. I had only to mix the meal with water and knead it with my hands. I must not think of yeast to make the dough light.

The baking part was the main thing, and the hardest to learn.

At first I put my biscuits of dough in the hot ashes and left them there till they were baked. But I did not like these ash cakes very well.

Then I tried another plan.

I made two large earthen vessels. They were broad and shallow. Each was about two feet across and not more than nine inches deep.

These I burned in the fire till they were as hard as rocks and as red as tiles.

I made also a hearth before my fireplace, and paved it with some square tiles of my own making. But, perhaps I ought not to call them square.

The hearth (el hogar), when finished (cuando estaba terminado), was quite level and smooth (era bastante nivelado y liso). It was as pretty (fue tan bonito) as I could have wished (como podría haber deseado).

Next I built a great fire (luego prendí un fuerte fuego) of hard wood (de madera dura). When the wood had burned down (cuando la madera se quemó), I raked the hot coals out upon my hearth (saqué los carbones calientes de mi hogar). I left them there till (los dejé allí hasta) the hearth was hot (que el hogar estuvo caliente) through and through (hasta el final).

My loaves of dough (mis hogazas de masa) were all ready (estaban listas). I swept hearth clean (barrí el hogar; to sweep, swept, swept – barrer) and then put the loaves down upon (y luego puse las hogazas sobre) the hottest part of it (la parte más caliente de ellos).

Over each loaf (sobre cada hogaza) I put one of the large earthen vessels (puse uno de las grandes vasijas de arcilla) I had made (que había hecho). Then I heaped hot coals on (luego, amontoné las brasas sobre; to heap – amontonar) the top of the vessel (la parte superior de la vasija) and all round the sides of it (y /puse brasas/ alrededor de los lados).

In a short time (en poco tiempo) I lifted the vessels (levanté las vasijas) and took out my loaves (y saqué mis hogazas; to take out – sacar). They were baked as well (fueron horneados tan bien) as the best oven in the world (como si el mejor horno del mundo) could have baked them (los habría horneado).

By trying and trying again (intentando e intentando otra vez), I at last learned to bake (finalmente aprendí a hornear) almost everything I wanted (casi todo lo que quería). I baked cakes (yo horneé bizcochos) and rice pudding fit for a king (y arroz con leche digno para un rey). But I did not care for pies (pero no me importaron los pasteles).

I now felt quite contented and prosperous (ahora me sentía bastante contento y próspero). For did I not have everything that I needed (no tenía todo lo que necesitaba)?

I had two homes on the island (tenía dos casas en la isla). I called them my plantations (los llamé mis plantaciones).

The first of these was my strong castle (el primero de ellas fue mi fuerte castillo) under the rock (debajo de la roca). I had enlarged it (lo había agrandado hasta) until my cave contained many rooms (que mi cueva tenía muchas habitaciones), one opening into another (una que daba a otra).

The hearth, when finished, was quite level and smooth. It was as pretty as I could have wished.

Next I built a great fire of hard wood. When the wood had burned down, I raked the hot coals out upon my hearth. I left them there till the hearth was hot through and through.

My loaves of dough were all ready. I swept hearth clean and then put the loaves down upon the hottest part of it.

Over each loaf I put one of the large earthen vessels I had made. Then I heaped hot coals on the top of the vessel and all round the sides of it.

In a short time I lifted the vessels and took out my loaves. They were baked as well as the best oven in the world could have baked them.

By trying and trying again, I at last learned to bake almost everything I wanted. I baked cakes and rice pudding fit for a king. But I did not care for pies.

I now felt quite contented and prosperous. For did I not have everything that I needed?

I had two homes on the island. I called them my plantations.

The first of these was my strong castle under the rock. I had enlarged it until my cave contained many rooms, one opening into another.

The largest and driest (el más grande y el más seco; dry – seco) of these was my storeroom (de estos fue mi almacén; store – almacén). Here I kept (aquí guardé; to keep – guardar) the largest of my earthen pots (la más grande de mis potes de arcilla). Here also were (también tuve) fourteen or fifteen big baskets (catorce o quince grandes canastas), all filled with grain (todas llenas de grano).

My sitting room was not large (mi sala de estar no era grande; sitting room – sala de estar), but it was made for comfort (pero estaba hecha para estar cómodo).

As for the wall (en cuanto al muro) in front of the castle (en frente del castillo), it was a wonderful thing (era algo maravilloso). The long stakes (las estacas largas) which I had driven down (que había derribado) had all taken root (habían echado raíces). They had grown like trees (habían crecido como árboles), and were now so big and so thick (y ahora eran tan grandes y tan gruesos) with branches (con ramas) that it was hard to see between them (que era difícil ver /algo/ entre ellas).

No one passing by would ever think (ni un hombre que pase jamás pensaría) there was a house (que había una casa) behind this matted row of trees (detrás de esta hilera de árboles; to mat – enredarse; enmarañarse; mat – tapete; estera).

Near this dwelling of mine (cerca de mi vivienda), but a little farther within the land (pero un poco más lejos dentro de la tierra), were my two barley fields (estaban mis dos campos de cebada). These I cultivated with care (estos los cultivé con cuidado), and from them I reaped a good harvest (y de ellos obtuve una buena cosecha; to reap – cosechar; segar). As often as I felt the need of more barley I made my fields larger (cada vez que sentía la necesidad de más cebada aumentaba mis campos).

The largest and driest of these was my storeroom. Here I kept the largest of my earthen pots. Here also were fourteen or fifteen big baskets, all filled with grain.

My sitting room was not large, but it was made for comfort.

As for the wall in front of the castle, it was a wonderful thing. The long stakes which I had driven down had all taken root. They had grown like trees, and were now so big and so thick with branches that it was hard to see between them.

No one passing by would ever think there was a house behind this matted row of trees.

Near this dwelling of mine, but a little farther within the land, were my two barley fields. These I cultivated with care, and from them I reaped a good harvest. As often as I felt the need of more barley I made my fields larger.

Farther away was (más lejos estaba) what I called my country seat (lo que llamé mi asentamiento; seat – asiento; asentamiento). There was my pleasant summer house (allí estaba mi agradable casa de verano) or bower (o emparrado), where I liked to go for rest (donde me gustaba ir a descansar; rest – descanso; reposo).

In the middle of my bower (en el medio de mi emparrado) I had my tent always set (tenía mi tienda siempre puesta). It was made (estaba hecha) of a piece of sail (de una pieza de vela) spread over some poles (extendida sobre algunos postes; to spread – extenderse).

Under the tent (debajo de la tienda) I had made a soft couch (había hecho un sillón cómodo) with the skins of animals (con pieles de animales) and a blanket thrown over them (y una manta tirada sobre ellos; to throw – tirar). Here (aquí), when the weather was fair (cuando hacía buen tiempo), I often slept at night (a menudo dormía de noche).

A little way from the bower was (un poco más allá del emparrado) the field in which I kept my cattle (estaba el campo donde guardaba mi ganado) — that is to say (es decir), my goats (mis cabras).

I had taken great pains to fence (me había esforzado mucho para vallar) and inclose this field (e cercar este campo). I was so fearful (tenía tanto miedo; fearful – miedoso; temoroso; terrible; fear – miedo), lest the goats should break out (que las cabras no salieran), that I worked many a day (que trabajé muchos días) planting a hedge all around (formando un seto alrededor). The hedge grew to be very tall (el seto creció = se hizo muy alto; to grow – crecer) and was as strong as a wall (y era tan fuerte como una pared).

On the shore of the sea (en la orilla del mar), some distance beyond my summer house (a cierta distancia más allá de mi casa de verano), was the little inlet (estaba la pequeña ensenada) where I had laid up my canoe (donde había guardado mi canoa; to lay up – almacenar; guardar; dejar fuera de juego).

Farther away was what I called my country seat. There was my pleasant summer house or bower, where I liked to go for rest.

In the middle of my bower I had my tent always set. It was made of a piece of sail spread over some poles.

Under the tent I had made a soft couch with the skins of animals and a blanket thrown over them. Here, when the weather was fair, I often slept at night.

A little way from the bower was the field in which I kept my cattle — that is to say, my goats.

I had taken great pains to fence and inclose this field. I was so fearful, lest the goats should break out, that I worked many a day planting a hedge all around. The hedge grew to be very tall and was as strong as a wall.

On the shore of the sea, some distance beyond my summer house, was the little inlet where I had laid up my canoe.

CHAPTER 32. I SEE SOMETHING IN THE SAND

(CAPÍTULO 32. VEO ALGO EN LA ARENA)

When the weather was fine (cuando hacía buen tiempo) I often went over to the other side (a menudo me iba al otro lado) of the island to look at my canoe (de la isla para ver mi canoa).

Sometimes I spent several days (a veces pasaba varios días) at my summer house (en mi casa de verano). Then (luego), going over to where the canoe was kept (yendo donde se guardaba la canoa), I took short sails along the shore (tomé unas pequeñas velas a lo largo de la orilla). These little voyages (estos pequeños viajes) gave me a great deal of pleasure (me daban muchísimo placer; deal – cantidad; great deal of – muchísimo).

One morning (una mañana) as I was going to the canoe (mientras iba donde la canoa) a strange thing happened (sucedió algo extraño).

I was walking slowly along (estaba caminando lentamente) and looking down (y mirando hacia abajo), and what do you think I saw (y qué crees que vi)?

I saw the print (vi la huella) of a man’s naked foot in the sand (del pie descalzo de un hombre en la arena).

The sight made me cold all over (esta vista me dio frio por todas partes = por todo el cuerpo; all over – por todas partes; por todo).

I stood like one (estaba de pie como uno) that had seen a ghost (que había visto un fantasma). I looked around (miré alrededor). I listened (escuché). I trembled (estaba temblando; to tremble – temblar).

I went to the top of a little hill (fui a la cima de una pequeña colina) to look farther (para mirar más lejos). Then I walked up the shore and down the shore (luego caminé arriba y abajo = subí y bajé a la orilla). I saw no other tracks (no vi otras huellas).

I went back to make sure (volví para asegurarme) that I was not dreaming (de que no estaba soñando; to dream – sonar; dream – sueño). Yes, there in the sand (sí, allí en la arena) was the print of man’s foot (había una huella del pie del hombre). It showed the toes (mostraba los dedos de los pies), the heel (el talón), and the sole of the foot (y la planta del pie; sole – planta). I was not dreaming (no estaba soñando).

When the weather was fine I often went over to the other side of the island to look at my canoe.

Sometimes I spent several days at my summer house. Then, going over to where the canoe was kept, I took short sails along the shore. These little voyages gave me a great deal of pleasure.

One morning as I was going to the canoe a strange thing happened.

I was walking slowly along and looking down, and what do you think I saw?

I saw the print of a man’s naked foot in the sand.

The sight made me cold all over.

I stood like one that had seen a ghost. I looked around. I listened. I trembled.

I went to the top of a little hill to look farther. Then I walked up the shore and down the shore. I saw no other tracks.

I went back to make sure that I was not dreaming. Yes, there in the sand was the print of man’s foot. It showed the toes, the heel, and the sole of the foot. I was not dreaming.

My mind was filled (mi mente estaba llena) with a thousand thoughts and questions (de mil pensamientos y preguntas). Where was the man (dónde estaba el hombre) who made that track (que dejó aquella huella)? Who was he (quién era él)? How did he get there (cómo llegó allí)?

I was so frightened (estaba tan asustado) that I did not go to the canoe (que no fui a la canoa). I turned back and went to my castle (volví y fui a mi castillo) as fast as I could (lo más rápido que pude).

Whether I went over by the ladder (ya sea que pasé por la escalera) or through the hole in the rock (o por el hueco en la roca), I do not know (no sé). But I shut myself up (pero me encerré) as quickly as I could (lo más rápido que pude) and began to get ready to defend myself (y comencé a prepararme para defenderme; to get ready – prepararse: «estar preparado»).

That night I could not sleep (esa noche no pude dormir). I lay in my hammock (me acosté en mi hamaca; to lie, lay, lain – acostarse), and thought and thought (estaba pensando y pensando).

The track must have been made by an Indian (la huella debe haber sido dejada por un indio) or some other wild savage (o algún otro bárbaro salvaje; wild – salvage; savage – bárbaro). This savage had come (este salvaje había venido) perhaps from the land (tal vez de la tierra) that I had seen (que había visto) far across the sea (al otro lado del mar).

Perhaps he had come (tal vez había venido) to the island alone (a la isla solo). Perhaps he had come (tal vez había venido) with many others of his kind (con muchos otros de su especie = parecidos a él). But (pero) where was he now (dónde estaba él ahora)?

My mind was filled with a thousand thoughts and questions. Where was the man who made that track? Who was he? How did he get there?

I was so frightened that I did not go to the canoe. I turned back and went to my castle as fast as I could.

Whether I went over by the ladder or through the hole in the rock, I do not know. But I shut myself up as quickly as I could and began to get ready to defend myself.

That night I could not sleep. I lay in my hammock, and thought and thought.

The track must have been made by an Indian or some other wild savage. This savage had come perhaps from the land that I had seen far across the sea.

Perhaps he had come to the island alone. Perhaps he had come with many others of his kind. But where was he now?

I was so much afraid (tenía tanto miedo) that I did not stir out of my castle (que no salí de mi Castillo; to stir out – salir) for three days and nights (durante tres días y noches). I was almost starved (casi me moría de hambre; to starve – pasar hambre; morirse de hambre), for I had only (ya que solo tenía) two or three barley cakes (dos o tres bizcochos de cebada) in my kitchen (en mi cocina).

Little by little I became brave enough (poco a poco me volví a ser suficientemente valiente) to go out again (como para salir de nuevo). I crept softly down (me arrastré suavemente; to creep, crept, crept – trepar; arrastrarse) to my fields to milk the goats (a mis campos para ordeñar a las cabras). Poor things (qué pobres)! They were glad enough to see me (estaban contentas de verme).

But every sound (pero cada sonido) made me start (me hacía parar) and look around (y mirar alrededor). I fancied (me imaginaba; to fancy – imaginar; fantasear) that I saw a savage (que veía un salvaje) behind every tree (detrás de cada árbol). I lived for days (viví durante días) like some hunted thing (como una cosa a la que estaban cazando; to hunt – cazar) that trembles at its own shadow (que tiembla ante su propia sombra).

And all because I had seen (y todo porque había visto) the print of a foot in the sand (la huella de un pie en la arena)!

Little by little I grew bolder (poco a poco me volví más audaz; to grow – crecer; volverse; hacerse), and I made up my mind (y decidí) to strengthen my castle (fortalecer mi castillo). If savage Indians (si los indios salvajes) should indeed come and find me (realmente vinieran a buscarme), I would be ready for them (estaría preparado para ellos).

So I carried out (así que llevé) earth and small stones (a cabo la tierra y las piedras pequeñas), and piled them up against the castle wall (y los amontoné contra la pared del Castillo; to pile – amontonar) till it was ten feet thick (hasta que fue de diez pies de espesor; thick – espeso; grueso). I have already told you (ya te había dicho) how strong it was at first (lo fuerte que era al principio), and how I had made (y cómo había formado) a dense hedge of trees (un denso seto de árboles) on the outside (en la parte exterior). It was now so strong (ahora era tan fuerte) that nothing could break through it (que nada podría romperla).

I was so much afraid that I did not stir out of my castle for three days and nights. I was almost starved, for I had only two or three barley cakes in my kitchen.

Little by little I became brave enough to go out again. I crept softly down to my fields to milk the goats. Poor things! They were glad enough to see me.

But every sound made me start and look around. I fancied that I saw a savage behind every tree. I lived for days like some hunted thing that trembles at its own shadow.

And all because I had seen the print of a foot in the sand!

Little by little I grew bolder, and I made up my mind to strengthen my castle. If savage Indians should indeed come and find me, I would be ready for them.

So I carried out earth and small stones, and piled them up against the castle wall till it was ten feet thick. I have already told you how strong it was at first, and how I had made a dense hedge of trees on the outside. It was now so strong that nothing could break through it.

Through the wall at certain places (a través de la pared en ciertos lugares) I made five holes large enough (hice cinco huecos lo suficientemente grandes) for a man’s arm to reach in (para que el brazo de un hombre pudiera pasar /entre ellos/; to reach – alcanzar; pasar; colarse). In each of these holes (en cada uno de estos huecos) I planted a gun (planté una escopeta; to plant – plantar; plant – planta); for you will remember (porque recordarán) that I brought several from the ship (que traje varias /armas/ del barco).

Each one of these guns (cada una de estas armas) was fitted in a frame (estaba colocada en un marco) that could be drawn (que podía alejarse; to draw, drew, drawn – alejarse; apartar) back and forth (hacia adelante y hacia atrás). They worked so well in their places (funcionaban tan bien en sus lugares; to work – trabajar; funcionar) that I could shoot off all (que pude disparar de todas) five of them in less than two minutes (cinco en menos de dos minutos).

Many a weary month did I work (muchos meses fatigosos trabajé) before I had my wall to my notion (antes de tener mi muro según mi noción; notion – idea; noción; intención). But at last it was finished (pero por fin estaba terminado).

The hedge that was before (el seto que existía antes) it grew up so thick and high (creció tan grueso y alto) that no man nor animal (que ningún hombre, ni animal) could see through it (podía ver a través de él). If you had seen it (si lo hubieras visto), you would not have dreamed (no habrías soñado = habrías creído) there was anything inside of it (que había algo dentro de él), much less a house (mucho menos una casa).

Through the wall at certain places I made five holes large enough for a man’s arm to reach in. In each of these holes I planted a gun; for you will remember that I brought several from the ship.

Each one of these guns was fitted in a frame that could be drawn back and forth. They worked so well in their places that I could shoot off all five of them in less than two minutes.

Many a weary month did I work before I had my wall to my notion. But at last it was finished.

The hedge that was before it grew up so thick and high that no man nor animal could see through it. If you had seen it, you would not have dreamed there was anything inside of it, much less a house.

For two years I lived in fear (durante dos años vivía con miedo). All that I did was to make (todo lo que hice fue hacer) my home stronger and safer (mi hogar más fuerte y seguro).

Far in the woods I built (lejos en el bosque construí) a large pen of logs and stakes (un gran cerco de troncos y estacas; pen – cerco). Around it I planted (a su alrededor planté) a hedge like that in front of the castle (un seto así delante del castillo). Then I put (luego puse) a dozen young goats into it (una docena de cabras jóvenes en él), to feed upon the grass and grow (para que se alimentaran de la hierba y crecieran).

If savages should come (si vinieran los bárbaros), and if they should kill the other goats (y matarían a otras cabras), they could not find these (no podrían encontrar a estas); for they were too well hidden (porque estaban demasiado bien escondidas; to hide – esconder) in the deep woods (en los bosques profundos).

All these things I did because (todas estas cosas las hice porque) I had seen (había visto) the print of a man’s foot (la huella de un hombre) in the sand (en la arena).

For two years I lived in fear. All that I did was to make my home stronger and safer.

Far in the woods I built a large pen of logs and stakes. Around it I planted a hedge like that in front of the castle. Then I put a dozen young goats into it, to feed upon the grass and grow.

If savages should come, and if they should kill the other goats, they could not find these; for they were too well hidden in the deep woods.

All these things I did because I had seen the print of a man’s foot in the sand.

CHAPTER 33. I AM AGAIN ALARMED

(CAPÍTULO 33. ESTOY DE NUEVO ALARMADO)

Five or six years had passed (habían pasado cinco o seis años), and not another footprint had I seen (y no había visto otra huella).

I had gotten over my great fright (había superado mi gran susto; to get over smth – pasar; superar /miedo; dificultades; limite/; sobrepasar), and yet (y, sin embargo) I was not so bold (no era tan valiente) as I had been (como lo había sido antes). Any sudden sound (cualquier sonido repentino) would make me start and look around (me haría parar y mirar alrededor). I thought that (pensé que) if savage men (si los hombres salvajes) had been on the island once (hubieran estado en la isla alguna vez), they were quite likely to come again (era muy probable que volvieran; likely – probable). So I kept on the lookout for them (así que estaba al tanto) all the time (todo el tiempo).

My flock of goats (mi rebaño de cabras) had now grown to be very large (había crecido = se hizo muy grande), and I needed another field (y necesitaba otro campo). I wished to put some of them in a hidden spot (quise poner algunos de ellos en un lugar escondido; to hide – esconder) where the savages (donde los salvajes), if they did come (si vinieran), would not find them (no los encontrarían).

I had already a small flock (ya tenía un pequeño rebaño) in one such spot (en uno de esos lugares), as I have told you (como te dije). But now I wished to have another (pero ahora deseaba tener otro).

In looking for (para buscar) the right kind of place (el lugar adecuado), I went all over the island (recorrí toda la isla). I even went far out (incluso fui muy lejos) on a rocky point (en un punto rocoso; point – punto; lugar) beyond the place (más allá del lugar) where I kept my canoe (donde guardaba mi canoa).

As I was standing on a rock (mientras estaba parado en una roca) and looking out to sea (y mirando al mar), I thought I saw (creí que vi) a boat in the distance (un bote desde lejos). It was only a little speck on the water (era solo una pequeña mancha en el agua), and it seemed to rise (y parecía subir) and fall with the waves (y bajar con las olas). It could not be a rock (no podría ser una roca).

I looked at it till (lo miraba hasta que) my eyes could look no more (mis ojos no pudieron mirar más). I had saved a spyglass out of the ship (había salvado un catalejo del barco); but (pero), as luck would have it (como quiso la suerte; luck – suerte; fortuna), I had left it at home (lo dejé en casa; to leave – dejar). How I wished for it then (cómo lo deseaba tener para entonces)!

Five or six years had passed, and not another footprint had I seen.

I had gotten over my great fright, and yet I was not so bold as I had been. Any sudden sound would make me start and look around. I thought that if savage men had been on the island once, they were quite likely to come again. So I kept on the lookout for them all the time.

My flock of goats had now grown to be very large, and I needed another field. I wished to put some of them in a hidden spot where the savages, if they did come, would not find them.

I had already a small flock in one such spot, as I have told you. But now I wished to have another.

In looking for the right kind of place, I went all over the island. I even went far out on a rocky point beyond the place where I kept my canoe.

As I was standing on a rock and looking out to sea, I thought I saw a boat in the distance. It was only a little speck on the water, and it seemed to rise and fall with the waves. It could not be a rock.

I looked at it till my eyes could look no more. I had saved a spyglass out of the ship; but, as luck would have it, I had left it at home. How I wished for it then!

Whether I really saw a boat or not (si realmente vi un bote o no), I do not know (no lo sé). But as I walked back along the shore (pero mientras caminaba por la orilla), I made up my mind (decidí) never to go out again without my spyglass (no volver a salir sin mi catalejo).

I walked slowly along (caminé lentamente), thinking of what I had seen (pensando en lo que había visto). All at once (de repente) I came upon that (encontré aquello) which made my heart stand still (que hizo que mi corazón se detuviera; to stand still – quedarse quieto; paralizarse; pararse).

On the sandy, sloping beach of a pleasant little harbor (en la playa arenosa e inclinada hacia un pequeño y bonito puerto; slope – cuesta; pendiente; inclinación; to slope – bajar; descender; inclinarse) I saw not only one footprint (vi no solo una huella; print – copia; huella; grabado), but hundreds of them (sino cientas de ellas).

I stood still (me quedé quieto), afraid to move (con miedo de moverme).

But the footprints were not all (pero no eran todas las huellas). The beach at one place (la playa en un lugar) was covered with bones (estaba cubierta de huesos) and bits of flesh (y trozos de carne), as in a slaughter house (como en un matadero; slaughter – matanza /del ganado/). Some of the bones were quite fresh (algunos de los huesos eran bastante frescos); some had been charred with fire (algunos habían sido chamuscados con fuego; to char – quemar; carbonizar; chamuscar).

“Here the savages have been (aquí los salvajes han estado) holding a feast (celebrando una fiesta),” I said to myself (me dije).

A little farther on I saw (un poco más adelante vi) that a pit had been dug in the sand (que habían cavado un hoyo en la arena; to dig – cavar), and here they had had their fire (y aquí habían tenido su fuego). The ashes were still warm (las cenizas aún estaban calientes).

I wondered what kind of a feast these wild men had been having (me preguntaba qué tipo de fiesta habían tenido estos salvajes). There were savages on the mainland (había salvajes en el continente) who were said to kill (como se decía que mataban) and eat the captives whom they took in war (y comían a los cautivos que tomaron en la guerra). Cannibals, they were called (se llamaban, caníbales).

Could this have been (pudo haber sido) a feast of cannibals (una fiesta de caníbales)? And were these the bones (y fueron estos los huesos) and flesh of human beings (y la carne de los seres humanos)?

I trembled as I thought of it (temblé al pensar en eso).

I turned and ran from the place (me di la vuelta y corrí del lugar) as fast as I could (lo más rápido que pude).

Whether I really saw a boat or not, I do not know. But as I walked back along the shore, I made up my mind never to go out again without my spyglass.

I walked slowly along, thinking of what I had seen. All at once I came upon that which made my heart stand still.

On the sandy, sloping beach of a pleasant little harbor I saw not only one footprint, but hundreds of them.

I stood still, afraid to move.

But the footprints were not all. The beach at one place was covered with bones and bits of flesh, as in a slaughter house. Some of the bones were quite fresh; some had been charred with fire.

“Here the savages have been holding a feast,” I said to myself.

A little farther on I saw that a pit had been dug in the sand, and here they had had their fire. The ashes were still warm.

I wondered what kind of a feast these wild men had been having. There were savages on the mainland who were said to kill and eat the captives whom they took in war. Cannibals, they were called.

Could this have been a feast of cannibals? And were these the bones and flesh of human beings?

I trembled as I thought of it.

I turned and ran from the place as fast as I could.

I ran until I could go no farther (corrí hasta que no pude ir más lejos). My breath came fast (mi respiración se hizo rápida). I sank down upon the ground (me dejé caer sobre la tierra; to sink — hundir; bajar; caer).

When I had rested a little while (cuando descansé un rato; while – un período de tiempo), I looked around (miré a mi alrededor) and found that (y descubrí que) I was not very far from my castle (no estaba muy lejos de mi castillo). All around me (todo a mi alrededor) was peaceful and still (era pacífico e tranquilo; still – inmóvil; tranquilo; quieto). I was surely safe from harm (estaba completamente a salvo del daño).

With tears in my eyes (con lágrimas en los ojos) I knelt down (me arrodillé; to kneel – arrodillarse; hincarse de rodillas) and gave thanks to God (y le di gracias a Dios). I thanked him (le agradecí) that he had kept me alive and safe (que me hubiera mantenido vivo y a salvo) through so many years (durante tantos años). I thanked him (le agradecí) that I had been cast on the side of the island (que me hubieran echado en el lado de la isla) which was never visited by savages (que nunca fue visitada por los salvajes). I thanked him (le di las gracias) for all the comforts and blessings (por todas las comodidades y bendiciones; blessing – bendición; consentimiento; to bless – bendecir; consagrar) that were mine (que eran mías).

Then I arose (entonces me levanté; to arise – levantarse) and went home to my castle (y fui a casa a mi castillo).

As I sat before (cuando me senté frente) my door that evening (a mi puerta esa noche), I thought the whole matter over (pensé que todo había terminado; to think sthm. over – pensar en), and felt much easier in my mind (y me sentí mucho más tranquilo; mind – mente; opinión; estado mental).

I had been on the island (había estado en la isla) eighteen years (dieciocho años) before I saw the first footprint (antes de ver la primera huella). I had been there (había estado allí) twenty-three years (veintitrés años) before I saw any other signs of savages (antes de ver otras señales de salvajes; sign – señal). It was likely (era probable) that many more years would pass (que pasen muchos más años) before any harm should come to me (antes de que algún mal venga a mí).

With these thoughts (con estos pensamientos) I lay down in my hammock (me acosté en mi hamaca) and slept without fear (y dormí sin miedo).

But it was a long time (pero pasó mucho tiempo) before I went again (antes de que volviera) to the farther shore of the island (a la otra orilla de la isla). I did not even go (ni siquiera fui) to look after my canoe (a cuidar mi canoa; to look after smb. smth. – cuidar; ocuparse; vigilar).

The days went quietly by (los días pasaron silenciosamente). I kept quite close to my castle (me mantuve bastante cerca de mi castillo), and busied myself (y me entretuve) with my goats and my grain (con mis cabras y mi grano).

I was always on my guard (siempre estaba en guardia; guard – en guardia; al loro), and never stepped out of doors (y nunca salía fuera) without first looking around me (sin mirar a mi alrededor).

I ran until I could go no farther. My breath came fast. I sank down upon the ground.

When I had rested a little while, I looked around and found that I was not very far from my castle. All around me was peaceful and still. I was surely safe from harm.

With tears in my eyes I knelt down and gave thanks to God. I thanked him that he had kept me alive and safe through so many years. I thanked him that I had been cast on the side of the island which was never visited by savages. I thanked him for all the comforts and blessings that were mine.

Then I arose and went home to my castle.

As I sat before my door that evening, I thought the whole matter over, and felt much easier in my mind.

I had been on the island eighteen years before I saw the first footprint. I had been there twenty-three years before I saw any other signs of savages. It was likely that many more years would pass before any harm should come to me.

With these thoughts I lay down in my hammock and slept without fear.

But it was a long time before I went again to the farther shore of the island. I did not even go to look after my canoe.

The days went quietly by. I kept quite close to my castle, and busied myself with my goats and my grain.

I was always on my guard, and never stepped out of doors without first looking around me.

CHAPTER 34. I MAKE A SURPRISING DISCOVERY

(CAPÍTULO 34. HAGO UN DESCUBRIMIENTO SORPRENDENTE)

Once every week (una vez a la semana) I went into the woods (iba al bosque) to see the flock of goats (a ver el rebaño de cabras) that I had hidden there (que había escondido allí; to hide – esconder).

I always carried my gun (siempre llevaba mi arma), but since my last great fright (pero desde mi último gran susto) I did not dare to fire it off (no me atreví a disparar). I was afraid even to drive a nail (temía incluso clavar un clavo) or chop a stick of wood (o cortar un palo de madera), lest some savages (no sea que algunos salvajes; lest – no sea que /se usa después de verbos y frases que denotan un miedo: da un suplemento que expresa un evento al que se teme/) might be near enough (podrían estar lo suficientemente cerca) to hear the sound (como para oír el sonido).

I was afraid (tenía miedo) to build a fire at my castle (de prender el fuego en mi castillo), lest the smoke should be seen (para que no se viera el humo).

At last (por fin) I carried some of my pots and kettles (llevé algunos de mis potes y calderos; pot – pote; cacerola; olla) to my hidden field in the woods (a mi campo escondido en el bosque). I could do my cooking there (podría cocinar allí) much more safely (mucho más a salvo) than at my castle (que en mi castillo).

Hardly had I put things in order there (apenas había puesto las cosas en orden allí) when I found something (cuando encontré algo) that made me very glad (que me hizo muy contento). What do you suppose it was (qué supones que era; to suppose – suponer)?

It was a cave (era una cueva) — a real cave (una verdadera cueva). The door into it was through a little hollow place at the bottom of a great rock (la puerta adentro estaba a través de un pequeño hueco en el fondo de una gran roca). It was so well hidden (estaba tan bien escondida) that no one could have found it (que nadie podría haberla encontrado) even by looking for it (ni siquiera buscándola).

Shall I tell you how I came upon it (te cuento cómo la encontré)?

I was afraid to make a smoke (tenía miedo de que hubiera humo) near my house (cerca de mi casa), and yet I could not live without cooking meat (y, sin embargo, no podría vivir sin cocinar carne). I tried all kinds of dry wood (probé todo tipo de madera seca), and yet there was always some smoke (y, sin embargo, siempre había algo de humo). Then I thought I would try charcoal (entonces pensé en probar el carbón de leña). But I must first make the charcoal (pero primero debo hacer el carbón de leña).

Once every week I went into the woods to see the flock of goats that I had hidden there.

I always carried my gun, but since my last great fright I did not dare to fire it off. I was afraid even to drive a nail or chop a stick of wood, lest some savages might be near enough to hear the sound.

I was afraid to build a fire at my castle, lest the smoke should be seen.

At last I carried some of my pots and kettles to my hidden field in the woods. I could do my cooking there much more safely than at my castle.

Hardly had I put things in order there when I found something that made me very glad. What do you suppose it was?

It was a cave — a real cave. The door into it was through a little hollow place at the bottom of a great rock. It was so well hidden that no one could have found it even by looking for it.

Shall I tell you how I came upon it?

I was afraid to make a smoke near my house, and yet I could not live without cooking meat. I tried all kinds of dry wood, and yet there was always some smoke. Then I thought I would try charcoal. But I must first make the charcoal.

I found a place (encontré un lugar) in the darkest part of the woods (en la parte más oscura del bosque) where the smoke would hardly rise (donde el humo apenas llegaba) to the tops of the trees (al punto de los árboles). There I built my charcoal pit (allí construí mi pozo de carbon de leña; to build, built, built – construir).

This was done in the following way (esto se hizo de la siguiente manera):—

First (primero), I cleared off a round space (vacié un espacio redondo) about ten feet in diameter (de unos diez pies de diámetro). Here I dug out the earth (aquí saqué la tierra; dig out – desenterrar; sacar de la tierra) till I made a pit (hasta que hice un pozo) about a foot deep (de aproximadamente un pie de profundidad). Then I cut a cord or more of wood (luego corté una leña o más; cord – es una medida de leña que equivale a 128 pies cúbicos) and piled it up in this space (y la acomulé en este espacio; to pile up – apilar; acumular; amontonar). I piled it up until (la acomulé hasta) it was almost (que fue casi) as high as my shoulders (tan alta como mis hombros). I covered it a foot deep (la cubrí a un pie de profundidad; deep – profundo) with earth and turf (con tierra y césped), leaving a small open place (dejando un pequeño espacio abierto) at the bottom (en la parte inferior).

When this was done (cuando estaba hecho), I set fire to the wood (prendí fuego a la madera) through the hole (a través del hueco) in the bottom (en la parte inferior). It burned slowly (se quemó lentamente). The wood became charcoal (la madera se convirtió en carbón de leña; to become – volverse; convertirse).

One day (un día), while cutting wood (mientras cortaba madera) for my charcoal pit (para mi pozo de carbón de leña), I happened to see a hollow place in the rock (vi un hueco en la roca) close by a tree (cerca de un árbol) I was chopping (que estaba cortando).

It was half covered with brush (estaba medio cubierto de maleza). I pushed this aside and looked in (la empujé a un lado y miré). I saw a little cave (vi una pequeña cueva) just large enough (lo suficientemente grande) for me to creep into (como para poder arrastrarme; to creep – trepar; arrastrarse) on my hands and knees (en mis manos y rodillas).

I found a place in the darkest part of the woods where the smoke would hardly rise to the tops of the trees. There I built my charcoal pit.

This was done in the following way:—

First, I cleared off a round space about ten feet in diameter. Here I dug out the earth till I made a pit about a foot deep. Then I cut a cord or more of wood and piled it up in this space. I piled it up until it was almost as high as my shoulders. I covered it a foot deep with earth and turf, leaving a small open place at the bottom.

When this was done, I set fire to the wood through the hole in the bottom. It burned slowly. The wood became charcoal.

One day, while cutting wood for my charcoal pit, I happened to see a hollow place in the rock close by a tree I was chopping.

It was half covered with brush. I pushed this aside and looked in. I saw a little cave just large enough for me to creep into on my hands and knees.

But, a little farther in (pero, un poco más allá), it was larger (era más grande; large – grande; gordo). It was so high (era tan alto) that I could stand upright (que podía mantenerme erguido), and it was so wide (y era tan ancho) that two men could have walked (que dos hombres podían haber caminado) in it side by side (uno al lado del otro).

It was a very dark place (era un lugar muy oscuro), and I stood still a moment till my eyes should become a little used to it (y me quedé quieto un momento hasta que mis ojos se acostumbraron un poco).

All at once (de repente) I saw something in the darkness (vi algo en la oscuridad) that made me scramble out of that place (que me hizo salir con dificultad de ese lugar; to scramble – salir en desbandada; salir con dificultad) much faster (mucho más rápido) than I had come into it (de lo que había entrado).

What do you think it was (qué piensas que era)? Two big shining eyes (dos grandes ojos brillantes) that glowed (que brillaban) like coals in the darkness (como carbones en la oscuridad). Whether they were the eyes of a man (ya sea que eran los ojos de un hombre) or of some fierce beast (o de alguna bestia feroz), I did not stop to see (no me detuve a ver).

I stood a little while (me quedé un rato junto) by the mouth of the cave (a la boca de la cueva; mouth – boca; entrada; desembocadura) and then I began (y luego comencé) to get over my fright (a superar mi miedo).

What could there be in this cave (qué podría haber en esta cueva) that would do me harm (que me hiciera daño)? No man could live (ningún hombre podría vivir) there in the darkness (allí en la oscuridad). As for any animal (en cuanto a cualquier animal), I knew there was nothing fiercer (sabía que no había nada más feroz; fierce – fiero, feroz) on the island (en la isla) than one of my cats (que una de mis gatos).

So (entonces), with a blazing stick for a torch (con un palo ardiente como una antorcha; to blaze – arder; resplandecer; brillar; stick – rama; palo; torch – antorcha), I crept back into the cave (volví a la cueva). But I had not gone three steps (pero no había dado tres pasos) before I was frightened (antes de que me asustara) almost as much as before (casi tanto como antes).

I heard a loud sigh (oí un fuerte suspiro), like that of a man in trouble (como el de un hombre que está en problemas). Then there were low moans (luego hubo gemidos bajos = apagados), and sounds as of some one trying to speak (y sonidos como si alguien estaba intentando a hablar).

But, a little farther in, it was larger. It was so high that I could stand upright, and it was so wide that two men could have walked in it side by side.

It was a very dark place, and I stood still a moment till my eyes should become a little used to it.

All at once I saw something in the darkness that made me scramble out of that place much faster than I had come into it.

What do you think it was? Two big shining eyes that glowed like coals in the darkness. Whether they were the eyes of a man or of some fierce beast, I did not stop to see.

I stood a little while by the mouth of the cave and then I began to get over my fright.

What could there be in this cave that would do me harm? No man could live there in the darkness. As for any animal, I knew there was nothing fiercer on the island than one of my cats.

So, with a blazing stick for a torch, I crept back into the cave. But I had not gone three steps before I was frightened almost as much as before.

I heard a loud sigh, like that of a man in trouble. Then there were low moans, and sounds as of some one trying to speak.

I stopped short (me paré de golpe; short – corto; breve; de golpe). Cold chills ran down my back (un escalofrío me recorrió la espalda; chill – frío; fresco; escalofrió). My hair seemed to stand on end (parecía que tenía pelos de punta; make smb. hair stand on end – ponerle los pelos de punta). But I would not allow myself to run out again (pero no me permitiría correr de nuevo).

I pushed my little torch (empujé mi pequeña antorcha) forward into the darkness (hacia adelante en la oscuridad), as far as I could (tan lejos como pude). The blaze lit up the cave (el fuego iluminó la cueva; blaze – fogata; lumbre; to light up – iluminarse; prender; encender). And what do you suppose I saw then (y qué crees que vi entonces)?

Why (vaya), nothing but a shaggy old goat (pero si era sólo un viejo cabro peludo; goat – cabra; cabro) that I had missed from my flock (que se me había perdido de mi rebaño; to miss smth. – descubrir que algo se ha perdido; descubrir la ausencia) for nearly a week past (durante casi una semana).

He was stretched on the floor of the cave (estaba estirado en el suelo de la cueva), and too weak to rise up (y estaba demasiado débil para levantarse). He was a very old fellow (era un cabro muy viejo), and perhaps had gone in there to die (y tal vez se había ido allí para morir).

I gave him some food and water (le di algo de comida y agua), and made him as comfortable (y lo puse tan cómodo) as I could (como pude). But he was too far gone (pero él era demasiado viejo) to live long (para vivir mucho tiempo).

I found that (descubrí que), although I could stand up in the cave (aunque podía pararme en la cueva), it was very small (era muy pequeña). It was only a hole in the rocks (había sólo un hueco en las rocas), and was neither round nor square (y no era redondo, ni cuadrado).

But at the end (pero al final) of this little chamber (de esta pequeña habitación) there seemed to be a passage (parecía haber un pasaje) that led farther in (que llevaba más adentro; to lead – conducir; llevar). This passage was very narrow and dark (este pasaje era muy estrecho y oscuro; to pass – pasar), and as my torch had burned out (y como mi antorcha se había apagado), I did not try to follow it (no traté de seguirlo).

I went back to my wood chopping (volví a cortar madera).

I stopped short. Cold chills ran down my back. My hair seemed to stand on end. But I would not allow myself to run out again.

I pushed my little torch forward into the darkness, as far as I could. The blaze lit up the cave. And what do you suppose I saw then?

Why, nothing but a shaggy old goat that I had missed from my flock for nearly a week past.

He was stretched on the floor of the cave, and too weak to rise up. He was a very old fellow, and perhaps had gone in there to die.

I gave him some food and water, and made him as comfortable as I could. But he was too far gone to live long.

I found that, although I could stand up in the cave, it was very small. It was only a hole in the rocks, and was neither round nor square.

But at the end of this little chamber there seemed to be a passage that led farther in. This passage was very narrow and dark, and as my torch had burned out, I did not try to follow it.

I went back to my wood chopping.

CHAPTER 35. I EXPLORE MY CAVE FURTHER

(CAPÍTULO 35. EXPLORO MI CUEVA MÁS ALLÁ)

The next day (al día siguiente) I brought out with me (traje conmigo) six big candles (seis grandes velas).

For you must know (porque debes saber) that I was a candle maker (que yo era fabricante de velas = hacía velas) as well as a baker (así como el panadero). Indeed (de hecho), I made very good candles (hice muy buenas velas) of goats’ tallow (de sebo de cabra), using some bits of old ropes (usando algunos trozos de cuerdas viejas) for the wicks (para las mechas).

As I have just said (como acabo de decir), I took six candles with me (cogí seis velas conmigo), for I had made up my mind (ya que he decidido) to learn more about the cave (a saber más sobre la cueva) I had found (que había encontrado).

I lit two of the candles (encendí dos velas; to light – encender), and went in (y entré). The poor old goat was dead (el pobre viejo cabro estaba muerto), and it was no easy work to dig a hole right there and bury him (y no fue tarea fácil cavar un agujero allí mismo y enterrarlo; hole – agujero; hueco).

After this unpleasant task was done (después de hacer esta desagradable tarea), I went into the back part of the cave (entré en la parte trasera de la cueva). The flame of the candles (la llama de las velas) lighted up the darkness (iluminó la oscuridad), and I could see quite plainly (y pude ver claramente; plainly – claramente; explícitamente; plain – liso; sencillo; simple).

The narrow passage (el estrecho pasaje) of which I have told you (del que te he contado) was no less than thirty feet long (no tenía menos de treinta pies de largo). In one place it was so low (en un lugar era tan bajo) that I had to creep through on all fours (que tuve que arrastrarme a cuatro patas; through – a través de; por).

But no sooner (pero tan pronto) was I through this low place than (como pasé por este lugar bajo) I found myself in a splendid chamber (me encontré en una maravillosa habitación). It was large enough (era lo suficientemente grande) to shelter a hundred men (como para albergar a cien hombres).

The next day I brought out with me six big candles.

For you must know that I was a candle maker as well as a baker. Indeed, I made very good candles of goats’ tallow, using some bits of old ropes for the wicks.

As I have just said, I took six candles with me, for I had made up my mind to learn more about the cave I had found.

I lit two of the candles, and went in. The poor old goat was dead, and it was no easy work to dig a hole right there and bury him.

After this unpleasant task was done, I went into the back part of the cave. The flame of the candles lighted up the darkness, and I could see quite plainly.

The narrow passage of which I have told you was no less than thirty feet long. In one place it was so low that I had to creep through on all fours.

But no sooner was I through this low place than I found myself in a splendid chamber. It was large enough to shelter a hundred men.

Indeed (de hecho), it seemed like the great hall (parecía un gran salón) of some old English castle (de un viejo castillo inglés). I had never seen anything so grand (nunca había visto algo tan grandioso).

The roof was at least (el techo tenía al menos) twenty feet high (veinte pies de altura). The light from my two candles shone (la luz de mis dos velas brillaba; to shine – brillar) upon the walls (sobre las paredes) and made it look as though covered (y las hacía parecer cubiertas) with thousand of bright stars (de miles de brillantes estrellas).

Whether these were diamonds (si eran diamantes), or gold (u oro), or some other precious things (u otras cosas preciosas), I did not know (no lo sabía), and in fact I never learned (y de hecho nunca lo he sabido).

The floor was dry and level (el suelo estaba seco y nivelado). It was covered with white sand (estaba cubierto de arena blanca), which was very clean (que estaba muy limpia).

I was delighted (yo estaba encantado; delight – delicia, deleite, placer; to delight – deleitar, encantar; to be delighted – estar encantado). No better or safer storehouse (ningún almacén mejor o más seguro podría) could I have wished (haber deseado).

When I had looked at the room (cuando miré la habitación) on every side (por todos lados) and found that (y descubrí que en realidad) it was really the end of the cave (era el final de la cueva), I went out (salí) and hurried back to my castle (y volví corriendo a mi castillo).

I found that I still had (descubrí que todavía tenía) about sixty pounds of powder (unas sesenta libras de polvo). This was the first thing (esto fue lo primero) that I carried to my new cavern (que llevé a mi nueva caverna). I took thither also the lead (cogí allí también el plomo) that I had for making bullets (que tenía para hacer balazos) and small shot (y pequeñas balas).

I felt now like one of the wonderful elves (me sentí como uno de los elfos maravillosos) that you read about (sobre los que lees). They live, as you know (viven, como sabes), in rocks and in caves (en rocas y en cuevas) where none can get at them (donde nadie puede alcanzarlos); and they have hidden treasures (y han escondido tesoros) of gold and precious stones (de oro y piedras preciosas).

Indeed, it seemed like the great hall of some old English castle. I had never seen anything so grand.

The roof was at least twenty feet high. The light from my two candles shone upon the walls and made it look as though covered with thousand of bright stars.

Whether these were diamonds, or gold, or some other precious things, I did not know, and in fact I never learned.

The floor was dry and level. It was covered with white sand, which was very clean.

I was delighted. No better or safer storehouse could I have wished.

When I had looked at the room on every side and found that it was really the end of the cave, I went out and hurried back to my castle.

I found that I still had about sixty pounds of powder. This was the first thing that I carried to my new cavern. I took thither also the lead that I had for making bullets and small shot.

I felt now like one of the wonderful elves that you read about. They live, as you know, in rocks and in caves where none can get at them; and they have hidden treasures of gold and precious stones.

What if a hundred savages should hunt me (qué pasaría si cien salvajes me persiguieran; to hunt – cazar; perseguir; capturar)? They could not come near me here (no pudieron acercarse a mí aquí). I was safe from all foes (estaba a salvo de todos los enemigos).

I fitted the cave up (cargué la cueva) with whatever was needed (con todo lo que fuera necesario) to make it comfortable (para hacerla cómoda).

If the worst came to the worst (si lo peor llega a ser lo peor = si pasa lo peor; the worst – peor; grave), I meant to live there (significaba vivir allí). And yet (y, sin embargo) I did not wish to be obliged to do this (no deseaba estar obligado a hacerlo; to oblige – obligar; forzar).

When everything was safe and snug (cuando todo estuvo seguro y cómodo), I laid some green branches (puse unas ramas verdes; to lay – poner) over the entrance (en la entrada) and went back to my castle (y volví a mi castillo).

I was very glad (me alegré mucho) when I sat down in my old kitchen again (cuando volví a sentarme en mi vieja cocina; to sit down – sentarse). For, after all (porque, después de todo), no other place was so much like home (ningún otro lugar se parecía mucho al hogar = no hay mejor lugar que el hogar).

I had now been twenty-three years on this island (llevaba veintitrés años en esta isla). If it had not been for fear of savages (si no hubiera sido por miedo a los salvajes), I would have been (habría sido) the happiest man in the world (el hombre más feliz del mundo).

During all those years (durante todos esos años) I had been very busy (había estado muy ocupado). I did not work all the time (no trabajé todo el tiempo), as you know (como sabes), but I amused myself in various ways (pero me entretenía de varias maneras).

What if a hundred savages should hunt me? They could not come near me here. I was safe from all foes.

I fitted the cave up with whatever was needed to make it comfortable.

If the worst came to the worst, I meant to live there. And yet I did not wish to be obliged to do this.

When everything was safe and snug, I laid some green branches over the entrance and went back to my castle.

I was very glad when I sat down in my old kitchen again. For, after all, no other place was so much like home.

I had now been twenty-three years on this island. If it had not been for fear of savages, I would have been the happiest man in the world.

During all those years I had been very busy. I did not work all the time, as you know, but I amused myself in various ways.

I spent much time with Poll (pasé mucho tiempo con Poll), the parrot (el loro). He soon learned to talk so well (pronto aprendió a hablar tan bien) that it was a pleasure to hear him (que fue un placer escucharlo).

My dog (mi perro) had been my best friend and companion (había sido mi mejor amigo y compañero). He lived for sixteen years (vivió dieciséis años), and then died of old age (y luego murió de la vejez).

As for my cats (en cuanto a mis gatas), the woods were full of them (los bosques estaban llenas de ellas). All ran wild (todos se han vuelto salvajes; run wild – hacerse salvaje) except the two (excepto las dos) that I kept in my castle (que tenía en mi castillo). These were good mousers (eran buenas cazadoras de ratones; mouse – ratón) and fine pets (y buenas mascotas).

I had also several tame fowls (también tenía varias aves domesticados). These I had caught (las había capturado; to catch – capturar) near the seashore (cerca de la costa) when they were young (cuando eran jóvenes). I cut their wing feathers short (acorté las plumas de las alas) and taught them to eat from my hand (y las enseñé a comer de mi mano; to teach – enseñar).

I never knew (nunca supe) what kind of birds they were (qué tipo de pájaros eran), but they were large (pero eran grandes), almost as large as chickens (casi tan grandes como los pollos). They lived among the hedge trees (vivieron entre los setos) in front of my castle (frente a mi castillo).

They made their nests there (hicieron sus nidos allí) and kept me well supplied with eggs (y me mantuvieron bien provisto de huevos; to supply – suministrar; mantener; /with/ – abastecer de; proveer). I did not need to keep (no necesitaba tener) any other poultry (otras aves de corral).

Thus (por lo tanto) I lived very pleasantly (viví muy agradablemente) in my island home (en mi isla natal). I would have been content (habría estado contento) to live there always (de vivir allí para siempre) if I could have felt safe (si pudiera haberme salvado) from savages (de los salvajes).

I spent much time with Poll, the parrot. He soon learned to talk so well that it was a pleasure to hear him.

My dog had been my best friend and companion. He lived for sixteen years, and then died of old age.

As for my cats, the woods were full of them. All ran wild except the two that I kept in my castle. These were good mousers and fine pets.

I had also several tame fowls. These I had caught near the seashore when they were young. I cut their wing feathers short and taught them to eat from my hand.

I never knew what kind of birds they were, but they were large, almost as large as chickens. They lived among the hedge trees in front of my castle.

They made their nests there and kept me well supplied with eggs. I did not need to keep any other poultry.

Thus I lived very pleasantly in my island home. I would have been content to live there always if I could have felt safe from savages.

CHAPTER 36. I SEE SAVAGES

(CAPÍTULO 36. VEO A LOS SALVAJES)

Early one morning (una vez temprano por la mañana) in harvest time (en la época de la cosecha) I went out to my grain fields (salí a los campos de mi grano) to cut down some barley (para cortar = sembrar algo de cebada). The days were so very hot (los días eran tan calurosos) that it was pleasanter to rise (que era más agradable levantarse) before daylight (antes de la luz del día) and do the heavier part of my work (y hacer la parte más pesada de mi trabajo) before the sun was high (antes de que el sol estuviera alto).

On this morning of which I am telling you (esta mañana de la que te digo), I started out while (empecé cuando) it was still quite dark (todavía hacía bastante oscuro). I had been to the fields (había estado en los campos) so often (con tanta frecuencia) that I could have found the way (que podría haber encontrado el camino) with my eyes shut (con los ojos cerradosñ; to shut, shut, shut – cerrar).

As I went along (mientras avanzaba; to go along – ir adelante, avanzar), I was surprised to see a light (me sorprendió ver una luz) far over toward my side of the island (muy lejos hacia mi lado de la isla). I stopped and looked (me detuve y miré). It was plainly the light of a blazing fire (era claramente la luz de un fuego ardiente; to blaze – arder, resplandecer, brillar; fire – fuego, fogata).

Who could have built a fire there (quién podría haber prendido fuego allí)?

Surely none but savages (seguramente nadie más que salvajes).

I was so much surprised (me sorprendió tanto) that I stood still and wondered (que me quedé quieto y me pregunté).

What if those savages (qué pasaría si esos salvajes) should find my grain fields (encontraran mis campos de granos)?

They would know at once (sabrían de inmediato) that somebody had planted them (que alguien los había plantado), and they would never rest (y no se tranquilizarían; never – nunca) till they should find me (hasta que no me encuentren).

Early one morning in harvest time I went out to my grain fields to cut down some barley. The days were so very hot that it was pleasanter to rise before daylight and do the heavier part of my work before the sun was high.

On this morning of which I am telling you, I started out while it was still quite dark. I had been to the fields so often that I could have found the way with my eyes shut.

As I went along, I was surprised to see a light far over toward my side of the island. I stopped and looked. It was plainly the light of a blazing fire.

Who could have built a fire there?

Surely none but savages.

I was so much surprised that I stood still and wondered.

What if those savages should find my grain fields?

They would know at once that somebody had planted them, and they would never rest till they should find me.

I could now see the blaze (ahora podía ver el incendio) quite plainly (con bastante claridad). As the day dawned (cuando amaneció), I could also see the smoke (también pude ver el humo) rising above the trees (que se elevaba por encima de los árboles). The fire was not more (el fuego no estaba a más) than two miles away (de dos millas de distancia).

I hurried back to my castle (corrí de vuelta a mi castillo) as fast as I could run (tan rápido como pude correr). I made everything on the outside (hice que todo en el exterior) of it look as wild as possible (se vea lo más salvaje = desolado posible).

I climbed over the wall (trepé por la pared) and pulled up the ladder after me (y subí la escalera).

I loaded all my cannon (cargué todo mi cañón), as I called the guns (como llamaba a las escopetas), that I had placed in the wall (que había colocado en la pared). I put everything in order for a siege (puse todo en orden como se debe para un asedio).

Then I waited to see (luego esperé para ver) if any enemy would come near (si algún enemigo se acercaba).

Two hours, three hours passed (pasaron dos horas, tres horas), and there was no sight nor sound (y no había ni vista, ni un sonido) that was at all uncommon (que fuera poco común). I began to wonder if (empecé a preguntarme si), after all (después de todo), the fire had been kindled (el fuego había sido encendido; to kindle – encender, prender) by some accident (por algún accidente; accident – accidente) and not by strange men (y no por los hombres extraños).

At last I could wait no longer (al fin no pude esperar más). I set up my ladder (puse mi escalera) against the side of the rock (contra la ladera de la roca) and climbed up to a flat place (y trepé a un lugar plano) above my castle (sobre mi castillo). I pulled the ladder up after me (saqué la escalera) and then mounted to another landing (y luego monté a otra explanada; to mount – montar, cabalgar; to mount a ladder – montar la escalera). I pulled it up a second time (lo saqué por segunda vez), and it now reached (y ahora llegó) to the top of the great rock (a la cima de la gran roca).

Here was the place (aquí estaba el lugar) I called my lookout (al que llamé mi vigía).

Very carefully I climbed up (muy cuidadosamente subí). I laid myself down upon the rock and (me tumbé sobre la roca y) through my spyglass (a través de mi catalejo; spyglass – catalejo; to spy – espiar, avistar; – on/upon/ espiar; fisgar; glass – cristal) looked over toward the place (miré hacia el lugar) where I had seen the fire (donde había visto el fuego).

I could now see the blaze quite plainly. As the day dawned, I could also see the smoke rising above the trees. The fire was not more than two miles away.

I hurried back to my castle as fast as I could run. I made everything on the outside of it look as wild as possible.

I climbed over the wall and pulled up the ladder after me.

I loaded all my cannon, as I called the guns, that I had placed in the wall. I put everything in order for a siege.

Then I waited to see if any enemy would come near.

Two hours, three hours passed, and there was no sight nor sound that was at all uncommon. I began to wonder if, after all, the fire had been kindled by some accident and not by strange men.

At last I could wait no longer. I set up my ladder against the side of the rock and climbed up to a flat place above my castle. I pulled the ladder up after me and then mounted to another landing. I pulled it up a second time, and it now reached to the top of the great rock.

Here was the place I called my lookout.

Very carefully I climbed up. I laid myself down upon the rock and through my spyglass looked over toward the place where I had seen the fire.

I could still see the smoke (aún podía ver el humo). Yes, and I could see some naked savages (sí, y pude ver a algunos salvajes desnudos) sitting around a small fire (sentados alrededor de un pequeño fuego).

I counted them, and made out (los conté y me di cuenta de) that there were no fewer (que no eran menos) than nine of the wretches (de nueve de los desdichados; wretch – desdichado, desgraciado).

They surely did not need (seguramente no necesitaban) a fire to warm themselves by (un fuego para calentarse), for the day was very hot (porque hacía mucho calor). No doubt they were cooking something (sin duda estaban cocinando algo). Perhaps they were cannibals (quizás eran caníbales) and were getting ready (y se estaban preparando; to ger ready – prepararse, estar preparado) for one of their horrible feasts (para una de sus horribles fiestas).

On the beach (en la playa) not far from them (no lejos de ellos) I saw the two canoes (vi las dos canoas) in which they had arrived (en las que habían llegado).

The tide was now at its lowest (la marea estaba ahora en su punto más bajo). When it returned and floated the canoes (cuando vuelva y suba las canoas; to float – flotar), they would probably go away (probablemente se vayan).

This thought (este pensamiento) made me feel much easier (me hizo sentir mucho más fácil), for I was sure (porque estaba seguro) they would not wander far inland (de que no vagarían lejos hacia el interior; inland – en el interior).

I waited and watched (esperé y observé) till the tide was again at the flood (hasta que la marea no volvió a subir; flood – marea,, riada).

Then I saw them all get into (luego los vi a todos meterse) the boats and paddle away (en los botes y alejarse). They seemed to be going around (parecían que iban) to the other side of the island (al otro lado de la isla).

I could still see the smoke. Yes, and I could see some naked savages sitting around a small fire.

I counted them, and made out that there were no fewer than nine of the wretches.

They surely did not need a fire to warm themselves by, for the day was very hot. No doubt they were cooking something. Perhaps they were cannibals and were getting ready for one of their horrible feasts.

On the beach not far from them I saw the two canoes in which they had arrived.

The tide was now at its lowest. When it returned and floated the canoes, they would probably go away.

This thought made me feel much easier, for I was sure they would not wander far inland.

I waited and watched till the tide was again at the flood.

Then I saw them all get into the boats and paddle away. They seemed to be going around to the other side of the island.

I could now breathe freely again (ahora podía respirar libremente otra vez). As soon as they were well gone (tan pronto como se fueron), I armed myself and hurried (me armé y corrí) across the land to see (por la tierra para ver) if I could get another sight of them (si podía verlos de nuevo).

I carried two guns on my shoulder (llevaba dos escopetas en mi hombro), two pistols in my belt (dos pistolas en mi cinturón), and a big sword at my side (y una gran espada a mi lado). You would have been frightened (te habrías asustado), had you seen me (si me hubieras visto).

It was a long, hard walk (fue un paseo largo y difícil). But by and by I came to the hill (pero dentro de un rato llegué a la colina; by and by – dentro de un rato) that overlooked the farther shore of the island (que pasaban por alto de la lejana orilla de la isla).

This I climbed (subí a ella). I scanned sea (eché un vistazo en el mar) and land with my spyglass (y la tierra con mi catalejo).

Yes, there were the two canoes (sí, estaban las dos canoas) coming slowly around the coast (que venían lentamente por la costa).

But what was my surprise (pero cual fue mi sorpresa) to see three other boats (cuando vi a otros tres barcos) put off from a cove near by (que venían de ensenada que estaba cerca) and hasten around to meet them (y se apresuraron para conocerlos)!

It seemed, then (parecía, entonces; to seem – parecer), that another party of savages (que otra parte de los salvajes) had been feasting at the very spot (había estado festejando en el mismo lugar) where I had seen (donde había visto) the first footprint in the sand (la primera huella en la arena).

I watched the canoes until (veía las canoas hasta que) all five were far out to sea (las cinco estaban lejos en el mar), on their way to (en su camino hacia) the low-lying shore (la orilla baja) in the distant west (en el lejano oeste).

Then I went down to the place (luego bajé al lugar) where the savages (donde los salvajes) had been feasting (habían estado festejando).

I could now breathe freely again. As soon as they were well gone, I armed myself and hurried across the land to see if I could get another sight of them.

I carried two guns on my shoulder, two pistols in my belt, and a big sword at my side. You would have been frightened, had you seen me.

It was a long, hard walk. But by and by I came to the hill that overlooked the farther shore of the island.

This I climbed. I scanned sea and land with my spyglass.

Yes, there were the two canoes coming slowly around the coast.

But what was my surprise to see three other boats put off from a cove near by and hasten around to meet them!

It seemed, then, that another party of savages had been feasting at the very spot where I had seen the first footprint in the sand.

I watched the canoes until all five were far out to sea, on their way to the low-lying shore in the distant west.

Then I went down to the place where the savages had been feasting.

What a dreadful sight (qué espantosa escena) met my eyes (se encontró ante mis ojos; to meet, met, met – encontrar)! The sand was covered (la arena estaba cubierta) with blood and bones (de sangre y huesos). No doubt (sin duda) some poor captive (algún pobre cautivo) had been killed there and eaten (había sido asesinado y comido allí).

I made up my mind that (decidí que) if any other savages (si algunos otros salvajes) should ever come to my island (llegaran a mi isla) for such a feast (para una fiesta así), I would not let them enjoy it (no les dejaría disfrutar).

I gathered up the bones (recogí los huesos) and buried them in the sand (y los enterré en la arena; to butty – enterrar). Then I went slowly and sadly back (luego volví lentamente y tristemente) to my castle (a mi castillo).

After that (después de eso) I never felt quite safe at any time (nunca me sentí seguro en ningún momento). I dared not fire a gun (no me atreví a disparar de un arma); I dared not build a fire (no me atreví a prender fuego); I dared not walk far from home (no me atreví a caminar lejos de casa).

While awake (mientras estaba despierto), I was always planning (siempre estaba planeando) how to escape the savages (cómo escapar de los salvajes; to escape – escapar; huir). While asleep (mientras dormía), I was always dreaming of dreadful things (siempre estaba soñando con cosas terribles).

Yet days and months passed by (sin embargo, pasaron días y meses), and still no other savages came (y todavía no vinieron otros salvajes; still – aún, todavía, sin embargo, aun así).

What a dreadful sight met my eyes! The sand was covered with blood and bones. No doubt some poor captive had been killed there and eaten.

I made up my mind that if any other savages should ever come to my island for such a feast, I would not let them enjoy it.

I gathered up the bones and buried them in the sand. Then I went slowly and sadly back to my castle.

After that I never felt quite safe at any time. I dared not fire a gun; I dared not build a fire; I dared not walk far from home.

While awake, I was always planning how to escape the savages. While asleep, I was always dreaming of dreadful things. Yet days and months passed by, and still no other savages came.

CHAPTER 37. I DISCOVER A WRECK

(CAPÍTULO 37. DESCUBRO UN NAUFRAGIO)

One day in May (un día de mayo) a great storm burst upon the island (estalló una gran tormenta en la isla; to burst – explotar, estallar, explosionar). All day (durante todo el día) and far into the night (y hasta muy de noche) the rain fell and the wind blew (cayó la lluvia y sopló el viento), the lightnings flashed (los relámpagos alumbraban), and the thunder rolled (y el trueno retumbaba).

But I was used to such storms (pero estaba acostumbrado a tales tormentas), and I minded it but little (y me importaban poco). I stayed home in my castle (me quedé en mi castillo), and felt very thankful (y me sentí muy agradecido; to feel – sentir) that I had a place so safe (de tener un lugar tan seguro) and dry and comfortable (y seco y cómodo).

I sat up quite late (me quedé despierto hasta muy tarde; to sit up – quedarse despierto, estar depierto hasta las tantas), reading my Bible (leyendo mi Biblia) by the light of a little lamp (a la luz de una pequeña lámpara) I had made (que había hecho), and thinking of my strange lot in life (y pensando en mi extraño destino en la vida). Suddenly I heard a sound (de repente oí un sonido) which I felt sure (y estaba seguro) was the noise (de que era el ruido) of a gun fired at sea (de un arma disparada en el mar).

I started up quickly (me puse de pie rápido). I threw on my raincoat (me puse el impermeable) and mounted to my lookout (y monté a mi vigía) on the top of the great rock (a lo alto de la gran roca).

The rain had stopped (la lluvia había parado) and the wind was going down (y el viento estaba bajando). It was now past midnight (era más de medianoche), and very dark (y estaba muy oscuro).

A moment after (un momento después) I had reached my place (de llegar a mi casa) there was a flash of light (hubo un destello de luz) that caused me to stop (que hizo que me detuviera) and listen for another gun (a escuchar otra escopeta).

In a few seconds I heard it (en unos segundos la oí). It seemed to come from that part of the sea (parecía provenir de la parte del mar) where I was once caught (donde una vez fui atrapado; to catch – atrapar) by the strong current (por una fuerte corriente) and driven far out in my boat (y llevado lejos en mi barco; to drive – llevar).

One day in May a great storm burst upon the island. All day and far into the night the rain fell and the wind blew, the lightnings flashed, and the thunder rolled.

But I was used to such storms, and I minded it but little. I stayed home in my castle, and felt very thankful that I had a place so safe and dry and comfortable.

I sat up quite late, reading my Bible by the light of a little lamp I had made, and thinking of my strange lot in life. Suddenly I heard a sound which I felt sure was the noise of a gun fired at sea.

I started up quickly. I threw on my raincoat and mounted to my lookout on the top of the great rock.

The rain had stopped and the wind was going down. It was now past midnight, and very dark.

A moment after I had reached my place there was a flash of light that caused me to stop and listen for another gun.

In a few seconds I heard it. It seemed to come from that part of the sea where I was once caught by the strong current and driven far out in my boat.

I knew at once (supe de inmediato) that the shots were fired from some ship (que los disparos provenían de algún barco) in distress (que estaba en peligro). Perhaps she was being driven upon the shore (tal vez fue llevado a la orilla; el barco – en inglés es una palabra de género femenino) by the wind and waves (por el viento y las olas). Could I do anything (podría hacer algo) to help the poor men on board (para ayudar a los pobres hombres a bordo)?

With great labor (con gran esfuerzo) and danger to myself (y peligro para mí mismo) I gathered some sticks (recogí algunos palos) and brush into a pile (y los tiré en un montón) on the rock and set it on fire (sobre la roca y los prendí fuego).

The wood was not dry (la madera no estaba seca), but when the fire was once kindled (pero cuando el fuego se encendió) it blazed up fiercely (ardía ferozmente) and cast a light (y arrojó una luz) over all the rocks (sobre todas las rocas) and trees about me (y árboles a mi alrededor).

I felt sure that (estaba seguro de que) if there were sailors on the ship (si había marineros en el barco), they could not help but see it (no podían evitar verlo / el fuego/). And no doubt they did see it (y sin duda lo vieron), for I soon heard another gun (porque pronto oí otra arma = otro disparo).

All night long I kept the fire burning (toda la noche mantuve el fuego encendido); but no other sound besides the wind did I hear (pero no oí ningún otro sonido además del viento).

When it was broad day (cuando ya era en pleno día; broad – ancho, pleno) and the mists had cleared away (y la niebla se había disipado), I turned my spyglass (giré mi catalejo; turn – girar) toward that part of the sea (hacia la parte del mar; toward – hacia; en dirección a) from which the sounds came (de la que llegaban los sonidos).

Far away from the shore (lejos de la orilla) there was surely something (seguramente que había algo); but (pero) whether it was a wreck or a ship under sail (si era un naufragio o un barco a vela), I could not tell (no podía decir). The distance was too great (la distancia era demasiado grande).

I knew at once that the shots were fired from some ship in distress. Perhaps she was being driven upon the shore by the wind and waves. Could I do anything to help the poor men on board?

With great labor and danger to myself I gathered some sticks and brush into a pile on the rock and set it on fire.

The wood was not dry, but when the fire was once kindled it blazed up fiercely and cast a light over all the rocks and trees about me.

I felt sure that if there were sailors on the ship, they could not help but see it. And no doubt they did see it, for I soon heard another gun.

All night long I kept the fire burning; but no other sound besides the wind did I hear.

When it was broad day and the mists had cleared away, I turned my spyglass toward that part of the sea from which the sounds came.

Far away from the shore there was surely something; but whether it was a wreck or a ship under sail, I could not tell. The distance was too great.

I watched it from time to time (lo veía de vez en cuando) all day (todo el día). It did not move (no se novia).

“It must be a ship at anchor (debe ser un barco fondeado),” I said to myself (me dije).

Early the next morning (temprano por la mañana siguiente) I took my gun (tomé mi escopeta) and went down toward that side of the island (y bajé hacia ese lado de la isla) where the current (donde la corriente) had once caught me (me había atrapado una vez). When I had come to the shore there (cuando llegué a la orilla: «a la orilla allí»), I climbed upon some rocks (subí a unas rocas) and looked out over the sea (y contemplaba el mar).

The air was very clear now (el aire estaba muy limpio ahora), and I could plainly see the ship (y podía ver claramente el barco).

She was not at anchor (no estaba fondeado). She was fast (fue atascado; fast – firmemente) on some great rocks (en algunas grandes rocas) of which there were many (de las que había muchas) in that part of the sea (en aquella parte del mar).

I saw that the masts of the vessel (vi que los mástiles del buque) were broken (estaban rotos; to break, broke, broken – romper), and that her hull was lying more than halfway out of the water (y que su casco yacía a más de la mitad del agua).

I thought of the sailors (pensé en los marineros) who must have been on board (que deberían haber estado a bordo), and wondered (y me pregunté) if any had escaped (si alguno había escapado). It seemed impossible (parecía imposible) that any could have reached (que alguien pudiera haber llegado) the shore through the furious sea (a la orilla a través del furioso mar) that was raging during the storm (que estaba enfurecido durante la tormenta; rage – rabia, ira, furia; to rage – enfurecerse, encolerizarse, rabiar).

“Oh, that one had been saved (oh, ese había sido salvado)!” I cried as I walked up (gritaba mientras caminaba de un lado) and down the shore (a otro de la orilla).

I wrung my hands (me retorcía las manos; to wring, wrung, wrung – retorcer, escurrir, estrujar; to wring one's hands – retorcer las manos), my lips were firmly set (mis labios estaban firmes), my eyes were full of tears (mis ojos estaban llenos de lágrimas).

“Oh, that one had been saved (oh, ese había sido salvado)!” I cried again and again (gritaba una y otra vez).

I watched it from time to time all day. It did not move.

“It must be a ship at anchor,” I said to myself.

Early the next morning I took my gun and went down toward that side of the island where the current had once caught me. When I had come to the shore there, I climbed upon some rocks and looked out over the sea.

The air was very clear now, and I could plainly see the ship.

She was not at anchor. She was fast on some great rocks of which there were many in that part of the sea.

I saw that the masts of the vessel were broken, and that her hull was lying more than halfway out of the water.

I thought of the sailors who must have been on board, and wondered if any had escaped. It seemed impossible that any could have reached the shore through the furious sea that was raging during the storm.

“Oh, that one had been saved!” I cried as I walked up and down the shore.

I wrung my hands, my lips were firmly set, my eyes were full of tears.

“Oh, that one had been saved!” I cried again and again.

It was thus that after (fue así que después) so many lonely years (de tantos años de soledad) without seeing a friendly face (sin ver una cara amistosa) I longed to have at least one companion (tenía ganas de tener al menos un acompañante) to talk with (con quien hablar) and to share my hopes and fears (y compartir mis esperanzas y temores).

The sea was now quite calm (el mar estaba ahora bastante tranquilo). Even among the rocks (incluso entre las rocas) the water was smooth (el agua era suave).

Seeing everything thus favorable (al ver que todo era favorable), I made up my mind to get my canoe (decidí buscar mi canoa) and go out to the wreck (e ir donde el naufragio).

I hurried back to my castle (volví rápidamente a mi castillo) to get things ready (para preparar las cosas) for my voyage (para mi viaje).

I packed a big basket with bread (empaqué una gran canasta con pan; to pack – empacar, hacer la maleta, empaquetar); I filled a jug with fresh water (llené una jarra con agua fresca); I put a compass in my pocket (puse una brújula en mi bolsillo) that I might have it to steer by (para poder guiarme); I threw a bag full of raisins (arrojé una bolsa llena de pasas; to throw, threw, thrown – arrojar) upon my shoulder (sobre mi hombro).

Loaded with all these necessary things (cargado con todas estas cosas necesarias), I went round to the place (fui al lugar) where my canoe was hidden (donde estaba escondida mi canoa). I found her half full of water (la encontré medio llena de agua), for she had been lying there neglected (porque había estado allí descuidada) for a long time (durante mucho tiempo).

With much labor (con muchos esfuerzos) I bailed the water out of her (la liberé del agua) and got her afloat (y la llevé a flote; afloat – a flote). Then I loaded my cargo into her (luego cargué mi carga en ella), and hurried home for more (y me apresuré a casa para obtener más /carga/).

My second load (mi segunda carga) was a bag full of rice (fue una bolsa llena de arroz), the umbrella to set up over my head for shade (la sombrilla para ponerme sobre mi cabeza para la sombra), another jug of water (otra jarra de agua), a cheese (un queso), a bottle of milk (una botella de leche), and about two dozen barley cakes (y unas dos docenas de bizcochos de cebada).

It was thus that after so many lonely years without seeing a friendly face I longed to have at least one companion to talk with and to share my hopes and fears.

The sea was now quite calm. Even among the rocks the water was smooth.

Seeing everything thus favorable, I made up my mind to get my canoe and go out to the wreck.

I hurried back to my castle to get things ready for my voyage.

I packed a big basket with bread; I filled a jug with fresh water; I put a compass in my pocket that I might have it to steer by; I threw a bag full of raisins upon my shoulder.

Loaded with all these necessary things, I went round to the place where my canoe was hidden. I found her half full of water, for she had been lying there neglected for a long time.

With much labor I bailed the water out of her and got her afloat. Then I loaded my cargo into her, and hurried home for more.

My second load was a bag full of rice, the umbrella to set up over my head for shade, another jug of water, a cheese, a bottle of milk, and about two dozen barley cakes.

All these I carried around to my canoe (todo esto lo llevé a mi canoa). If there were men on board the wreck (si hubiera hombres a bordo del barco) they might be in need of food (podrían necesitar comida).

When I had arranged everything in good order (cuando había arreglado todo en orden; to arrange – colocar, ordenar, organizar, arreglar; planear; range – gama, rango, línea, fila), I started out (comencé el viaje).

I kept the canoe (mantuve la canoa) quite close to the shore (bastante cerca de la costa) until I had rounded the point (hasta que redondeé el punto; point – punto, la parte sobresaliente) past which the dangerous current flowed (por donde fluía la peligrosa corriente). Being then in smooth water (estando entonces en agua tranquila), I struck boldly out toward the wreck (fui audazmente hacia el naufragio; to strike – golpear; to strike out – dirigirse a; to strike out for the shore – dirigirse a la orilla).

Soon, however (pronto, aún), upon looking a little ahead of me (al mirar un poco por delante de mí), I saw the second current (vi la segunda corriente) flowing in a great eddy past (que estaba fluyendo en un gran remolino más allá) a long line of half-hidden rocks (de una larga fila de rocas medio escondidas).

As I looked on these rapid currents (mientras miraba a estas rápidas corrientes), my heart began to fail me (mi corazón comenzó a fallarme). I knew that (sabía que) if I should be driven into one of them (si me llevara en una de ellas), it would carry me (me llevaría) a great way out to sea (a un gran camino hasta el mar). It would carry me so far (me llevaría tan lejos) that I should never be able to get back again (que nunca más podría volver).

Yet I was determined (sin embargo, estaba decidido) to persevere in my venture (a mantener mi aventura; to persevere – preservar, mantener).

All these I carried around to my canoe. If there were men on board the wreck they might be in need of food.

When I had arranged everything in good order, I started out.

I kept the canoe quite close to the shore until I had rounded the point past which the dangerous current flowed. Being then in smooth water, I struck boldly out toward the wreck.

Soon, however, upon looking a little ahead of me, I saw the second current flowing in a great eddy past a long line of half-hidden rocks.

As I looked on these rapid currents, my heart began to fail me. I knew that if I should be driven into one of them, it would carry me a great way out to sea. It would carry me so far that I should never be able to get back again.

Yet I was determined to persevere in my venture.

CHAPTER 38. I MAKE ANOTHER VOYAGE

(CAPÍTULO 38. HAGO OTRO VIAJE)

With very great care (con mucho cuidado) I steered my canoe out to sea (dirigí mi canoa hacia el mar). I kept just within the edge of the current (me quedé justo al borde de la corriente; within – adentro, dentro; edge – borde) on my right hand (de mi mano derecha). It carried me along at a great rate (me llevaba a alta velocidad; rate – tasa, índice, ritmo, velocidad), but I did not lose control of the canoe (pero no perdí el control de la canoa).

In about two hours I came up to the wreck (en unas dos horas subí al barco hundido). It was a sad sight to look at (fue una vista triste para ver).

The ship lay partly on her side (el barco yacía parcialmente a su lado), and was jammed fast (y se atascó fuertemente) between two great rocks (entre dos grandes rocas).

She looked like a Spanish ship (parecía un barco español). She had been badly broken (había sido gravemente roto) by the waves (por las olas), and everything on her decks had been swept away (y todo en sus cubiertas había sido llevado; to sweep – barrer; to sweep away – llevarse, borrar del mapa).

As I came close to her (cuando me acerqué a ella), a dog looked over her side (un perro miró por encima de su costado; side – lado, costado) and barked at me (y me ladró). When I called him (cuando lo llamé) he jumped into the sea (saltó al mar) and swam out to the canoe (y nadó hacia la canoa).

I lifted him on board (lo subí a bordo), and found (y descubrí) that he was almost dead with hunger and thirst (que estaba casi muerto de hambre y sed).

I gave him a barley cake (le di un bizcocho de cebada), and he devoured it (y lo devoró) like a half-starved wolf (como un lobo medio muerto de hambre; to starve – morirse de hambre). I then gave him a little water (luego le di un poco de agua), but not too much (pero no mucho) lest he should harm himself (para que no se hiciera daño). He drank (bebió), and then looked up as if asking for more (y luego miró como pidiendo más).

After this I went on board (después de esto fui a bordo). A sad sight met my eyes (una vista triste se encontró ante mis ojos; to meet — encontrar). For in the cookroom (porque en la cocina) I saw two sailors (vi a dos marineros) who had been drowned (que se habían ahogado), with their arms fast around each other (con sus brazos alrededor uno al otro).

With very great care I steered my canoe out to sea. I kept just within the edge of the current on my right hand. It carried me along at a great rate, but I did not lose control of the canoe.

In about two hours I came up to the wreck. It was a sad sight to look at.

The ship lay partly on her side, and was jammed fast between two great rocks.

She looked like a Spanish ship. She had been badly broken by the waves, and everything on her decks had been swept away.

As I came close to her, a dog looked over her side and barked at me. When I called him he jumped into the sea and swam out to the canoe.

I lifted him on board, and found that he was almost dead with hunger and thirst.

I gave him a barley cake, and he devoured it like a half-starved wolf. I then gave him a little water, but not too much lest he should harm himself. He drank, and then looked up as if asking for more.

After this I went on board. A sad sight met my eyes. For in the cookroom I saw two sailors who had been drowned, with their arms fast around each other.

I suppose (supongo) that when the ship struck the waves (que cuando el barco golpeó las olas = dio en un bajío; to strike – golpear) dashed all over her (que se desvanecieron sobre él) and the men had no way of escape (y los hombres no tenían otra manera de escapar). Those who were not swept overboard (aquellos que no fueron llevados por la borda; to sweep – barrer) were drowned between decks (se ahogaron entre las cubiertas).

Besides the dog (además del perro) there was no other live thing (no había otra cosa viva) on board (en el barco).

I found some chests (encontré algunos cofres) that had belonged to the sailors (que habían pertenecido a los marineros). With much labor (con mucho esfuerzo) I got two of them into the canoe (metí a dos de ellos en la canoa) without stopping to look inside of them (sin detenerme a mirar dentro de ellos).

Besides these chests (además de estos cofres), I took a fire shovel and tongs (cogí una pala de fuego y tenazas), which I needed very much (a los que necesitaba mucho). I found, also (encontré, también), two little brass kettles (dos pequeñas teteras de latón; brass — latón, azófar), a gridiron (una parrilla; grid – rejilla; iron – hierro), and a large copper pot (y un gran caldero de cobre).

The tide was now setting in (la marea ahora se estaba volviendo) toward the island again (hacia la isla otra vez). So, with the few goods (entonces, con los pocos bienes; goods – bienes, mercancía) I had found (que había encontrado) and the poor dog (y el pobre perro), I started for home (me fui a casa).

By keeping on the outside of the eddying current (manteniéndome al margen de la corriente de remolino; eddy – contracorriente; to eddy — arremolinarse) I had no trouble (no tuve problemas) in bringing the canoe safe (para llevar mi canoa segura) to land (a la tierra). The sun was almost down (el sol casi se había ido) when I anchored her in a little inlet (cuando la anclé en una pequeña ensenada) just off the point of rocks (justo al lado de las rocas).

I was so tired (estaba tan cansado) that I could do nothing more that day (que no pude hacer nada más aquel día). So, after eating my supper (así que, después de la cena), of which I gave the dog a good share (de la cual di una buena porción al perro), I lay down in the canoe (me acosté en la canoa; to lie down – tumbarse, acostarse) and went to sleep (y me fui a dormir).

I suppose that when the ship struck the waves dashed all over her and the men had no way of escape. Those who were not swept overboard were drowned between decks.

Besides the dog there was no other live thing on board.

I found some chests that had belonged to the sailors. With much labor I got two of them into the canoe without stopping to look inside of them.

Besides these chests, I took a fire shovel and tongs, which I needed very much. I found, also, two little brass kettles, a gridiron, and a large copper pot.

The tide was now setting in toward the island again. So, with the few goods I had found and the poor dog, I started for home.

By keeping on the outside of the eddying current I had no trouble in bringing the canoe safe to land. The sun was almost down when I anchored her in a little inlet just off the point of rocks.

I was so tired that I could do nothing more that day. So, after eating my supper, of which I gave the dog a good share, I lay down in the canoe and went to sleep.

I slept very soundly (dormí muy profundamente; sound – profundo /sobre el sueño/), and did not wake until morning (y no me desperté hasta la mañana).

In looking over my goods (al revisar mis bienes), I made up my mind to store them (decidí guardarlos) in my new cave in the woods (en mi nueva cueva en el bosque). For that was much nearer than my home castle (porque estaba mucho más cerca que mi castillo).

When I opened the chests (cuando abrí los cofres) I found several things (encontré varias cosas) that I was very glad to get (a las que estaba muy contento de tener).

In one I found (en uno encontré) two jars of very good sweetmeats (dos botes de muy buenos dulces). They were so well corked (estaban tan bien tapados) that the salt water (que el agua salada) had not harmed them (no los había estropeado). There were two other jars of the same kind (había otros dos botes del mismo tipo); but they were open at the top (pero estaban abiertos en la parte superior), and the water (y el agua) had spoiled the sweetmeats (había estropeado los dulces).

In the other chest (en el otro cofre) there were some good shirts (había algunas camisas buenas), which I needed very much (a las que necesitaba mucho). There were also about a dozen and a half (también había alrededor de una docena y media) of white linen handkerchiefs (de pañuelos blancos de lino). I was very glad to find these (estaba muy contento de encontrarlos), for they would be pleasant to wipe my face with (ya que sería agradable limpiarme la cara) on a hot day (en un día caluroso).

In a secret drawer of the first chest (en un cajón secreto del primer cofre; drawer — cajón; to draw, drew, drawn – llevar; arrastrar) I found three bags of Spanish money (encontré tres bolsas de dinero español). I counted eleven hundred pieces of silver (conté once centenares de monedas de plata).

I slept very soundly, and did not wake until morning.

In looking over my goods, I made up my mind to store them in my new cave in the woods. For that was much nearer than my home castle.

When I opened the chests I found several things that I was very glad to get.

In one I found two jars of very good sweetmeats. They were so well corked that the salt water had not harmed them. There were two other jars of the same kind; but they were open at the top, and the water had spoiled the sweetmeats.

In the other chest there were some good shirts, which I needed very much. There were also about a dozen and a half of white linen handkerchiefs. I was very glad to find these, for they would be pleasant to wipe my face with on a hot day.

In a secret drawer of the first chest I found three bags of Spanish money. I counted eleven hundred pieces of silver.

At the bottom of one of the bags (en el fondo de una de las bolsas) there were six Spanish gold pieces (había seis monedas españolas de oro), each worth about fifteen dollars (cada una con un valor de unos quince dólares). These were wrapped up in a piece of paper (estos fueron envueltos en un pedazo de papel).

At the bottom of the other bag (en la parte inferior de la otra bolsa) there were some small bars of gold (había algunos pequeños lingotes de oro). I suppose there was at least (supongo que había al menos) a pound of these yellow pieces (de una libra de estas piezas amarillas).

After all (después de todo), I got very little by this voyage (obtuve muy poco de este viaje). I had no use for the money (no tenía uso para el dinero). It was worth no more to me (no valían más para mí) than the dust under my feet (que el polvo bajo mis pies). I would have given it all (hubiera dado todo) for a pair of good shoes (por un par de buenos zapatos) or some stockings (o algunos calcetines) for my feet (para mis pies).

After I had carried everything to my cave (después de llevar todo a mi cueva) I took the canoe back to her old harbor (tomé la canoa hasta su antigua bahía) on the farther side of the island (en la parte lejana de la isla). Then I returned to my castle (luego volví a mi castillo), where I found everything in good order (donde encontré todo en orden).

And now I began to live easily again (y ahora comencé a vivir fácilmente de nuevo; easily – fácilmente, sin dificultad). I was as watchful as before (estaba tan atento como antes), and never went from my castle (y nunca salí de mi castillo) without looking carefully around (sin mirar cuidadosamente; carefully – con cuidado, detenidamente; care – preocupación).

I seldom went to the other side of the island (pocas veces iba al otro lado de la isla). When I visited my cave in the woods (cuando visitaba mi cueva en el bosque), or went to see my goats (o iba a ver a mis cabras), I took good care to be well armed (cuidé muy bien de estar bien armado).

At the bottom of one of the bags there were six Spanish gold pieces, each worth about fifteen dollars. These were wrapped up in a piece of paper.

At the bottom of the other bag there were some small bars of gold. I suppose there was at least a pound of these yellow pieces.

After all, I got very little by this voyage. I had no use for the money. It was worth no more to me than the dust under my feet. I would have given it all for a pair of good shoes or some stockings for my feet.

After I had carried everything to my cave I took the canoe back to her old harbor on the farther side of the island. Then I returned to my castle, where I found everything in good order.

And now I began to live easily again. I was as watchful as before, and never went from my castle without looking carefully around.

I seldom went to the other side of the island. When I visited my cave in the woods, or went to see my goats, I took good care to be well armed.

CHAPTER 39. I HAVE A QUEER DREAM

(CAPÍTULO 39. TENGO UN SUEÑO RARO)

Two years passed without any alarms (pasaron dos años sin alarmas; alarm – alarma, señal de alarma), and I was beginning to think (y empecé a pensar) that nothing would ever again happen (que nada más volvería) to disturb the quiet of my life (a perturbar el silencio de mi vida).

One night in the rainy season of March (una noche en la temporada lluviosa de marzo) I could not sleep (no podía dormir). I lay for hours in my hammock (estuve durante horas en mi hamaca) and was not able to close my eyes (y no pude: «no era capaz de» cerrar los ojos).

I was thinking, thinking, thinking (estaba pensando, pensando, pensando).

I thought of all that had ever happened to me both (pensé en todo lo que me había pasado; both – ambos; both…and – tanto… como; y; no solo… sino también) before and after my shipwreck (antes y después de mi naufragio).

I thought of my first happy years (pensé en mis primeros años felices) on the island (en la isla).

I thought of the fear and care that I had lived in ever since I saw the first footprint in the sand (pensé en el miedo y el cuidado con el que había vivido desde que vi la primera huella en la arena).

Then I thought of my great desire (luego pensé en mi gran deseo) to see my native land once more (de ver una vez más a mi tierra natal), and to have friends and companions (y tener amigos y compañeros) with whom I could talk (con los que podría hablar).

These thoughts brought to mind the savages (estos pensamientos me hicieron pensar en los salvajes) of whom I had so great a dread (a los que mucho temía), and I began to ask myself (y comencé a hacerme) a thousand questions about them (mil preguntas sobre ellos).

Two years passed without any alarms, and I was beginning to think that nothing would ever again happen to disturb the quiet of my life.

One night in the rainy season of March I could not sleep. I lay for hours in my hammock and was not able to close my eyes.

I was thinking, thinking, thinking.

I thought of all that had ever happened to me both before and after my shipwreck.

I thought of my first happy years on the island.

I thought of the fear and care that I had lived in ever since I saw the first footprint in the sand.

Then I thought of my great desire to see my native land once more, and to have friends and companions with whom I could talk.

These thoughts brought to mind the savages of whom I had so great a dread, and I began to ask myself a thousand questions about them.

How far off was the coast (cómo lejos estaba la costa) from which they came (de la que vinieron)?

Why did they come to my island (por qué vinieron a mi isla) from so great a distance (desde tan lejos)?

What kind of boats did they have (qué tipo de barcos tenían)?

With such thoughts as these (con tales pensamientos como estos) I lay awake (permanecí despierto) until far in the night (hasta muy entrada la noche). My pulse beat fast (mi pulso latía rápido), my breath came hard (mi respiración se hizo aguda), my nerves were unstrung (mis nervios estaban desechos; unstrung – sin cuerdas, descordado /sobre instrumento musical/; desechos /sobre los nervios/; to string – encordar /cuerdas/).

At last (finalmente), worn out by my very restlessness (estaba agotado por mi inquietude; to wear, wore, worn – llevar puesto), I fell asleep (me quedé dormido).

The same thoughts (los mismos pensamientos) must have followed me into my dreams (deben haberme seguido en mis sueños), but they took a different form (pero tomaron una forma diferente).

I dreamed that I was sitting on the seashore (soñé que estaba sentado en la orilla del mar) with my gun on my lap (con mi escopeta en mis rodillas) and my umbrella by my side (y con mi sombrilla a mi lado).

I was thinking, thinking, thinking (estaba pensando, pensando, pensando). I had never been so sad and lonely (nunca había estado tan triste y solo).

I was thinking of the home (estaba pensando en mi casa) I was never to see again (que nunca volvería a ver), and of the friends (y en los amigos) who perhaps had forgotten me (que tal vez me habían olvidado; to forget, forgot, forgotten – olvidar).

How far off was the coast from which they came?

Why did they come to my island from so great a distance?

What kind of boats did they have?

With such thoughts as these I lay awake until far in the night. My pulse beat fast, my breath came hard, my nerves were unstrung.

At last, worn out by my very restlessness, I fell asleep.

The same thoughts must have followed me into my dreams, but they took a different form.

I dreamed that I was sitting on the seashore with my gun on my lap and my umbrella by my side.

I was thinking, thinking, thinking. I had never been so sad and lonely.

I was thinking of the home I was never to see again, and of the friends who perhaps had forgotten me.

Suddenly (de repente), as I lifted my eyes (cuando alcé la vista), I thought I saw two canoes (creí ver dos canoas) coming toward the island (que venían hacia la isla). I ran and hid myself in a grove by the shore (corrí y me escondí en una arboleda en la orilla; grove – bosquecillo, arboleda; to run – correr; to hide — esconder).

There were eleven savages in the canoes (había once salvajes en las canoas), and they had with them another savage (y tenían con ellos a otro salvaje) whom they were going to kill and eat (a quien iban a matar y comer).

But I thought in my sleep (pero pensé en el sueño = soñé) that this savage suddenly sprang up (que este salvaje de repente saltó; to spring, sprang, sprung – saltar; to spring up – saltar del asiento, dar saltos) and ran for his life (y corrió por su vida).

I thought that he came running (pensé que había venido corriendo) to the little grove (a la pequeña arboleda), to hide himself in it (para esconderse en ella).

Seeing him alone (al verlo solo), I arose and met him (me levanté y lo encontré; to arise, arose, arisen – levantarse). I smiled kindly (sonreí amablemente), and tried to make him know (e intenté hacerle saber) that I was his friend (que yo era su amigo).

He threw himself on the ground at my feet (se dejó caer en el suelo a mis pies; to throw, threw, trown — tirar). He seemed to be asking my help (parecía que estaba pidiendo mi ayuda).

I showed him my ladder (le mostré mi escalera) and made him go up over the wall (y le hice/ invité a trepar por la pared; to make smb. do smth. — hacerle a alguien hacer algo).

Then I led him into my castle (luego lo llevé a mi castillo; to lead, led, led – llevar), and he became my servant (y se convirtió en mi sirviente; to become, became, become – convertirse).

I thought in my sleep (pensé que en mi sueño), that I cried aloud for joy and said (lloré de alegría y dije): “Now I shall escape from this place (ahora escaparé de este lugar). For this savage will be my pilot (este salvaje será mi piloto). He will guide me to the mainland (él me guiará al continente; to guide – guiar, orientar). He will tell where to go and what to do (me dirá a dónde ir y qué hacer). He will help me find my own people (él me ayudará a encontrar a mi propia gente = a mis paisanos).”

Suddenly, as I lifted my eyes, I thought I saw two canoes coming toward the island. I ran and hid myself in a grove by the shore.

There were eleven savages in the canoes, and they had with them another savage whom they were going to kill and eat.

But I thought in my sleep that this savage suddenly sprang up and ran for his life.

I thought that he came running to the little grove, to hide himself in it.

Seeing him alone, I arose and met him. I smiled kindly, and tried to make him know that I was his friend.

He threw himself on the ground at my feet. He seemed to be asking my help.

I showed him my ladder and made him go up over the wall.

Then I led him into my castle, and he became my servant.

I thought in my sleep, that I cried aloud for joy and said: “Now I shall escape from this place. For this savage will be my pilot. He will guide me to the mainland. He will tell where to go and what to do. He will help me find my own people.”

This thought (este pensamiento) filled my mind with great joy and (llenó mi mente de gran alegría y) while I was still rejoicing I awoke (mientras todavía me regocijaba, me desperté).

What a disappointment it was (qué desilusión fue descubrir) to find that it was only a dream (que era solo un sueño)!

For several days I felt very sad (durante varios días me sentía muy triste). I was almost ready to give up hope (estaba casi listo para perder la esperanza).

Then I remembered my dream (entonces recordé mi sueño); and I said to myself (y me dije a mí mismo): “If I could only get hold of a savage (si sólo pudiera atrapar a un salvaje) and teach him to love me (y enseñarle a quererme), things might turn out just that way (las cosas podrían resultar de esa manera). He must be one of their prisoners (debe ser uno de sus prisioneros) and I must save him from being eaten (y debo salvarlo de ser devorado); for then it will be easy to win his friendship (porque entonces será fácil ganar su amistad).”

This thought so fixed itself (este pensamiento se clavó tanto) in my mind (en mi mente) that I could not get rid of it (que no pude deshacerme de él). Waking or sleeping (despierto o dormido), I seemed to be always planning (parecía estar siempre planeando) to get hold of a savage (atrapar a un salvaje).

At last I set myself about it in earnest (por fin me puse serio). Almost every day (casi todos los días) I went out with my gun (salía con mi arma para) to see if some of these wild men (ver si alguno de estos hombres salvajes) had not again landed on my island (no había vuelto a desembarcar en mi isla).

This thought filled my mind with great joy and while I was still rejoicing I awoke.

What a disappointment it was to find that it was only a dream!

For several days I felt very sad. I was almost ready to give up hope.

Then I remembered my dream; and I said to myself: “If I could only get hold of a savage and teach him to love me, things might turn out just that way. He must be one of their prisoners and I must save him from being eaten; for then it will be easy to win his friendship.”

This thought so fixed itself in my mind that I could not get rid of it. Waking or sleeping, I seemed to be always planning to get hold of a savage. At last I set myself about it in earnest. Almost every day I went out with my gun to see if some of these wild men had not again landed on my island.

CHAPTER 40. I GET HOLD OF A SAVAGE

(CAPÍTULO 40. CAPTURO A UN SALVAJE)

For a year and a half (durante un año y medio) I kept close watch (mantenía una estrecha vigilancia) upon the farther shore of the island (de la orilla más lejana de la isla) as well as upon that nearest to my castle (y la más cercana a mi castillo). But not a single savage came near (pero ni un solo salvaje se acercó; single – uno solo, ni uno).

One morning in June (una mañana en junio), however (sin embargo), I had a great surprise (tuve una gran sorpresa).

I was just starting out from my castle (estaba empezando desde mi castillo) when I saw five canoes (cuando vi a las cinco canoas) lying high and dry on the beach (que yacían recogidas y secas en la playa = que estaban varadas; high and dry – varado, encallado) not a mile away (no más de una milla). There was not man near them (no había un hombre cerca de ellas). The people who had come in them (las personas que vinieron en ellas) were perhaps asleep among the trees (quizás dormían entre los árboles).

The number of canoes was greater (el número de canoas fue más) than I had ever counted upon seeing (de lo que jamás había contado al ver). For there were always four or six savages (porque siempre había cuatro o seis salvajes; always – siempre) in each canoe (en cada canoa), and there must now be between (y ahora debe haber entre) twenty and thirty men (veinte y treinta hombres) somewhere on the shore (en algún lugar de la orilla).

I did not know what to think of it (no sabía qué pensar de eso). I did not feel brave enough (no me sentí lo suficientemente valiente) to attack so many (como para atacar a tantos).

So I stayed in my castle (así que me quedé en mi castillo) and made ready to defend myself (y me preparé para defenderme).

“There is little hope (hay pocas esperanzas) of getting a savage this time (de capturar a un salvaje esta vez),” I thought to myself (pensé para mis adentros).

I waited a long while (esperé mucho tiempo), but heard no unusual sound (pero no oí ningún sonido inusual). I grew tired of waiting (me cansé de esperar; to grow, grew, grown – hacerse, volverse; tired – cansado), and made up my mind to see what was going on (y decidí ver qué estaba pasando).

So, with the help of my ladder (entonces, con la ayuda de mi escalera), I climbed up to my lookout (subí arriba a mi vigía) on the top of the rock (en la cima de la roca). I put my spyglass to my eyes (me puse mi catalejo en los ojos) and looked down upon the beach (y miré hacia abajo a la playa).

For a year and a half I kept close watch upon the farther shore of the island as well as upon that nearest to my castle. But not a single savage came near.

One morning in June, however, I had a great surprise.

I was just starting out from my castle when I saw five canoes lying high and dry on the beach not a mile away. There was not man near them. The people who had come in them were perhaps asleep among the trees.

The number of canoes was greater than I had ever counted upon seeing. For there were always four or six savages in each canoe, and there must now be between twenty and thirty men somewhere on the shore.

I did not know what to think of it. I did not feel brave enough to attack so many.

So I stayed in my castle and made ready to defend myself.

“There is little hope of getting a savage this time,” I thought to myself.

I waited a long while, but heard no unusual sound. I grew tired of waiting, and made up my mind to see what was going on.

So, with the help of my ladder, I climbed up to my lookout on the top of the rock. I put my spyglass to my eyes and looked down upon the beach.

Surely enough (seguro que sí: «bastante seguro»; surely – seguramente, ciertamente)! there they were (ahí estaban). I saw no fewer than thirty naked savages (vi no menos de treinta salvajes desnudos) dancing around a fire (bailando alrededor de un fuego; to dance – bailar). I saw that they were broiling meat (vi que estaban asando carne) upon the coals (sobre las brasas), but I could not tell (pero no podía decir) what kind of meat it was (qué tipo de carne era).

As I watched I saw (mientras los observaba vi) some of the dancers run to a boat (a algunos de los bailarines que corrían hacia un bote) and drag two miserable prisoners from it (y sacaban de allí a dos prisioneros miserables). They must have been in the boat all the time (debieron haber estado en el bote todo el tiempo), but as they were lying down (pero como estaban tumbados) I did not see them (no los vi).

All the dancers now crowded (todos los bailarines ahora se agrupaban) around the poor prisoners (alrededor de los pobres prisioneros). They knocked one of them down (golpearon a uno de ellos) with a club (con un palo), and then fell upon him (y luego lo atacaron) with their knives (con sus cuchillos). I supposed they were going to cut him up (supuse que iban a despedazarlo; to cut up – cortar en pedazos, despedazar) for their horrid feast (para su horrible fiesta).

For a few moments they seemed (por un momento parecía) to forget the other prisoner (que se olvidaron del otro prisionero), for they left him standing alone at one side (porque lo dejaron solo en un lado).

All at once (de repente) he made a break for liberty (logró escapar por la libertad). You never saw a hound run so fast (nunca viste a un sabueso correr tan rápido). He ran along the sandy beach (corrió a lo largo de la playa arenosa), right toward my castle (justo hacia mi castillo). I was dreadfully frightened (yo estaba terriblemente asustado). I thought that now my dream was coming true (pensé que ahora mi sueño se cumpliera; true – verdadero, cierto), and that he would surely hide in my grove (y seguramente se escondería en mi arboleda).

But (pero) would the other part of the dream come true (la otra parte del sueño se cumpliría)? Would the other savages lose sight of him (pero los otros salvajes lo perderían de vista), and running another way (y corrían por otro camino), not come near the castle (sin acercarse a mi castillo)? I feared not (me temo que no).

Surely enough! there they were. I saw no fewer than thirty naked savages dancing around a fire. I saw that they were broiling meat upon the coals, but I could not tell what kind of meat it was.

As I watched I saw some of the dancers run to a boat and drag two miserable prisoners from it. They must have been in the boat all the time, but as they were lying down I did not see them.

All the dancers now crowded around the poor prisoners. They knocked one of them down with a club, and then fell upon him with their knives. I supposed they were going to cut him up for their horrid feast.

For a few moments they seemed to forget the other prisoner, for they left him standing alone at one side.

All at once he made a break for liberty. You never saw a hound run so fast. He ran along the sandy beach, right toward my castle. I was dreadfully frightened. I thought that now my dream was coming true, and that he would surely hide in my grove.

But would the other part of the dream come true? Would the other savages lose sight of him, and running another way, not come near the castle? I feared not.

However (sin embargo), I stayed in my lookout (me quedé en mi vigía) and watched to see what would happen (y miré a ver qué pasaría).

I saw, to my joy (vi, para mi alegría), that only three of the savage followed him (que solo tres de los salvajes lo seguían). He ran so fast (corrió tan rápido) that he gained ground on them (que les llevaba una gran ventaja). If he could hold out (si pudiera aguantar) for ten or fifteen minutes (durante diez o quince minutos), he would get away from them all (se escaparía de todos ellos; to get away – escaparse, irse, alejarse).

Between the savages and my castle (entre los salvajes y mi castillo) there was the little river (había un pequeño río) where I had first landed (donde había desembarcado por primera vez) with my raft (con mi balsa). If the poor fellow (si el pobre) could not swim across this stream (no pudiera cruzarlo a nado a través de esta corriente), he would surely be taken (seguramente que lo capturarían). I watched to see what he would do (miré a ver qué haría).

To my surprise the river (para mi sorpresa el río) did not hinder him at all (no le dificultó en absoluto; to hinder – dificultar, entorpecer). The tide was up (la marea estaba alta), but he plunged in (pero se sumergió) and with twenty or thirty strokes was across (y con veinte o treinta brazadas estaba al otro lado; across – sobre, en frente). I had never seen a finer swimmer (nunca había visto un mejor nadador).

When his pursuers reached the stream (cuando sus perseguidores alcanzaron la corriente; to pursue – perseguir), he was already far away (él ya estaba lejos). Two of them jumped in and swam across (dos de ellos saltaron y cruzaron a nado). The other one stood still a minute (el otro se quedó quieto un minuto; to stand still – quedarse quieto) and then turned softly back (y luego regresó lentamente). It was lucky for him (fue una suerte para él) that he could not swim (que huía que él no pudiera nadar).

“Now (ahora),” thought I to myself (pensé para mis adentros), “now is the time (ahora es el momento) to get me a savage (de conseguirme un salvaje)!”

In another moment (en otro momento) I was down in my castle (bajé a mi castillo). I picked up my two guns (cogí mis dos escopetas). I was over the wall in less time (estaba en el muro en menos tiempo) than it takes me to tell about it (de lo que me lleva decirlo). Never once did I think of fear (ni una vez pensé en el miedo).

However, I stayed in my lookout and watched to see what would happen.

I saw, to my joy, that only three of the savage followed him. He ran so fast that he gained ground on them. If he could hold out for ten or fifteen minutes, he would get away from them all.

Between the savages and my castle there was the little river where I had first landed with my raft. If the poor fellow could not swim across this stream, he would surely be taken. I watched to see what he would do.

To my surprise the river did not hinder him at all. The tide was up, but he plunged in and with twenty or thirty strokes was across. I had never seen a finer swimmer.

When his pursuers reached the stream, he was already far away. Two of them jumped in and swam across. The other one stood still a minute and then turned softly back. It was lucky for him that he could not swim.

“Now,” thought I to myself, “now is the time to get me a savage!”

In another moment I was down in my castle. I picked up my two guns. I was over the wall in less time than it takes me to tell about it. Never once did I think of fear.

I ran swiftly down (corrí abajo velozmente) the hill toward the sea (por la colina hacia el mar). In another minute (un minuto después) I was between the poor captive (estaba entre el pobre cautivo) and his pursuers (y sus perseguidores).

“Hello, there (hola)! Come back (regresa)! I will help you (te ayudaré),” I cried (grité).

Of course (por supuesto) he did not understand a word (que no entendió ni una palabra). But he heard me and looked back (pero él me oyó y miró hacia atrás). I beckoned to him with my hand (le hice señas con la mano; to beckon – hacer señas), and this he understood better (y esto lo entendió mejor).

There was no time for waiting, however (sin embargo, no había tiempo para esperar). The two savages (los dos salvajes) that followed were close upon me (que le siguieron estaban cerca de mí).

I rushed upon the foremost one (me lancé sobre el primero; to rush – lanzar; foremost – mayor, principal, al frente) and knocked him down with my gun (y lo derribé con mi arma). I did not want to shoot (no quería disparar), lest the other savages (para que los otros salvajes) would hear the noise and come to his rescue (no oyeran el ruido y no vinieran a rescatarlo).

The second pursuer came (el segundo perseguidor vino), running and panting (corriendo y jadeando), only a little way behind (solo un poco más atrás; behind – atrás). When he saw me (cuando me vio), he stopped as if he were frightened (se detuvo como si estuviera asustado). I ran toward him (corrí hacia él), with my gun to my shoulder (con mi escopeta en mi hombro).

As I came nearer (cuando me acerqué), I saw that he had a bow and arrow (vi que tenía un arco y una flecha) and was taking aim at me (y que apuntaba hacia mí). What could I do but shoot (qué podría hacer sino disparar)? He fell to the ground and never moved again (cayó a la tierra y nunca más se movió).

I ran swiftly down the hill toward the sea. In another minute I was between the poor captive and his pursuers.

“Hello, there! Come back! I will help you,” I cried.

Of course he did not understand a word. But he heard me and looked back. I beckoned to him with my hand, and this he understood better.

There was no time for waiting, however. The two savages that followed were close upon me.

I rushed upon the foremost one and knocked him down with my gun. I did not want to shoot, lest the other savages would hear the noise and come to his rescue.

The second pursuer came, running and panting, only a little way behind. When he saw me, he stopped as if he were frightened. I ran toward him, with my gun to my shoulder.

As I came nearer, I saw that he had a bow and arrow and was taking aim at me. What could I do but shoot? He fell to the ground and never moved again.

I now looked around (ahora miré alrededor) to see what had become of the poor captive (para ver qué había pasado con el pobre cautivo). I saw him standing still and gazing at me (lo vi parado y mirándome fijamente; to gaze – mirar fijamente, contemplar). The noise of my gun had frightened him (el ruido de mi escopeta lo había asustado) so that he did not know what to do (por lo que no sabía qué hacer).

I called to him (le llamé): “Come here (ven aquí), my good fellow (mi buen amigo) I will not hurt you (no te voy a hacer daño; to hurt – dañar, hacer daño, lastimar).”

But of course (pero por supuesto) he did not understand (que no entendió). Then I motioned to him with signs (luego le hice señas; to motion – hacer señas). He came a little way and then stopped (avanzó un poco y luego se detuvo). He came a little farther (él se acercó un poco más lejos) and stopped again (y se detuvo de nuevo). He was trembling like a leaf (estaba temblando como una hoja).

No doubt he was afraid (sin duda temía) that he would be killed (que lo matara) as his two pursuers had been (como lo había hecho con sus dos perseguidores).

I spoke kindly to him (le hablé amablemente) and made signs that I would not hurt him (y le hice señas de que no le haría daño). He came nearer and nearer (se acercaba más y más), trembling (temblaba), and kneeling down at almost every step (y se arrodillaba a casi cada paso; to kneel down – arrodillarse, ponerse de rodillas).

I smiled (sonreí); I looked as pleasant as I could (me veía tan agradable como pude); I made still other signs (también hice otras señas; still – aún, todavía).

He came quite close to me (él se acercó bastante cerca de mí). He laid his head upon the ground (puso su cabeza en la tierra; to lay, laid, laid – poner). He took hold of my foot (tomó mi pie) and set it on his neck (y lo colocó en su cuello). This was his way of saying (esta era su manera de decir) that he would be my slave forever (que él sería mi esclavo para siempre).

I took hold of his hand (le tomé de la mano) and lifted him up (y le levanté). I spoke kindly to him (le hablé amablemente).

Thus (por lo tanto) I at last got hold of a savage (por fin capturé a un salvaje), as I had so long desired (como lo había deseado durante tanto tiempo).

I now looked around to see what had become of the poor captive. I saw him standing still and gazing at me. The noise of my gun had frightened him so that he did not know what to do.

I called to him: “Come here, my good fellow I will not hurt you.”

But of course he did not understand. Then I motioned to him with signs. He came a little way and then stopped. He came a little farther and stopped again. He was trembling like a leaf.

No doubt he was afraid that he would be killed as his two pursuers had been.

I spoke kindly to him and made signs that I would not hurt him. He came nearer and nearer, trembling, and kneeling down at almost every step.

I smiled; I looked as pleasant as I could; I made still other signs.

He came quite close to me. He laid his head upon the ground. He took hold of my foot and set it on his neck. This was his way of saying that he would be my slave forever.

I took hold of his hand and lifted him up. I spoke kindly to him.

Thus I at last got hold of a savage, as I had so long desired.

CHAPTER 41. I AM PLEASED WITH MY MAN FRIDAY

(CAPÍTULO 41. ESTOY CONTENTO CON MI SIERVO VIERNES; man – hombre; siervo)

The savage spoke to me (el salvaje me habló; to speak, spoke, spoken – hablar). I could not understand his words (no pude entender sus palabras), but they were very pleasant to hear (pero era muy agradable de oírlas). For it had now been more than (ya habían pasado más de) twenty-five years (veinticinco años desde) since I had heard the sound of a man’s voice (que oí el sonido de la voz de un hombre).

He pointed to the two savages (señaló a los dos salvajes) who had been pursuing him (que le habían estado persiguiendo). They were lying on the ground (estaban tumbados en la tierra) where they had fallen (donde habían caído). Both were quite dead (ambos estaban totalmente muertos).

He could not understand (él no podía entender) how I had killed the second savage (cómo había matado al segundo salvaje) when he was so far away from me (cuando estaba tan lejos de mí). He made signs (hizo señas) that I should let him see (de que debería dejarle ver) whether his enemy was really dead (si su enemigo estaba realmente muerto) or only pretending to be so (o solo pretendía serlo).

I told him (le dije), as well as I could (lo mejor que pude), that he might go to him (que podría ir a él). He ran to the fallen savage (corrió hacia el salvaje caído) and looked at him (y lo miró). He turned him first (le dio vuelta primero) on one side (por un lado) and then on the other (y luego por el otro). He seemed very much puzzled (parecía estar muy confundido; puzzle – rompecabezas, desconcierto; to puzzle – confundir; desconcertar).

Then he picked up (luego tomó) the savage’s bow and arrows (el arco y las flechas del salvaje) and brought them to me (y me los trajo; to bring, brought, brought – traer).

I turned to go back to my castle (me dispuse a regresar a mi castillo) and beckoned him to follow me (y le hice señas para que me siguiera).

He stood quite still for a moment and then pointed again to the bodies on the ground (se quedó quieto por un momento y luego señaló otra vez los cuerpos en la tierra). By signs (por señales) he asked me if he might bury them (me preguntó si podía enterrarlos), lest the other savages (para que los otros salvajes) should come up and find them there (no vinieran y no los encontraran allí). I answered by signs (respondí con señas) and gave him leave (y le di permiso).

The savage spoke to me. I could not understand his words, but they were very pleasant to hear. For it had now been more than twenty-five years since I had heard the sound of a man’s voice.

He pointed to the two savages who had been pursuing him. They were lying on the ground where they had fallen. Both were quite dead.

He could not understand how I had killed the second savage when he was so far away from me. He made signs that I should let him see whether his enemy was really dead or only pretending to be so.

I told him, as well as I could, that he might go to him. He ran to the fallen savage and looked at him. He turned him first on one side and then on the other. He seemed very much puzzled.

Then he picked up the savage’s bow and arrows and brought them to me.

I turned to go back to my castle and beckoned him to follow me.

He stood quite still for a moment and then pointed again to the bodies on the ground. By signs he asked me if he might bury them, lest the other savages should come up and find them there. I answered by signs and gave him leave.

The work was quickly done (el trabajo fue hecho rápidamente). With a sharp stick (con un palo afilado) and his big hands (y sus grandes manos; hand – mano) he soon dug two (pronto cavó dos) big holes in the sand (grandes hoyos en la arena). He laid the bodies in them (él puso los cuerpos en ellos; to lay – poner) and covered them up (y los cubrió). Then he smoothed the sand (luego alisó la arena) and patted it down (y la palmeó/ apisonó; to pat – palmar, apisonar) so that no one could see (para que nadie pudiera ver) that it had been touched (que había sido tocada).

Having thus put the two savages out of sight (habiendo ocultado a los dos salvajes) he turned to me again (se volvió hacia mí otra vez). I motioned him to follow me (le hice señas que me siguiera). But on second thought (pero, pensándolo bien) I did not go back to the castle (no volví al castillo). I led him far into the woods (lo llevé lejos en el bosque; to lead, led, led – llevar), to my new cave (a mi nueva cueva) of which I have told you (de la que te he contado).

Once inside of that cave (una vez que entré dentro de la cueva; once – una vez que, alguna vez, hace tiempo), I felt safe (me sentí seguro).

I gave the poor fellow some bread (le di al pobre hombre un poco de pan) and a bunch of raisins to eat (y un puñado de pasas para comer). I gave him also a drink (también le di un trago) of water from a jug (de agua de una jarra), and he was so thirsty from running (y tenía tanta sed de correr; to be thirsty — tener sed; thirst – sed, ansia) that he came near drinking it all (que estuvo a punto de beberla toda).

Then I showed him a place (luego le mostré un lugar) where I had put some rice straw (donde había puesto un poco de paja de arroz) with a blanket over it (cubierta con una manta). It was quite a good bed (era una cama bastante buena), and I myself had sometimes slept upon it (y yo mismo a veces dormía en ella).

He seemed to know (parecía saber) that I meant for him (que yo quería decir; to mean – querer decir, significar) to lie down there and rest (que él se acostara y descansara allí). Soon he was fast asleep (pronto estuvo profundamente dormido).

He was a handsome fellow (él era un joven guapo). He was tall (era alto) but not too large (pero no muy grande).

His hair was long and black (su cabello era largo y negro). His forehead was high and broad (su frente era alta y ancha). His eyes were very bright (sus ojos eran muy brillantes).

The work was quickly done. With a sharp stick and his big hands he soon dug two big holes in the sand. He laid the bodies in them and covered them up. Then he smoothed the sand and patted it down so that no one could see that it had been touched.

Having thus put the two savages out of sight he turned to me again. I motioned him to follow me. But on second thought I did not go back to the castle. I led him far into the woods, to my new cave of which I have told you.

Once inside of that cave, I felt safe.

I gave the poor fellow some bread and a bunch of raisins to eat. I gave him also a drink of water from a jug, and he was so thirsty from running that he came near drinking it all.

Then I showed him a place where I had put some rice straw with a blanket over it. It was quite a good bed, and I myself had sometimes slept upon it.

He seemed to know that I meant for him to lie down there and rest. Soon he was fast asleep.

He was a handsome fellow. He was tall but not too large.

His hair was long and black. His forehead was high and broad. His eyes were very bright.

His face was round and plump (su cara era redonda y regordeta; plump – regordete, gordo). His nose was well shaped (su nariz estaba bien formada). His lips were thin (sus labios eran delgados). His teeth were white as ivory (sus dientes eran blancos como el marfil).

His skin was not black (su piel no era negra) like that of an African (como la de un africano). It was not yellow (no era amarilla) like that of some Indians (como de algunos indios). But it was a kind (pero era una especie) of olive color (de color verde oliva), very pleasant to look at (muy agradable de ver).

After he had been asleep (después de que él había estado dormido) about an hour (aproximadamente una hora) he awoke and came out of the cave (se despertó y salió de la cueva; to awake – despertarse) where I was milking my goats (donde yo estaba ordeñando mis cabras). He made signs to show (hizo señas para mostrar) that he was glad to see me (que estaba contento de verme).

Then he laid his head flat down on the ground (luego puso la cabeza en la tierra) and set my foot upon it (y puso mi pie sobre ella), as he had done before (como lo había hecho antes). This was his way (esta era su manera) of saying that he would do anything I wished (de decir que haría cualquier cosa que quisiera).

I understood him and told him (lo entendí y le dije) by signs (con señas) that I was well pleased with him (que estaba muy contento con él).

I spoke some simple words to him and tried to teach him what they meant (le hablé algunas palabras simples e intenté enseñarle lo que significaban; to mean, ment, ment – significar). He was quick to learn (aprendió rápido) and soon began (y pronto comenzó) to try to talk to me (a tratar de hablar conmigo).

I named him FRIDAY (le llamé VIERNES), because it was on that day of the week (porque era aquel día de la semana) that I had saved his life (cuando había salvado su vida).

He soon learned to call me (pronto aprendió a llamarme) “Master (amo),” and to say (y a decir) “yes (sí)” and (y) “no (no)” in the right way (de la manera correcta = distinguiendo sí y no).

His face was round and plump. His nose was well shaped. His lips were thin. His teeth were white as ivory.

His skin was not black like that of an African. It was not yellow like that of some Indians. But it was a kind of olive color, very pleasant to look at.

After he had been asleep about an hour he awoke and came out of the cave where I was milking my goats. He made signs to show that he was glad to see me.

Then he laid his head flat down on the ground and set my foot upon it, as he had done before. This was his way of saying that he would do anything I wished.

I understood him and told him by signs that I was well pleased with him.

I spoke some simple words to him and tried to teach him what they meant. He was quick to learn and soon began to try to talk to me.

I named him FRIDAY, because it was on that day of the week that I had saved his life.

He soon learned to call me “Master,” and to say “yes” and “no” in the right way.

In the evening (por la tarde) I gave him an earthen pot (le di un pote de arcilla) with some milk in it (con un poco de leche), and showed him (y le mostré) how to sop his bread in the milk (cómo mojar su pan en leche). I also gave him a barley cake (también le di un bizcocho de cebada), which he ate (que comió) as though it was very good (como si fuera muy bueno).

All that night (toda aquella noche) we stayed in the cave (nos quedamos en la cueva). But early the next morning (pero temprano a la mañana) I led him back to my castle (siguiente lo llevé de vuelta a mi castillo).

My first care was to learn (mi primera tarea fue averiguar) whether the savages had left the island (si los salvajes habían abandonado la isla). I climbed to the top of the rock (subí a la cima de la roca) and looked around with my spyglass (y miré alrededor con mi catalejo).

I saw the place where the savages had been (vi el lugar donde habían estado los salvajes). I saw where they had built their fire (vi dónde habían prendido su fuego). But they were not there (pero ellos no estaban allí). I could see no sign of them (no pude ver ni un rastro de ellos) or of their canoes (o de sus canoas). It was plain (era evidente) that they had left the place (que habían abandonado el lugar; to leave, left, left – dejar, abandonar).

I gave my man Friday (le di a mi hombre Viernes) one of my guns to carry (una de mis escopetas para llevar). In his right hand he held my sword (en su mano derecha sostenía mi espada), and on his back (y en su espalda) were his bow and arrows (estaba su arco y flechas).

I carried two guns myself (yo llevé dos escopetas conmigo). And thus armed (y así armados) we went boldly down to the beach (fuimos con valentía hacia la playa).

The sand was red with blood (la arena estaba roja de sangre), and bones and bits of flesh (y los huesos y trozos de carne) were scattered all around (estaban esparcidos por todos lados). These I caused Friday (mandé a Viernes) to gather up and bury (que les juntara y enterrara).

We stayed on the beach for some time (nos quedamos en la playa por un tiempo), but could find nothing more (pero no pudimos encontrar nada más).

In the evening I gave him an earthen pot with some milk in it, and showed him how to sop his bread in the milk. I also gave him a barley cake, which he ate as though it was very good.

All that night we stayed in the cave. But early the next morning I led him back to my castle.

My first care was to learn whether the savages had left the island. I climbed to the top of the rock and looked around with my spyglass.

I saw the place where the savages had been. I saw where they had built their fire. But they were not there. I could see no sign of them or of their canoes. It was plain that they had left the place.

I gave my man Friday one of my guns to carry. In his right hand he held my sword, and on his back were his bow and arrows.

I carried two guns myself. And thus armed we went boldly down to the beach.

The sand was red with blood, and bones and bits of flesh were scattered all around. These I caused Friday to gather up and bury.

We stayed on the beach for some time, but could find nothing more.

Friday gave me to understand (Viernes me dio a entender) that there had been three other prisoners (que había otros tres prisioneros) in the boats with him (en los botes con él). I had no doubt (no tenía dudas) that the savages had killed (de que los salvajes los habían matado) and eaten them all (y se los habían comido todos).

The next day (al día siguiente) I made a tent for Friday to stay in (hice una tienda para Viernes para que se quedara; to stay – quedarse, alojarse). It was just inside (estaba justo dentro = detrás) of my castle wall (de la pared de mi castillo) and in front of the door (y frente de la puerta /que daba/) into my own sleeping room (a mi propia habitación).

As he had no clothes (como no tenía ropa) I set to work (me puse a trabajar) to make him a suit (para hacerle un traje). I gave him some linen trousers (le di algunos pantalones de lino) which had belonged (que habían pertenecido) to one of our sailors (a uno de nuestros marineros), and which I had not worn (y los que yo no había usado) because they were too small (porque eran demasiado pequeños; to wear, wore, worn – llevar puesto).

Then I made him (luego le hice) a little jacket of goatskin (una casaca de piel de cabra), and from the skin of a rabbit (y de la piel de una liebre) I fashioned a very good cap (fabriqué/cosí una gorra muy buena; fashion – corte de ropa; to fashion – fabricar, dar forma) that fitted his head quite well (que le quedaba bastante bien en su cabeza).

You should have seen him (deberías haberle visto) when he was clothed (cuando estaba vestido). He was very proud (estaba muy orgulloso), but oh (pero oh = Dios mío), so awkward (tan desmañado)!

He went around with a broad smile on his face (dio la vuelta con una sonrisa amplia en su rostro). He tried to do everything that was pleasing to me (intentó hacer todo lo que me agradaba).

And indeed (y, de hecho) I was much delighted with him (estaba muy contento con él). For no man ever had a more faithful servant (porque ningún hombre tuvo un sirviente más fiel; faith – certeza, fe).

Friday gave me to understand that there had been three other prisoners in the boats with him. I had no doubt that the savages had killed and eaten them all.

The next day I made a tent for Friday to stay in. It was just inside of my castle wall and in front of the door into my own sleeping room.

As he had no clothes I set to work to make him a suit. I gave him some linen trousers which had belonged to one of our sailors, and which I had not worn because they were too small.

Then I made him a little jacket of goatskin, and from the skin of a rabbit I fashioned a very good cap that fitted his head quite well.

You should have seen him when he was clothed. He was very proud, but oh, so awkward!

He went around with a broad smile on his face. He tried to do everything that was pleasing to me.

And indeed I was much delighted with him. For no man ever had a more faithful servant.

CHAPTER 42. I TEACH FRIDAY MANY THINGS

(CAPÍTULO 42. ENSEÑO A VIERNES MUCHAS COSAS)

When my man Friday (cuando mi siervo Viernes) had been with me three days (había estado conmigo tres días) I took him out hunting (lo llevé de caza).

As we were going through some woods (mientras pasábamos por el bosque), I saw a wild goat (vi una cabra salvaje) lying under a tree (tumbada debajo de un árbol) with two young kids sitting by her (con dos crías sentadas a su lado). I caught hold of Friday (detuve a Viernes).

“Stop (para),” I said (dije). “Stand still (quédate quieto).”

Then I took aim (luego apunté; to take aim – apuntar: «coger puntería») at one of the kids (a una de las crías), shot and killed it (disparé y la maté; to shoot — disparar).

The noise of the gun (el ruido de la escopeta) so frightened the poor savage (asustó tanto al pobre salvaje) that he did not know what to do (que no supo qué hacer). He shook like a leaf (temblaba como una hoja; to shake – temblar). He thought that I was going to kill him (pensó que iba a matarlo).

He did not see the kid (no vio a la cría) I had shot (que había disparado). He threw himself at my feet (se dejó caer a mis pies; to throw, threw, thrown – tirar). Although I could not understand (aunque no podía entender) a word he said (ni una palabra de lo que dijo), yet (sin embargo) I knew that he was begging me (sabía que me estaba suplicando) to have pity on him (que tuviera compasión de él).

And indeed (y, de hecho) I did pity him (lo compadecí) — he was so frightened (estaba tan asustado).

I took him by the hand (lo tomé de la mano) and lifted him up (y lo levanté). I laughed at him (me reí de él) and pointed to the kid (y le enseña la cría) that I had killed (que había matado). When he saw it and understood me (cuando lo vio y me entendió), he ran to fetch it (corrió a buscarla; to fetch – ir a buscar, traer).

Going on through the woods (mientras ibamos por el bosque), I saw a big bird sitting on a tree (vi un gran pájaro sentado en un árbol). I thought it was a hawk (pensé que era un halcón).

“See there, Friday (ves aquello, Viernes)!” I said, as I pointed to it (dije, señalándolo).

When my man Friday had been with me three days I took him out hunting.

As we were going through some woods, I saw a wild goat lying under a tree with two young kids sitting by her. I caught hold of Friday.

“Stop,” I said. “Stand still.”

Then I took aim at one of the kids, shot and killed it.

The noise of the gun so frightened the poor savage that he did not know what to do. He shook like a leaf. He thought that I was going to kill him.

He did not see the kid I had shot. He threw himself at my feet. Although I could not understand a word he said, yet I knew that he was begging me to have pity on him.

And indeed I did pity him—he was so frightened.

I took him by the hand and lifted him up. I laughed at him and pointed to the kid that I had killed. When he saw it and understood me, he ran to fetch it.

Going on through the woods, I saw a big bird sitting on a tree. I thought it was a hawk.

“See there, Friday!” I said, as I pointed to it.

Bang (bum)! went my gun (era mi escopeta). The bird fell to the ground (el pájaro cayó a la tierra; to fall – caer). It was not a hawk (no era un halcón), but a parrot (sino un loro).

Friday was amazed (viernes estaba asombrado; to amaze – asombrar, sorprender, pasmar). He looked at the gun and trembled (miraba a la escopeta y estaba temblando).

For a long time (durante mucho tiempo) he would not touch a gun (no quería tocar/coger una escopeta). He would look at it and talk to it (la observaba y hablaba con ella). He would say (él dijo), in his own language (en su propio idioma): “O wonderful thing (oh, cosa maravillosa)! Do not kill me (no me mates)! Do not kill me (no me mates)!”

We found nothing more (no encontramos nada más) in the woods that day (en el bosque aquel día). Friday carried the kid home (Viernes llevó a la cría a casa), and I took off its skin (y yo la quité la piel) and dressed it (y la preparé; to dress – almorzar, preparar algo / de comida/). Then I stewed some (luego cocí algunos) of the best pieces (de los mejores trozos) and made some good broth (y preparé un buen caldo).

At dinner I gave some (durante la comida di algo) of the broth to my man (de caldo a mi siervo). He liked it very well (le gustaba mucho), but he could not bear salt in it (pero no podía soportar sal).

I tried to show him (traté de mostrarle) that food was best with a little salt (que la comida era mejor con un poco de sal). But he did not think so (pero él no lo pensaba así), and he would never eat meat that was salted (y nunca quería comer carne salada).

The next day (al día siguiente) I set Friday to work (puse a Viernes a trabajar; to set – ponerse; poner / a trabajar a alguien/). I had him thrash some barley for me (le hice trillar la cebada) and grind the grains into meal (y mole los granos en la harina) as I had always done (como siempre lo había hecho).

He did his work very well (hizo su trabajo muy bien).

Then I let him see (luego le dejé ver) me make some bread (cómo hacía un pan) and bake it (y cómo lo horneaba). He learned very fast (aprendió muy rápido) and soon could cook (y pronto podría cocinar) and keep house as well as any one (y mantener = llevar la casa tan bien como cualquiera).

Bang! went my gun. The bird fell to the ground. It was not a hawk, but a parrot.

Friday was amazed. He looked at the gun and trembled.

For a long time he would not touch a gun. He would look at it and talk to it. He would say, in his own language: “O wonderful thing! Do not kill me! Do not kill me!”

We found nothing more in the woods that day. Friday carried the kid home, and I took off its skin and dressed it. Then I stewed some of the best pieces and made some good broth.

At dinner I gave some of the broth to my man. He liked it very well, but he could not bear salt in it.

I tried to show him that food was best with a little salt. But he did not think so, and he would never eat meat that was salted.

The next day I set Friday to work. I had him thrash some barley for me and grind the grains into meal as I had always done.

He did his work very well.

Then I let him see me make some bread and bake it. He learned very fast and soon could cook and keep house as well as any one.

Little, by little I taught him (poco a poco le enseñé; little by little – poco a poco) how to work on my farm (cómo trabajar en mi granja). We fenced another field (vallamos otro campo) and sowed more barley (y sembramos más cebada). For now (por ahora) there were two mouths to feed (había dos bocas para alimentar) instead of one (en lugar de una).

Very soon Friday learned (muy pronto Viernes aprendió) to talk quite well (a hablar bastante bien). He learned the name (él aprendió la denominación) of everything he saw (de todo lo que vio). He was very quick (era muy rápido), and I took pleasure in teaching him (y encontré placer en enseñarle; to take pleasure in smth. – encontrar placer en, disfrutar con).

I told him all about gunpowder (le conté todo sobre la pólvora) and guns and showed him how to shoot (y las escopetas y le mostré cómo disparar). I gave him a knife (le di un cuchillo), which pleased him not a little (y que no le gustó ni un poco). I made him a belt (le hice un cinturón) and gave him a hatchet (y le di un hacha) to carry in it (para que se lo llevara en él = en cintura).

I told him about the countries (le conté sobre los países) on the other side of the great ocean (del otro lado del gran océano). And I told him something (y le conté algo) of my own history (de mi propia historia).

Little by little I explained (poco a poco expliqué) how my people traded in great ships (cómo mi gente = mis paisanos comerciaban en grandes barcos), and how my own ship (y cómo mi propio barco) had been wrecked (había naufragado) on the coast of this island (en la costa de esta isla).

Thus (por lo tanto), between working and teaching (entre el trabajo y la enseñanza), I forgot all my fears (olvidé todos mis miedos). The days passed by (los días pasaban), and every day brought some new delight (y cada día traía una nueva delicia; delight – delicia, deleite, placer).

It was the pleasantest year of my life (fue el año más agradable de mi vida).

Little, by little I taught him how to work on my farm. We fenced another field and sowed more barley. For now there were two mouths to feed instead of one.

Very soon Friday learned to talk quite well. He learned the name of everything he saw. He was very quick, and I took pleasure in teaching him.

I told him all about gunpowder and guns and showed him how to shoot. I gave him a knife, which pleased him not a little. I made him a belt and gave him a hatchet to carry in it.

I told him about the countries on the other side of the great ocean. And I told him something of my own history.

Little by little I explained how my people traded in great ships, and how my own ship had been wrecked on the coast of this island.

Thus, between working and teaching, I forgot all my fears. The days passed by, and every day brought some new delight.

It was the pleasantest year of my life.

I often asked my man Friday (a menudo le pedí a mi hombre Viernes; to ask – preguntar, pedir) to tell me about his own country (que me hablara de su propio país). He told me all that he knew (me contó todo lo que sabía), and his words (y sus palabras) made me feel quite sure (me hicieron sentir muy seguro) that the mainland of South America (de que el continente de Sudamérica; mainland – continente, tierra firme: «tierra principal») was not far away (no estaba muy lejos).

In fact (de hecho), the low shore that I could see (la orilla baja que podía ver) far to the west of my island (a lo lejos al oeste de mi isla) was part of the coast (era la parte de la costa) of that great continent (de aquel gran continente).

Friday told me (Viernes me dijo) that white men (que los hombres blancos) sometimes went there (a veces iban allí). He said that they had long, dark beards (dijo que tenían barbas largas, oscuras) and were always trying to trade (y que siempre trataban de comerciar) with his people (con su gente/ pueblo).

I felt quite sure they were Spaniards (estaba seguro de que eran españoles), and I had a great mind to go over (y tenía toda la intención de irme; to go over – ir a algun lugar que está lejos, revisar), if I could, and join them (si pudiera, y unirme a ellos). Indeed (de hecho), my whole mind was set on seeing some (toda mi mente estaba puesta en ver a alguien; mind – mente, pensamiento) of my own people again (de mi pueblo nativo de nuevo).

I thought that (pensé que) if I could only get to the mainland (si sólo pudiera llegar al continente), I would find some way (encontraría alguna forma) to reach England (de llegar a Inglaterra), or at least some place (o por lo menos a algún lugar) where Englishmen lived (donde vivían los ingleses).

At last I told Friday (al fin dije a Viernes) that I would give him a boat (que le daría un bote) to go back to his own country (para regresar a su país natal). This was part of my plan (esta era la parte de mi plan) for getting away from the island (para escapar de la isla).

I took him over to the other side of the island (lo llevé al otro lado de la isla; to take, took, taken – coger, llevar) and showed him my canoe (y le mostré mi canoa).

We cleared it of water (la limpiamos de agua) and then took a short sail in it (y luego cogimos una pequeña vela). Friday could paddle very well (Viernes podía remar muy bien).

“Now, Friday (ahora, Viernes),” I said (dije), “shall we paddle across the sea (vamos a remar a través del mar) to your own country (a tu país nativo)?”

I often asked my man Friday to tell me about his own country. He told me all that he knew, and his words made me feel quite sure that the mainland of South America was not far away.

In fact, the low shore that I could see far to the west of my island was part of the coast of that great continent.

Friday told me that white men sometimes went there. He said that they had long, dark beards and were always trying to trade with his people.

I felt quite sure they were Spaniards, and I had a great mind to go over, if I could, and join them. Indeed, my whole mind was set on seeing some of my own people again.

I thought that if I could only get to the mainland, I would find some way to reach England, or at least some place where Englishmen lived.

At last I told Friday that I would give him a boat to go back to his own country. This was part of my plan for getting away from the island.

I took him over to the other side of the island and showed him my canoe.

We cleared it of water and then took a short sail in it. Friday could paddle very well.

“Now, Friday,” I said, “shall we paddle across the sea to your own country?”

He looked very dull (parecía que estaba muy deprimido; dull – soso, deprimido, apagado, amortiguado) at my saying this (que yo dijera esto), and I saw that he thought (y vi que pensaba) the canoe was too small (que la canoa era demasiado pequeña).

“Well (bueno),” I said (le dije), “I have a bigger boat (tengo un barco más grande). I will show it to you tomorrow (te lo mostraré mañana).”

The next morning (a la mañana siguiente), therefore (por lo tanto; therefore – por lo tanto, por eso; luego), I took him to see the first boat I had made and which I could not get to the water (lo llevé a ver el primer barco que había hecho y al que no pude llevar al agua).

He said it was big enough (él dijo que era lo suficientemente grande). But it had been lying on the ground (pero había estado varado en la tierra) for twenty-three years and was rotten (durante veintitrés años y estaba podrido; rotten – podrido, deteriorado; to rot – pudrirse; deteriorarse).

“We will make a new boat, Friday (haremos un nuevo barco, Viernes),” I said (dije). “We will make one as big as this (haremos uno tan grande como este). Then you shall go to your old home in it (luego irás a tu viejo hogar en él).”

He looked very sad (él se veía muy triste).

“Why are you angry with Friday (por qué estás enojado con Viernes; anger – ira, enfado)?” he asked (preguntó). “What has he done (qué ha hecho)?”

I told him that I was not angry (le dije que no estaba enojado), and asked him what he meant (y le pregunté qué quería decir).

“Not angry (no enojado)! not angry (no enojado)!” he cried (exclamó). “Then (entonces) why do you want to send Friday away to his old home (por qué quieres mandar a Viernes a su viejo hogar)?”

“Why, Friday (por qué, Viernes),” I said (dije), “didn’t you say that you wished you were there (no dijiste que deseabas estar allí)?”

He looked very dull at my saying this, and I saw that he thought the canoe was too small.

“Well,” I said, “I have a bigger boat. I will show it to you tomorrow.”

The next morning, therefore, I took him to see the first boat I had made and which I could not get to the water.

He said it was big enough. But it had been lying on the ground for twenty-three years and was rotten.

“We will make a new boat, Friday,” I said. “We will make one as big as this. Then you shall go to your old home in it.”

He looked very sad.

“Why are you angry with Friday?” he asked. “What has he done?”

I told him that I was not angry, and asked him what he meant.

“Not angry! not angry!” he cried. “Then why do you want to send Friday away to his old home?”

“Why, Friday,” I said, “didn’t you say that you wished you were there?”

“Yes, yes (sí, sí),” said he (dijo él). “Friday wishes both were there (viernes desea que los dos estén allí), but not Friday without his master (pero no Viernes sin su amo).”

“But (pero) what would I do there (qué haría allí)?” I asked (le pregunté). “I could do nothing (no podría hacer nada).”

“Oh, yes, master (oh, sí, amo),” he answered very quickly (respondió muy rápido) “You could do much (podrías hacer mucho). You could teach (podrías enseñar) wild mans to be tame (a los hombres salvajes a ser dóciles; tame – domesticado, amansado, dócil), to know God, to live right (a conocer a Dios, a vivir bien). You could do much (podrías hacer mucho).”

“No, Friday (no, Viernes),” I said (dije). “You shall go without me (deberás ir sin mí). Leave me here to live by myself (déjame aquí vivir solo tal) as I did before (como lo hice antes).”

He looked very sad (él se veía muy triste). Then all at once he ran (entonces, de repente, corrió) and picked up a hatchet (y cogió un hacha). He brought it and gave it to me (lo trajo y me lo dio).

“What shall I do with this (qué debo hacer con esto)?” I asked (le pregunté).

“You take it (tú lo coges = cógelo). Kill Friday (mata a Viernes),” he said (dijo).

“Indeed (de hecho),” I said (dije), “and why shall I do that (y por qué tendría que hacerlo)?”

“Then (entonces) why do you send Friday away (por qué envías a Viernes)?” he said (dijo) “Better kill than send away (mejor matar que mandar fuera).”

The tears stood in his eyes (las lágrimas estaban en sus ojos) as he spoke (mientras hablaba). I saw that he loved me (vi que me quería) and would always stand by me (y que siempre estaría conmigo; to stand by – estar con, apoyar, proteger, ayudar).

So I told him that I would never (entonces le dije que nunca), never send him away (nunca le mandaría fuera), and that he should always stay with me (y que para siempre se quedará conmigo).

You should have seen his eyes brighten (deberías haber visto sus ojos brillar; to brighten – iluminar, alegrarse, animarse; bright – radiante, brillante, luminoso).

“Yes, yes,” said he. “Friday wishes both were there, but not Friday without his master.”

“But what would I do there?” I asked. “I could do nothing.”

“Oh, yes, master,” he answered very quickly “You could do much. You could teach wild mans to be tame, to know God, to live right. You could do much.”

“No, Friday,” I said. “You shall go without me. Leave me here to live by myself as I did before.”

He looked very sad. Then all at once he ran and picked up a hatchet. He brought it and gave it to me.

“What shall I do with this?” I asked.

“You take it. Kill Friday,” he said.

“Indeed,” I said, “and why shall I do that?”

“Then why do you send Friday away?” he said “Better kill than send away.”

The tears stood in his eyes as he spoke. I saw that he loved me and would always stand by me.

So I told him that I would never, never send him away, and that he should always stay with me.

You should have seen his eyes brighten.

CHAPTER 43. I MAKE A NEW BOAT

(CAPÍTULO 43. HAGO UN NUEVO BOTE)

I made up my mind to begin (decidí a empezar inmediatamente) the new boat at once (con el nuevo bote).

So, the next day (así que, al día siguiente), I went with Friday to find a good tree (fui con Viernes a buscar un buen árbol).

There were trees enough on the island (había suficientes árboles en la isla) to build a fleet (para construir una flota). But, I must find (pero, debía encontrar) one that was close to the water (uno que estuviera cerca del agua), so that we could launch (para que podamos botar; launch – botar) the boat when it was made (el bote cuando se haga).

At last Friday found one (por fin Viernes encontró /tal/ árbol). He knew, better than I (él sabía, mejor que yo), what kind of wood (qué tipo de madera) was best for making a boat (era mejor para hacer un bote).

It was an odd-looking tree (era un árbol de aspecto extraño; odd – impar, raro, extraño), and to this day (y hasta el día de hoy) I do not know its name (no sabía su nombre).

Friday chopped it down (Viernes lo cortó). He cut off a part of it for the boat (cortó una parte para el bote).

He wished to build a fire (quería prender fuego) on the top of it (en la parte superior) and thus burn out the hollow part of the boat (y así herrar la parte ahuecada del bote).

But I showed him a better way (pero le mostré una manera mejor), to chop it out with hatchets and chisels (de cortarlo con hachas y cinceles).

In about a month it was finished (en aproximadamente un mes estaba terminado). With our axes (con nuestras hachas) we cut and hewed (cortamos y labramos) the outside till it was (la parte exterior hasta que no estaba) in a very good shape (en muy buena forma).

Then we worked hard for two weeks (trabajamos duro durante dos semanas) to get the boat into the water (para llevar el bote al agua).

I made up my mind to begin the new boat at once.

So, the next day, I went with Friday to find a good tree.

There were trees enough on the island to build a fleet. But, I must find one that was close to the water, so that we could launch the boat when it was made.

At last Friday found one. He knew, better than I, what kind of wood was best for making a boat.

It was an odd-looking tree, and to this day I do not know its name.

Friday chopped it down. He cut off a part of it for the boat.

He wished to build a fire on the top of it and thus burn out the hollow part of the boat.

But I showed him a better way, to chop it out with hatchets and chisels.

In about a month it was finished. With our axes we cut and hewed the outside till it was in a very good shape.

Then we worked hard for two weeks to get the boat into the water.

But when she was in (pero cuando estaba en el agua), how well she floated (qué bien flotaba)! She would have carried at least (habría llevado al menos) twenty men (a veinte hombres).

It was wonderful how well Friday could manage her (era maravilloso lo bien que Viernes podía manejarlo). It was wonderful (era maravilloso) how fast he could paddle (lo rápido que podía remar).

“Now, Friday (ahora, Viernes),” I said (dije), “do you think she will carry us over the sea (crees que nos llevará por el mar)?”

“Yes, master (sí, amo),” he said (dijo), “she will carry us even in the worst wind (nos llevará incluso en el peor ventarrón).”

My next care (mi siguiente tarea) was to make a mast (era hacer un mástil) and a sail (y una vela), and to fit the boat (y apertrechar el bote) with an anchor and a rudder (con un ancla y un timón).

It was easy enough to get the mast (fue fácil conseguir el mástil). I had Friday cut down a tall young cedar (hice a Viernes cortar un cedro alto joven: to cut, cut, cut – cortar; to cut down – talar, cortar) that grew near the place (que crecía cerca de este lugar).

He shaped it and smoothed it (le dio forma y le alisó), and made as pretty a mast (e hizo un mástil tan bonito) as you would wish to see (como quisieras ver = mejor no puede ser).

As for the sail (en cuanto a la vela), that was another thing (eso era otra cosa). I had old sails (tenía velas viejas), or pieces of old sails in plenty (o pedazos de velas viejas en abundancia).

But they had been lying (pero habían estado) in this place (en este lugar) and in that for six and twenty years (durante veintiséis años). It would be a wonder (sería una maravilla) if they were not all rotten (si no estuvieran todas podridas).

After a long search (después de una larga búsqueda) I found two pieces (encontré dos piezas) which I thought would do (que pensé que eran convenientes). I set to work (me puse a trabajar), patching and stitching (remendar y coser; to stitch – coser, hilvanar).

It was slow work without needles (fue un trabajo lento sin agujas), you may be sure (puedes estar seguro = como puedes entender).

At last (por fin) I had a three-cornered, ugly thing (tenía una cosa fea de tres picos) like a shoulder-of-mutton sail (como una vela de lomo de cordero) to be put up with a boom (para poner la botavara) at its bottom part (en la parte inferior).

But when she was in, how well she floated! She would have carried at least twenty men.

It was wonderful how well Friday could manage her. It was wonderful how fast he could paddle.

“Now, Friday,” I said, “do you think she will carry us over the sea?”

“Yes, master,” he said, “she will carry us even in the worst wind.”

My next care was to make a mast and a sail, and to fit the boat with an anchor and a rudder.

It was easy enough to get the mast. I had Friday cut down a tall young cedar that grew near the place.

He shaped it and smoothed it, and made as pretty a mast as you would wish to see.

As for the sail, that was another thing. I had old sails, or pieces of old sails in plenty.

But they had been lying in this place and in that for six and twenty years. It would be a wonder if they were not all rotten.

After a long search I found two pieces which I thought would do. I set to work, patching and stitching.

It was slow work without needles, you may be sure.

At last I had a three-cornered, ugly thing like a shoulder-of-mutton sail to be put up with a boom at its bottom part.

I had also a little short sprit (también tuve un pequeño botavante) to run up at the top of the mast (para subir a la parte superior del mástil).

It took two months (me tomó dos meses) to make the sails (para hacer las velas) and the rigging as I wished (y el aparejo como quería).

Then I put in a rudder (luego puse un timón) to steer the boat (para manejar el bote). I was a poor carpenter (yo era un pobre carpintero), and I made a pretty rough job of it (y mi trabajo era bastante duro).

Friday knew how to paddle (Viernes sabía cómo remar) a canoe as well as any man (una canoa tan bien como cualquier otro hombre).

But he knew nothing about a sail (pero él no sabía nada de una vela). He had never seen a boat (nunca había visto un bote) steered by a rudder (manejado con un timón).

We made several little voyages (hicimos varios pequeños viajes) near the island (cerca de la isla) and I taught him (y le enseñé) how to manage (cómo manejar) everything about the boat (todo lo que está relacionado con el bote).

Much as I wished (por mucho que deseaba) to go back to my own people (volver a mi población nativa), I could not make up my mind (no podía decidirme) to try the long voyage across to the mainland (a intentar un largo viaje a aquella parte del continente).

I had now been on the island twenty-seven years (había estado en la isla veintisiete años). My man Friday (mi compañero Viernes) had been with me about two years (había estado conmigo unos dos años), and these had been the happiest of my life (y habían sido los más felices de = en mi vida). I had everything (tenía todo) to make me comfortable and happy (para hacerme sentir cómodo y feliz; comfortable – cómodo, a gusto).

Why should I wish to go away (por qué tenía que querer irme)?

I had also a little short sprit to run up at the top of the mast.

It took two months to make the sails and the rigging as I wished.

Then I put in a rudder to steer the boat. I was a poor carpenter, and I made a pretty rough job of it.

Friday knew how to paddle a canoe as well as any man.

But he knew nothing about a sail. He had never seen a boat steered by a rudder.

We made several little voyages near the island and I taught him how to manage everything about the boat.

Much as I wished to go back to my own people, I could not make up my mind to try the long voyage across to the mainland.

I had now been on the island twenty-seven years. My man Friday had been with me about two years, and these had been the happiest of my life. I had everything to make me comfortable and happy.

Why should I wish to go away?

I had a great longing to see (tenía un gran deseo de volver) my native land again (a ver a mi tierra natal otra vez), to talk with people of my own race (hablar con la gente de mi propia raza), perhaps to visit my kindred once more (tal vez para visitar a mis parientes una vez más). This longing I could not rid myself of (este anhelo del que no me podía librar; to ger rid of smth. – deshacerse, olvidarse, librarse), day or night (ni de día, ni de noche).

But now new thoughts (pero ahora nuevos pensamientos) came into mind (vinieron a la mente). I felt that in some way (sentí que de alguna manera que) I would soon escape from the island (pronto me escaparía de la isla; to escape – escaparse; fugarse). Indeed (de hecho), I was quite sure (estaba bastante seguro) that I would not stay there another year (de que no me quedaría allí otro año).

I cannot tell you (no puedo decirte) what made me feel that way (lo que me hizo sentir de esa manera). But I seemed to know (pero parecía saber) that some great change in my life (que un gran cambio en mi vida) was near at hand (estaba cerca).

Yet I went on with my farming (sin embargo, continué con mi agricultura) as before (como antes). I dug (excavé), I planted (planté), I reaped (coseché; to reap — cosechar; segar), I gathered my grapes (recogí mis uvas), I did everything (hice todo) just as though I had no such thoughts (como si no tuviera esos pensamientos).

My man Friday (mi compañero Viernes) was the truest of helpers (fue el más fiel de los ayudantes; true – verdadero, cierto, leal, fiel; a true friend – un buen amigo, un amigo fiel). He did all the heavy labor (hizo todo el trabajo duro). He would not let me lift my hand (él no me dejaría levantar mi mano) if he could help it (si pudiera evitarlo).

The rainy season at last (la temporada de lluvias finalmente) came upon us (se abatió sobre nosotros), and this put an end (y esto puso fin) to most of our outdoor work (a la mayor parte de nuestro trabajo al aire libre).

We took our new boat (llevamos nuestro nuevo barco) to a safe place (a un lugar seguro) some distance up the little river (a cierta distancia hasta el pequeño río), above the point (más arriba del lugar; point – punto, lugar) where I had landed (donde había desembarcado) my rafts from the ship (mis balsas del barco).

I had a great longing to see my native land again, to talk with people of my own race, perhaps to visit my kindred once more. This longing I could not rid myself of, day or night.

But now new thoughts came into mind. I felt that in some way I would soon escape from the island. Indeed, I was quite sure that I would not stay there another year.

I cannot tell you what made me feel that way. But I seemed to know that some great change in my life was near at hand.

Yet I went on with my farming as before. I dug, I planted, I reaped, I gathered my grapes, I did everything just as though I had no such thoughts.

My man Friday was the truest of helpers. He did all the heavy labor. He would not let me lift my hand if he could help it.

The rainy season at last came upon us, and this put an end to most of our outdoor work.

We took our new boat to a safe place some distance up the little river, above the point where I had landed my rafts from the ship.

We hauled her up to the shore (lo arrastramos hasta la orilla) at high-water mark (en la altura máxima del agua; high-water mark – altura máxima del agua), and there Friday dug (y allí Viernes cavó) a little dock for her (una pequeña dársena para él).

This dock was just big enough (esta dársena era bastante grande) to hold her (como para sostenerlo) and it was just deep enough (y era lo suficientemente profundo) to give her water to float in (como para dejar que flotara en el agua).

When the tide was out (cuando la marea estaba baja) we made a strong dam (construimos una gran represa) across the end of it (en el extremo /de dársena/), to keep the water out (para evitar que entrara agua; to keep out/off – no dejar entrar, no dejar pasar, impedirle la entrada). Thus (por lo tanto) she lay high and dry (estaba varado; high and dry – varado, encallado) on the bank of the river (en la ribera del río).

To keep the rain off (para evitar la lluvia) we laid a great many branches of trees (colocamos muchas ramas de árboles) upon her (sobre él) till she was covered thickly with them (hasta que estuvo cubierto densamente). A thatched roof (un techo de paja; thatch – paja; to thatch – techar/ cubrir con paja) could not have protected her better (no podría haberlo protegido mejor).

Little did I think that I should never see our boat floating upon the water again (poco pensaba en que nunca más volvería a ver nuestro bote flotar en el agua). For all that I know (por todo lo que sé), she is still lying high and dry (todavía está varado) in her little waterproof dock (en la pequeña dársena resistente al agua; waterproof – resistente al agua, sumergible, impermeable).

We were now kept indoors (nos quedábamos adentro; to keep – guardar, quedarse; Where do you keep? – ¿Dónde os encontráis?) a great part of the time (por mucho tiempo), but we kept ourselves occupied pleasantly (pero nos mantuvimos bien/agradablemente ocupados), and the hours passed swiftly (y las horas transcurrieron rápidamente).

We hauled her up to the shore at high-water mark, and there Friday dug a little dock for her.

This dock was just big enough to hold her and it was just deep enough to give her water to float in.

When the tide was out we made a strong dam across the end of it, to keep the water out. Thus she lay high and dry on the bank of the river.

To keep the rain off we laid a great many branches of trees upon her till she was covered thickly with them. A thatched roof could not have protected her better.

Little did I think that I should never see our boat floating upon the water again. For all that I know, she is still lying high and dry in her little waterproof dock.

We were now kept indoors a great part of the time, but we kept ourselves occupied pleasantly, and the hours passed swiftly.

My first duty (mi primer deber; duty – deber) every morning (cada mañana) was to read several chapters from the Bible (era leer varios capítulos de la Biblia). Then I instructed Friday (luego instruí a Viernes) in some of the truths of religion (en algunas de las verdades de la religión).

I was but an awkward teacher (no era más que un profesor torpe), but I did my best and was honest (pero hice todo lo posible y fui honesto).

I began by asking him about the Creator (comencé por preguntarle sobre el Creador; to create – crear).

I asked him who made the sea (le pregunté quién hizo el mar), the hills (las colinas), the woods (los bosques), the ground we walked on (la tierra que pisamos).

He told me it was one great being who lived beyond all (me dijo que era un gran ser que vivía más allá de todo).

I confess I could not have given (confieso que no podría haber dado) a better answer (una respuesta mejor).

He said that this great being (dijo que este gran ser) was older than the sea or the land (era más viejo que el mar o la tierra), the moon or the stars (la luna o las estrellas).

Then I said (entonces dije), “If this being has made all things (si este ser humano ha hecho todas las cosas), why do not all things worship him (por qué no todas las cosas le adoran)?”

He looked very grave (se veía muy serio; grave – grave; serio), and with eyes full of innocence (y con los ojos llenos de inocencia), answered (respondió), “All things say O to him (todas las cosas le dicen O a él).”

Thus (por lo tanto) he taught me while (así él me enseñaba mientras) I was trying to teach him (yo estaba tratando de enseñarle).

My first duty every morning was to read several chapters from the Bible. Then I instructed Friday in some of the truths of religion.

I was but an awkward teacher, but I did my best and was honest.

I began by asking him about the Creator.

I asked him who made the sea, the hills, the woods, the ground we walked on.

He told me it was one great being who lived beyond all.

I confess I could not have given a better answer.

He said that this great being was older than the sea or the land, the moon or the stars.

Then I said, “If this being has made all things, why do not all things worship him?”

He looked very grave, and with eyes full of innocence, answered, “All things say O to him.”

Thus he taught me while I was trying to teach him.

CHAPTER 44. I SEE A STRANGE SAIL

(CAPÍTULO 44. VEO UNA DESCONOCIDA VELA)

I pass over some wonderful things (no tomo en cuenta unas cosas maravillosas) that happened during my last year (que sucedieron durante mi último año) on the island (en la isla). For I must not make this story too long (pues no debo hacer esta historia demasiado larga).

I was fast asleep in my castle (estaba durmiendo profundamente en mi castillo) one morning (una mañana) when Friday came running in (cuando Viernes vino corriendo).

“O master, master (oh amo, amo)!” he cried (exclamó), “a boat (el bote), a boat (el bote)!”

I jumped up and went out as quickly as could (salté y salí tan rápido como pude). I was in such haste (tenía tanta prisa) that I forgot (que olvidé) to carry my gun with me (llevar mi arma conmigo).

I looked toward the sea (miré hacia el mar). About three miles from the shore (a unas tres millas de la costa) I saw a strange boat (vi un desconocido bote) coming to the island (que venía a la isla). It carried a leg-of-mutton sail (llevaba una vela triangular: “de pata de cordero”; leg-of-mutton – vela triangular) and was coming swiftly with the wind (y venía rápidamente con el viento). “Surely (sin duda),” I thought (pensé), “this is not the kind of boat (este no es el tipo de bote) that savages sail in (en el cual los salvajes navegan).”

Then I saw that it was coming (luego vi que venía) not from the open sea (no desde mar abierto) on my side of the island (en mi lado de la isla), but from around a point (sino alrededor de una punta) on the south shore (en la costa del sur).

I ran back to my castle (volví corriendo a mi castillo) and told Friday to stay inside (y dije a Viernes que permaneciera adentro) and keep quiet (y que guardara silencio) till we could learn (hasta que pudiéramos saber) whether the people in the boat were friends or foes (si las personas del barco eran amigos o enemigos).

Then I climbed up to my lookout (luego subí a mi vigía) on the top of the great rock (en la cima de la gran roca).

I pass over some wonderful things that happened during my last year on the island. For I must not make this story too long.

I was fast asleep in my castle one morning when Friday came running in.

“O master, master!” he cried, “a boat, a boat!”

I jumped up and went out as quickly as could. I was in such haste that I forgot to carry my gun with me.

I looked toward the sea. About three miles from the shore I saw a strange boat coming to the island. It carried a leg-of-mutton sail and was coming swiftly with the wind. “Surely,” I thought, “this is not the kind of boat that savages sail in.”

Then I saw that it was coming not from the open sea on my side of the island, but from around a point on the south shore.

I ran back to my castle and told Friday to stay inside and keep quiet till we could learn whether the people in the boat were friends or foes.

Then I climbed up to my lookout on the top of the great rock.

I looked out toward the south shore (miré hacia la costa sur), and there I saw a ship lying at anchor (y allí vi un barco anclado). As nearly as I could guess (por lo que pude adivinar; to guess – adivinar; suponer), it was about five miles from my castle (estaba a unos cinco kilómetros de mi castillo) and at least three miles from the shore (y al menos de tres millas de la costa).

It looked just like an English ship (parecía un barco inglés), and the boat was surely (y el bote seguramente era) an English longboat (una chalupa = barcaza inglesa; barcaza es un artefacto naval, sin propulsión propia, de fondo plano, que se emplea para el transporte fluvial o transporte marítimo de mercancías y pasajeros entre costas cercanas).

I cannot tell you how glad I was (no puedo decirte lo contento que estaba) at the thought that some of my own countrymen (con la idea de que algunos de mis compatriotas) were so near (estuvieran tan cerca). Yet I felt strange fears (sin embargo, sentí miedos extraños), and so made up my mind to be very cautious (así que decidí ser muy cauteloso).

In the first place (en primer lugar), what business (qué negocio = asuntos) could an English ship have (podría tener un barco inglés) in these seas (en estos mares)? The English had no lands (los ingleses no tenían tierras) in this part of the world (en esta parte del mundo). They would not come here to trade (no vendrían aquí para comerciar). There had been no storms (no hubo tormentas) to drive the vessel to this place (para que condujeran el buque a este lugar).

The more I thought of the matter (cuanto más pensaba en el asunto), the more I doubted (más dudaba). If these people were indeed English (si esta gente fuera de hecho inglesa), they must be here (deben estar aquí) for no good purpose (sin ningún propósito bueno).

By this time the boat (en este momento el bote) was quite near the shore (estaba bastante cerca de la orilla). I could see the men in it quite plainly (pude ver a los hombres con toda claridad). They looked like Englishmen (parecían ingleses).

I looked out toward the south shore, and there I saw a ship lying at anchor. As nearly as I could guess, it was about five miles from my castle and at least three miles from the shore.

It looked just like an English ship, and the boat was surely an English longboat.

I cannot tell you how glad I was at the thought that some of my own countrymen were so near. Yet I felt strange fears, and so made up my mind to be very cautious.

In the first place, what business could an English ship have in these seas? The English had no lands in this part of the world. They would not come here to trade. There had been no storms to drive the vessel to this place.

The more I thought of the matter, the more I doubted. If these people were indeed English, they must be here for no good purpose.

By this time the boat was quite near the shore. I could see the men in it quite plainly. They looked like Englishmen.

As they came (cuando llegaron) in the tide was at its highest (la marea estaba en su punto más alto), and so they ran the boat (por lo que acercaron a nado en el bote; to run up – acercarse a nado) far up on the beach (hasta la playa) about half a mile from me (como media milla de mí).

I now counted eleven men (ahora conté once hombres), and all but three (y todos menos tres) were armed with swords (estaban armados con espadas). As soon (tan pronto) as the boat touched the land (como el bote tocó la tierra), the most of them jumped out (la mayoría de ellos saltaron afuera).

Then I saw that the three unarmed men (entonces vi que los tres hombres desarmados) were prisoners (eran prisioneros). Their hands (sus manos) were tied behind them (estaban atadas detrás de ellos) and they were closely guarded (y estaban muy bien vigilados; closely – cerca, atentamente, detenidamente).

As they were led on shore (mientras los dirigían a la orilla; to lead – llevar, dirigir), they seemed in great distress (parecían muy angustiados; distress – angustia, aflicción) as though begging for their lives (como si estuvieran rogando por sus vidas).

When Friday saw all this (cuando Viernes vio todo esto), he cried out to me (me gritó), “O master (oh amo)! the white mans (los hombres blancos) do just like savage mans (hacen lo mismo que los hombres salvajes; man — forma irregular de pl. / forma regular — men/) with their prisoners (con sus prisioneros).”

“Why, Friday (por qué = anda, Viernes; why – por qué? expresa diferentes emociones según el contexto: sorpresa, acuerdo o desacuerdo, impaciencia, etc.),” I said (dije), “do you think they are going to eat them (crees que se los van a comer)?”

“Yes, yes (sí, sí),” he answered (respondió),” they are going to eat them (se los van a comer).”

The prisoners were led far up on the beach (los prisioneros fueron llevados a la playa), and I expected (y yo esperaba) every moment to see them killed (cada instante verlos matados).

As they came in the tide was at its highest, and so they ran the boat far up on the beach about half a mile from me.

I now counted eleven men, and all but three were armed with swords. As soon as the boat touched the land, the most of them jumped out.

Then I saw that the three unarmed men were prisoners. Their hands were tied behind them and they were closely guarded.

As they were led on shore, they seemed in great distress as though begging for their lives.

When Friday saw all this, he cried out to me, “O master! the white mans do just like savage mans with their prisoners.”

“Why, Friday,” I said, “do you think they are going to eat them?”

“Yes, yes,” he answered,” they are going to eat them.”

The prisoners were led far up on the beach, and I expected every moment to see them killed.

But soon their guards (pero pronto sus guardias) seemed to change their minds (parecieron cambiar de opinión). They talked together for a little while (hablaron juntos por un tiempo). Then they untied the prisoners’ hands (luego desataron las manos de los prisioneros) and let them go where they pleased (y les dejaron ir a donde quisieran).

The seamen scattered (los marineros se dispersaron), some going this way (algunos yendo por este camino), some that (algunos por el otro), as though they wished to see the country (como si quisieran ver el país). But the men (pero los hombres) who had been prisoners sat down on the ground (que habían sido prisioneros se sentaron en la tierra) and seemed very sad (y parecían muy tristes) and full of despair (y llenos de desesperanza).

I thought then of the time (pensé = recordé entonces en el momento) when I had first landed on that shore (en que había desembarcado en esa orilla) — how I had no hope (cómo no tenía esperanza), and how I gave myself up for lost (y cómo me di por perdido; to give up – dares por vencido, dejar, abandonar, rendirse).

As I have said (como ya he dicho), the tide was at its highest (la marea estaba en su punto más alto) when the men came on shore (cuando los hombres/ marineros llegaron a la orilla; men – hombres, soldados, marineros). They rambled around (pasearon; to ramble – pasear; vagar) till it had flowed out (hasta que se desvaneció) and left their boat high and dry (y dejaron su bote varado) on the sand (en la arena).

They had left two men (habían dejado a dos marineros) with the boat to guard it (con el botw para protegerlo). But the weather being very warm (pero como el tiempo era muy caluroso), these men had fallen asleep (estos marineros se habían quedado dormidos).

When one of them awoke (cuando uno de ellos se despertó; to awake – despertarse) and found the water far out from the boat (y encontró el agua lejos del barco), he began to hello for help (comenzó a pedir ayuda; hello – decir hola; saludar; llamar; pedir). All the men came running (todos los marineros vinieron corriendo) and tried to drag (e intentaron arrastrar) the boat out to the water (el bote al agua).

But it was so heavy (pero pesaba tanto) they could not move it (que no podían moverlo). They tugged and pulled for a long time (jalaron y tiraron durante mucho tiempo; to tug – tirar; estirar; jalar). Then I heard one of them shout (entonces oí a uno de ellos gritar): “Let her alone, boys (déjenlo, chicos)! She’ll float all right when the next tide comes up (flotará bien cuando suba la próxima marea; all right – bien, definitivamente, sin problemas).

With that (con eso) they gave it up (se dieron por vencidos) and all strolled out into the country again (y dieron un paseo por el país otra vez; to stroll – dar paseo, pasear; country — país, nacional).

But soon their guards seemed to change their minds. They talked together for a little while. Then they untied the prisoners’ hands and let them go where they pleased.

The seamen scattered, some going this way, some that, as though they wished to see the country. But the men who had been prisoners sat down on the ground and seemed very sad and full of despair.

I thought then of the time when I had first landed on that shore—how I had no hope, and how I gave myself up for lost.

As I have said, the tide was at its highest when the men came on shore. They rambled around till it had flowed out and left their boat high and dry on the sand.

They had left two men with the boat to guard it. But the weather being very warm, these men had fallen asleep.

When one of them awoke and found the water far out from the boat, he began to hello for help. All the men came running and tried to drag the boat out to the water.

But it was so heavy they could not move it. They tugged and pulled for a long time. Then I heard one of them shout: “Let her alone, boys! She’ll float all right when the next tide comes up.

With that they gave it up and all strolled out into the country again.

CHAPTER 45. I MAKE A BOLD RESCUE

(CAPÍTULO 45. HAGO UN RESCATE VALIENTE)

I knew that the tide (sabía que la marea) would not be at its highest again (no estaría en su punto más alto otra vez) before night (hasta la noche). So I thought that I would arm myself (así que pensé que me armaría), and (y), as soon as it was dark (tan pronto como oscureciera), would venture out (me aventuraría) and learn more about my strange visitors (y aprenderia más sobre mis extraños visitantes) if I could (si podré).

I looked at my guns and got everything ready (miré mis escopetas y preparé todo), and then sat down to wait (y luego me senté a esperar).

The day (el día), as I have said (como ya he dicho), was very hot (era muy caluroso). The three men (los tres hombres) who had been prisoners (que habían sido prisioneros) still sat under a tree (todavía estaban sentados debajo de un árbol) by the shore (en la orilla). But all the rest (pero los demás; rest – resto) were in the woods (estaban en el bosque). No doubt (sin duda) they would rest (descansarían) in some shady place (en un lugar sombreado) until the sun went down (hasta que el sol se pusiera).

At about two o’clock (alrededor de las dos) I became so uneasy (me puse tan intranquilo) that I could wait no longer (que no pude esperar más).

“Friday (Viernes),” I said (dije), “let us go out (vamos a salir) and see what we can do (y ver qué podemos hacer).”

You should have seen us (deberías habernos visto) as we marched out of the castle (cuando salimos del castillo).

I had two guns on my shoulders (tenía dos escopetas en mis hombros) and Friday had three (y Viernes tenía tres). I had on my goatskin coat (tenía puesto mi abrigo de piel de cabra) and my great hat (y mi gran sombrero) that I have told you about (de los que te había hablado). At my side was a naked sword (a mi lado había una espada desnuda), and in my belt were two huge pistols (y en mi cinturón había dos pistolas enormes).

I must have looked very fierce (debía parecer muy feroz).

We went quietly down the hill (bajamos abajo silenciosamente de la colina), keeping ourselves hidden among the trees (manteniéndonos escondidos entre los árboles). At last (por fin), when we were quite near (cuando estábamos bastante cerca) the three men (de los tres hombres), I jumped suddenly out (salté de repente) before them and cried (sobre ellos y grité), “What are you, gentlemen (quiénes sois, caballeros)?”

I knew that the tide would not be at its highest again before night. So I thought that I would arm myself, and, as soon as it was dark, would venture out and learn more about my strange visitors if I could.

I looked at my guns and got everything ready, and then sat down to wait.

The day, as I have said, was very hot. The three men who had been prisoners still sat under a tree by the shore. But all the rest were in the woods. No doubt they would rest in some shady place until the sun went down.

At about two o’clock I became so uneasy that I could wait no longer.

“Friday,” I said, “let us go out and see what we can do.”

You should have seen us as we marched out of the castle.

I had two guns on my shoulders and Friday had three. I had on my goatskin coat and my great hat that I have told you about. At my side was a naked sword, and in my belt were two huge pistols.

I must have looked very fierce.

We went quietly down the hill, keeping ourselves hidden among the trees. At last, when we were quite near the three men, I jumped suddenly out before them and cried, “What are you, gentlemen?”

Never were men more surprised (nunca hombres estaban más sorprendidos).

They sprang to their feet (se pusieron de pie; to spring – salir; saltar), but they could not speak a word (pero no pudieron decir ni una palabra). In fact (de hecho), they were on the point of running away from me (estaban a punto de huir de mí) when I cried (cuando grité): “Hold, gentlemen (esperen, caballeros)! Do not be afraid (no tengáis miedo). I am a friend (soy un amigo). I bring help (traigo ayuda).”

“Then, indeed (entonces, de hecho),” said one of them (dijo uno de ellos), “you must have been sent from heaven (debes haber sido enviado del cielo; to send – enviar); for our case is hopeless (porque nuestra situación es inútil).”

“All help is from heaven, sir (toda ayuda viene del cielo, señor),” I said (dije); and then I briefly told them (y luego les conté brevemente) how I had seen them brought to the shore (cómo los había visto desembarcar en la orilla; to bring, brought, brought – llevar, traer).

“I am an Englishman (soy inglés),” I said (dije), “and I stand ready to help you (y estoy listo para ayudarte). I have one servant (tengo un sirviente), and we are well armed (y estamos bien armados). Tell us what is your case (cuéntanos cuál es vuestro caso; case – caso, cuestión), and how we may serve you (y cómo podemos serviros).”

“Our case (nuestro caso),” said the foremost of the three men (dijo el primero de los tres hombres), “is too long to tell you now (es demasiado largo para decírselo ahora); for our enemies are very near (porque nuestros enemigos están muy cerca). I was the captain of the ship (yo era el capitán del barco) that lies at anchor offshore (que está anclado en alta mar). Three days ago (hace tres días) the sailors all rose against me (todos los marineros se levantaron contra mí; to rise – crecer; to rise against – levantarse contra alguien; rebelarse contra alguien). They made me their prisoner (me hicieron su prisionero). They seized upon the ship (se aprovecharon/apoderaron del barco; to seize –agarrar, aprovechar, apoderarse), for they wanted to become pirates (porque querían convertirse en piratas).

“They were about to kill me (estaban a punto de matarme); but this morning (pero esta mañana) they decided to leave me on this island (decidieron dejarme en esta isla) to die (para morir). The men who are with me (los hombres que están conmigo), they are doomed to the same fate (están condenados a la misma suerte). One is my mate (uno es mi ayudante), the other a passenger (el otro es un pasajero).

Never were men more surprised.

They sprang to their feet, but they could not speak a word. In fact, they were on the point of running away from me when I cried: “Hold, gentlemen! Do not be afraid. I am a friend. I bring help.”

“Then, indeed,” said one of them, “you must have been sent from heaven; for our case is hopeless.”

“All help is from heaven, sir,” I said; and then I briefly told them how I had seen them brought to the shore.

“I am an Englishman,” I said, “and I stand ready to help you. I have one servant, and we are well armed. Tell us what is your case, and how we may serve you.”

“Our case,” said the foremost of the three men, “is too long to tell you now; for our enemies are very near. I was the captain of the ship that lies at anchor offshore. Three days ago the sailors all rose against me. They made me their prisoner. They seized upon the ship, for they wanted to become pirates.

“They were about to kill me; but this morning they decided to leave me on this island to die. The men who are with me, they are doomed to the same fate. One is my mate, the other a passenger.

“Being brought ashore here (al ser llevados a la tierra aquí, to bring ashore – bajar/ tomar a tierra), we had no hope but to perish (no teníamos otra esperanza que perecer). For it did not seem to us (porque no nos parecía) that any one could live (que nadie pudiera vivir) in such a desolate place (en un lugar tan desolado).”

“But (pero) where are those cruel enemies of yours (dónde están aquellos vuestros crueles enemigos)?” I asked (pregunté). “Do you know where they are gone (sabéis hacia dónde se han ido)?”

“They are there, sir (están allí, señor),” he said (dijo), pointing to a grove not far away (señalando una arboleda no muy lejos). “They are sleeping in the shade (están durmiendo a la sombra). If they should wake (si se despiertan) and see you with us (y te ven con nosotros), they would kill us all (nos matarán a todos).”

“Have they any firearms (tienen algunas armas de fuego)?” I asked (pregunté).

“Only two muskets (sólo dos mosquetes),” he answered (respondió), “and one of these (y uno de estos) they have left in the boat (lo dejaron en el barco).”

“Then trust everything to me (entonces confíen en todo para mí),” I said (dije). “If they are asleep (si están dormidos) it will be easy to kill them all (será fácil matarlos a todos). But I think it will be better (pero creo que será mejor) to make them our prisoners (hacerlos nuestros prisioneros).”

The captain then told me (el capitán me dijo) that there were two very wicked fellows (que había dos tipos muy malvados; wicked – malvados) among them (entre ellos) who were the ringleaders (que eran los cabecillas; ring – banda, pandilla; leader – líder, cabecilla; to lead – llevar).

“It is they who have made (son ellos los que han causado) all this trouble (todos estos problemas; trouble — dificultad, problema),” he said (dijo). “If they and two others could be overcome (si ellos y otros dos pudieran ser vencidos) the rest would come back (el resto regresaría) and do their duty (y cumpliría con su deber). Indeed (de hecho), I am sure that many of them (estoy seguro de que muchos de ellos) have gone into this business (se han metido en este negocio) against their will (contra su voluntad).”

“Being brought ashore here, we had no hope but to perish. For it did not seem to us that any one could live in such a desolate place.”

“But where are those cruel enemies of yours?” I asked. “Do you know where they are gone?”

“They are there, sir,” he said, pointing to a grove not far away. “They are sleeping in the shade. If they should wake and see you with us, they would kill us all.”

“Have they any firearms?” I asked.

“Only two muskets,” he answered, “and one of these they have left in the boat.”

“Then trust everything to me,” I said. “If they are asleep it will be easy to kill them all. But I think it will be better to make them our prisoners.”

The captain then told me that there were two very wicked fellows among them who were the ringleaders.

“It is they who have made all this trouble,” he said. “If they and two others could be overcome the rest would come back and do their duty. Indeed, I am sure that many of them have gone into this business against their will.”

CHAPTER 46. I HAVE AN ANXIOUS DAY

(CAPÍTULO 46. TENGO UN DÍA PREOCUPANTE)

While we were talking (mientras hablábamos) we had slowly withdrawn among the trees (nos retiramos lentamente entre los árboles; to withdraw – retirarse) where we were sheltered from sight (donde estábamos protegidos de la vista; shelter – refugio, albergue; to shelter – proteger, defender, guardar, albergar).

The captain promised me that (el capitán me prometió que) if we should succeed in getting control of the ship (si conseguimos controlar el barco), he would do anything that I wished (hará cualquier cosa que yo quiera). He would carry me to England (él me llevaría a Inglaterra) or to any other part of the world (o a cualquier otra parte del mundo). He would live and die with me (él viviría y moriría conmigo).

“Well, then (bueno, entonces),” said I (dije), “if you will all obey my commands (si obedecen mis órdenes), we will see what can be done (veremos qué se puede hacer).”

I gave each one of them a musket (les di a cada uno de ellos un mosquete), with powder and shot (con pólvora y balas; shot – bala). I told them (les dije) to kill as few of the ruffians as they could (que mataran a cuantos rufianes pudieran; ruffian – rufián, criminal), and to make prisoners of them (y que los hicieran prisioneros) all if possible (a todos si fuera posible).

Just then we heard (en ese momento oímos) some of them awake (que algunos de ellos estaban despiertos). In a moment (en un momento) three men came out of the grove (tres marineros salieron de la arboleda) and started down to the shore (y comenzaron a bajar a la orilla).

“Are these the ringleaders (son estos los cabecillas)?” I asked (pregunté).

“No (no),” answered the captain (respondió el capitán).

“Well, then (bueno, entonces), let them go (déjalos ir),” I said (dije); “but if the rest escape (pero si el resto escapa), it will be your fault (será tu culpa).”

While we were talking we had slowly withdrawn among the trees where we were sheltered from sight.

The captain promised me that if we should succeed in getting control of the ship, he would do anything that I wished. He would carry me to England or to any other part of the world. He would live and die with me.

“Well, then,” said I, “if you will all obey my commands, we will see what can be done.”

I gave each one of them a musket, with powder and shot. I told them to kill as few of the ruffians as they could, and to make prisoners of them all if possible.

Just then we heard some of them awake. In a moment three men came out of the grove and started down to the shore.

“Are these the ringleaders?” I asked.

“No,” answered the captain.

“Well, then, let them go,” I said; “but if the rest escape, it will be your fault.”

With a musket in his hand (con un mosquete en la mano) and a pistol in his belt (y una pistola en el cinturón), the captain started forward (el capitán comenzó a avanzar). I was close at his side (estuve cerca de él), while Friday (mientras que Viernes) and the other two men (y los otros dos hombres) went a little ahead of us (siguieron un poco adelante).

The mate in his eagerness chanced to step on some dry sticks which broke with a sharp noise beneath his feet (el ayudante ansioso tropezó con algunos palos secos que se rompieron con un ruido agudo bajo sus pies; eager – ansioso, deseoso, impaciente). One of the seamen (uno de los marineros), hearing this (al oír esto), looked out and saw us (miró hacia afuera y nos vio).

He gave the alarm (él dio señal de alarma; alarm – alarma; señal de alarma). The sleeping wretches awoke (los dormidos desgraciados se despertaron) and sprang to their feet (y se pusieron de pie). But it was too late (pero era demasiado tarde). Our guns were already upon them (nuestras armas ya estaban sobre ellos).

I need not tell you of the fight (no necesito decirte sobre la batalla; fight – pelea; lucha; combate). It was sharp and short (fue aguda y corta; sharp – agudo; mordaz).

At its close (al final) the two ruffians (los dos rufianes) who had caused all this trouble (que habían causado todo este problema) were lying dead upon the ground (estaban muertos en la tierra). The three other men (los otros tres hombres), who were but slightly hurt (que estaban levemente heridos; to hurt – hacer daño; dañar; herir), were our prisoners (eran nuestros prisioneros). As for my little army of five (en cuanto a mi pequeño ejército de cinco personas), not one was so much as scratched (ninguno estaba ni siquiera rasguñado).

While the captain and I (mientras el capitán y yo) were binding the prisoners (estábamos atando a los prisioneros), Friday and the mate (Viernes y el ayudante) ran to the boat (corrieron al bote) and brought away the oars and the sails (y se llevaron los remos y las velas).

Soon (pronto) the three men (los tres marineros) who had gone down the shore (que habían bajado a la costa) came hurrying back (volvieron rápidamente) to see what was the matter (para ver cuál era el problema).

When they saw how matters stood (cuando vieron cómo estaban las cosas), they at once gave themselves up (ellos se rindieron de inmediato) and were bound with the rest (y fueron atados con el resto; to bind, bound, bound — atar). So our victory was complete (entonces victoria fue nuestra; complete — completa).

With a musket in his hand and a pistol in his belt, the captain started forward. I was close at his side, while Friday and the other two men went a little ahead of us.

The mate in his eagerness chanced to step on some dry sticks which broke with a sharp noise beneath his feet. One of the seamen, hearing this, looked out and saw us.

He gave the alarm. The sleeping wretches awoke and sprang to their feet. But it was too late. Our guns were already upon them.

I need not tell you of the fight. It was sharp and short.

At its close the two ruffians who had caused all this trouble were lying dead upon the ground. The three other men, who were but slightly hurt, were our prisoners. As for my little army of five, not one was so much as scratched.

While the captain and I were binding the prisoners, Friday and the mate ran to the boat and brought away the oars and the sails.

Soon the three men who had gone down the shore came hurrying back to see what was the matter.

When they saw how matters stood, they at once gave themselves up and were bound with the rest. So our victory was complete.

We now retired to the castle (nos retiramos al castillo; to retire – retirarse; irse).

The prisoners were led (los prisioneros fueron llevados) into the back part of the cave (a la parte de atrás de la cueva) that I had first dug (la que yo había cavado, primeramente), and were left there with Friday (y han sido dejados allí con Viernes) as their guard (como su guardia).

With the captain (con el = acompañado por capitán), the mate, and the passenger (el ayudante y el pasajero), I went into my best room (fui a mi mejor habitación), where we all refreshed ourselves with such food (donde todos nos renovamos = comimos la comida) as I had at hand (que tenía a mano;).

We had now time (ahora teníamos tiempo) to talk over the past (para hablar sobre el pasado) and make plans for the future (y hacer planes para el futuro).

I told the captain my whole history (le conté al capitán toda mi historia) just as I have told it to you (tal como te lo he contado). He, in his turn (él, a su vez), related to me the story of his voyage (me contó la historia de su viaje) from England to the West Indies (desde Inglaterra a las Indias Occidentales), and how his crew (y cómo su tripulación), wishing to become pirates (que deseaba convertirse en piratas), had seized upon the ship (se había apoderado del barco) and made him their prisoner (y lo había hecho prisionero).

“There are still twenty-six men on board (todavía hay veintiséis marineros a bordo),” he said (dijo). “They are no doubt wondering (sin duda se preguntan) what has become of their fellows (qué ha sido de sus compañeros). After a while (después de un tiempo) some of them will be likely (es probable que algunos de ellos) to come on shore (lleguen a la costa) to find out what is the matter (para descubrir cuál es el problema; to find out – descubir; enterarse).”

“Let them come (déjalos venir),” I said (dije). “We will be ready for them (estaremos preparados para ellos).”

We therefore (por lo tanto; therefore – por lo tanto; por eso) went down to the shore (bajamos a la orilla) where the boat was still lying (donde el bote todavía estaba tirado).

We now retired to the castle.

The prisoners were led into the back part of the cave that I had first dug, and were left there with Friday as their guard.

With the captain, the mate, and the passenger, I went into my best room, where we all refreshed ourselves with such food as I had at hand.

We had now time to talk over the past and make plans for the future.

I told the captain my whole history just as I have told it to you. He, in his turn, related to me the story of his voyage from England to the West Indies, and how his crew, wishing to become pirates, had seized upon the ship and made him their prisoner.

“There are still twenty-six men on board,” he said. “They are no doubt wondering what has become of their fellows. After a while some of them will be likely to come on shore to find out what is the matter.”

“Let them come,” I said. “We will be ready for them.”

We therefore went down to the shore where the boat was still lying.

We found in it some rum (encontramos dentro algo de ron), a few biscuits (algunas galletas), a horn of powder (un cuerno de pólvora), and five or six pounds of sugar (y cinco o seis libras de azúcar; pounds – libras, es unidad de masa que equivale a 453,6 gramos). This last was very welcome to me (esto último fue muy hospitalario para mí), for I had not tasted sugar (ya que no había probado el azúcar; to taste – probar) for several years (durante varios años).

All these things (todas estas cosas) we carried on shore (las llevamos a la tierra). Then we knocked a big hole (luego hicimos un agujero grande) in the bottom of the boat (en el fondo del bote).

To tell the truth (a decir la verdad), I had but little hope (tenía pocas esperanzas) that we would ever recover the ship (de que podríamos llegar a recuperar el buque; to recover – recuperar). But I thought (pero pensé) that after she had sailed away (que cuando el barco salga a navegar) we might repair the boat (probablemente podremos reparar el bote). Then we could no doubt (entonces, sin duda) make our way (podríamos abrir camino) to the Spanish settlements on the mainland (a los asentamientos españoles en el continente).

About an hour before sunset (aproximadamente una hora antes del atardecer), we heard a gun fired from the ship (oímos un arma disparada desde el barco).

“It is as I told you (es como te dije),” said the captain (dijo el capitán).

We saw a signal waving from the mast (vimos una señal agitando desde el mástil; to wave – saludar con la mano; dar señales). Then several other shots were fired (luego hubo varios otros disparos).

At last (al final), when there was no answer (cuando no hubo respuesta) either to the signals (ni a las señales) or to the guns (ni a las armas) there was a great stir on board (hubo un gran revuelo a bordo; to stir – mezclar; revolver; stir – revuelo; movimiento), and the other boat was launched (y el otro bote fue botado).

I watched them with my spyglass (les vi con mi catalejo).

As the boat neared the shore (cuando el bote se acercaba a la orilla), we saw that there were ten men in her (vimos que había diez hombres dentro) and that they were all armed (y que todos estaban armados) with muskets (con mosquetes).

We found in it some rum, a few biscuits, a horn of powder, and five or six pounds of sugar. This last was very welcome to me, for I had not tasted sugar for several years.

All these things we carried on shore. Then we knocked a big hole in the bottom of the boat.

To tell the truth, I had but little hope that we would ever recover the ship. But I thought that after she had sailed away we might repair the boat. Then we could no doubt make our way to the Spanish settlements on the mainland.

About an hour before sunset, we heard a gun fired from the ship.

“It is as I told you,” said the captain.

We saw a signal waving from the mast. Then several other shots were fired.

At last, when there was no answer either to the signals or to the guns there was a great stir on board, and the other boat was launched.

I watched them with my spyglass.

As the boat neared the shore, we saw that there were ten men in her and that they were all armed with muskets.

The sun shone in their faces (el sol brillaba en sus rostros; to shine – brillar) and we had a good sight of them as they came (y pudimos verlos bien cuando llegaron; sight — vista).

The captain knew them all (el capitán los conocía a todos). He said that there were three very honest fellows (dijo que había tres chicos muy honestos; fellow — tipo, compañero; chicos) among them (entre ellos) who had gone into this business (que se habían metido en este negocio) against their will (en contra de su voluntad). All the rest, however (los demás, sin embargo), were bad men (eran hombres malos) who were ready to do (que estaban dispuestos a hacer) any wicked deed (cualquier acto perverso; wicked – malvado, perverso).

We now set free (ahora liberamos) two of our prisoners (a dos de nuestros prisioneros), for they seemed to be trustworthy men (ya que parecían ser hombres dignos de confianza; trust – confianza; worthy – merecedor, digno) and glad that matters had turned (y contentos de que las cosas se hubieran vuelto) in the captain’s favor (a favor del capitán).

“Can we trust them, Captain (podemos confiar en ellos, Capitán)?” I asked (pregunté).

“I will stand good for them (garantizo por ellos),” said the captain (dijo el capitán).

I gave them each a gun (les di a cada uno una escopeta). We had now seven armed men (ahora teníamos siete hombres armados) to meet the ten who were coming to the shore (para encontrar a los diez que venían a la orilla).

But we kept ourselves hidden (pero nos mantuvimos escondidos; to hide – esconder; ocultar) and waited to see what they would do (y esperábamos para ver qué harían).

As soon as they reached the shore (tan pronto como llegaron a la orilla) they ran to see the other boat (corrieron a ver al otro bote). What was their surprise (cuál fue su sorpresa) to find her stripped of everything (al encontrarlo desprovisto de todo; to strip – desvestir; desnudar; desmontar; arrancar) and a hole in her bottom (y con un agujero en su fondo).

The sun shone in their faces and we had a good sight of them as they came.

The captain knew them all. He said that there were three very honest fellows among them who had gone into this business against their will. All the rest, however, were bad men who were ready to do any wicked deed.

We now set free two of our prisoners, for they seemed to be trustworthy men and glad that matters had turned in the captain’s favor.

“Can we trust them, Captain?” I asked.

“I will stand good for them,” said the captain.

I gave them each a gun. We had now seven armed men to meet the ten who were coming to the shore.

But we kept ourselves hidden and waited to see what they would do.

As soon as they reached the shore they ran to see the other boat. What was their surprise to find her stripped of everything and a hole in her bottom.

They shouted (gritaban), but no one answered (pero nadie respondió).

They fired off their muskets (dispararon de sus mosquetes), making the woods ring with their echoes (haciendo que el bosque sonara de sus ecos). But still there was no answer (pero aún no hubo respuesta).

Then they launched their boat again (luego botaron su bote otra vez), and all started to the ship (y todos comenzaron a navegar).

But on the way they changed their minds (pero de camino cambiaron de opinión). It would never do, they thought, to leave (pensaron que nunca abandonarían) their friends (a sus amigos) on the island without so much as hunting for them (en la isla sin siquiera buscarlos).

They therefore rowed back to the shore (por lo tanto, remaron hacia la orilla). Three men were left (tres marineros se quedaron) with the boat as guards (con el bote de guardias), and the rest started out into the country (y el resto se fueron a la isla; start – empezar, comenzar; country – país, nacional) to seek their lost companions (para buscar a sus compañeros perdidos; lost – perdido; to lose, lost, lost – perder).

We should have been glad (deberíamos haber estado contentos) if they had come our way (si hubieran venido por nuestro camino; way – camino, vía, dirección), so that we might have fired on them (para que pudiéramos haber disparado contra ellos); but this they failed to do (pero no lo hicieron; to fail – fracasar, fallar, no lograr).

Night was fast coming on (la noche llegó rápidamente), and they did not dare (y no se atrevían) to go far from the shore (a alejarse mucho de la orilla).

By and by they came back to the boat again (mas tarde volvieron al bote otra vez).

We feared (temíamos) that they had given up the search (que hubieran abandonado la búsqueda) and would now return to the ship (y que ahora regresarían al barco).

The sun was setting (el sol se estaba yendo), and darkness would soon cover (y la oscuridad iba a cubrir pronto) both land and sea (tanto a la tierra como al mar; both – ambos).

They shouted, but no one answered.

They fired off their muskets, making the woods ring with their echoes. But still there was no answer.

Then they launched their boat again, and all started to the ship.

But on the way they changed their minds. It would never do, they thought, to leave their friends on the island without so much as hunting for them.

They therefore rowed back to the shore. Three men were left with the boat as guards, and the rest started out into the country to seek their lost companions.

We should have been glad if they had come our way, so that we might have fired on them; but this they failed to do.

Night was fast coming on, and they did not dare to go far from the shore.

By and by they came back to the boat again.

We feared that they had given up the search and would now return to the ship.

The sun was setting, and darkness would soon cover both land and sea.

CHAPTER 47. I AM CALLED GOVERNOR

(CAPÍTULO 47. ME LLAMAN EL GOBERNADOR)

By my orders (por mis órdenes), Friday and the captain’s mate (Viernes y el ayudante del capitán) hurried through the woods to the little river (se apresuraron a través del bosque hasta el pequeño río) where I had landed (donde había desembarcado) so long ago with my rafts (hace mucho tiempo con mis balsas).

When they had reached the place (cuando llegaron al lugar), they shouted as loudly as they could (gritaron tan fuerte como pudieron).

The men who were just getting (los marineros que acababan de entrar) into the boat heard them (en el bote los oyeron). They answered (ellos respondieron), and ran along the shore (y corrieron a lo largo de la orilla) toward the little river (hacia el pequeño río).

The three who had been left in the boat (los tres que habían quedado en el bote) also rowed around toward the same place (también remaron hacia el mismo lugar). Near the mouth of the river (cerca de la desembocadura del río), however (sin embargo), they came to land again (desembarcaron en la tierra), and one of them (y uno de ellos) ran along the bank of the stream (corrió a lo largo de la orilla del arroyo) to meet his fellows (para recibir a sus compañeros).

At this moment I rushed forward with the captain (en este momento corrí hacia adelante con el capitánñ; to rush – correr; salir deprisa), and seized the boat (y agarré el bote) before the two fellows (antes de que los dos tipos) who were in it could save themselves (que estaban dentro pudieran salvarse).

It was now almost dark (ya casi había oscurecido), and we had nothing to do but wait (y no teníamos nada más que hacer que esperar) till the seamen came back to the shore (a que los marineros regresaran a la orilla) to look for their boat (para buscar su bote).

Soon Friday and the captain’s mate (pronto Viernes y el ayudante del capitán) rejoined us (se unieron de nuevo a nosotros; to join smb. – unirse, juntarse; to rejoin smb. – unirse de nuevo), and I stood at the head of my little army (y yo encabeza de mi pequeño ejército), listening to the seamen (escuchando como los marineros) as they made their way through the bushes (se abrían paso entre los arbustos).

By my orders, Friday and the captain’s mate hurried through the woods to the little river where I had landed so long ago with my rafts.

When they had reached the place, they shouted as loudly as they could.

The men who were just getting into the boat heard them. They answered, and ran along the shore toward the little river.

The three who had been left in the boat also rowed around toward the same place. Near the mouth of the river, however, they came to land again, and one of them ran along the bank of the stream to meet his fellows.

At this moment I rushed forward with the captain, and seized the boat before the two fellows who were in it could save themselves.

It was now almost dark, and we had nothing to do but wait till the seamen came back to the shore to look for their boat.

Soon Friday and the captain’s mate rejoined us, and I stood at the head of my little army, listening to the seamen as they made their way through the bushes.

We could hear them (podíamos oírlos) calling to one another (llamándose el uno al otro; to call – llamar, decir en voz alta). We could hear them (podíamos oírlos) telling how lame (decir que cojos) and tired they were (y cansados estaban). We could hear them (podíamos oírlos) saying that they were in an enchanted island (decir que estaban en una isla hechizada; to enchant – hechizar; to chant – canto; cántico) where there were witches (donde había brujas) and other kinds of uncanny things (y otros tipos de cosas misteriosas). All this pleased us very much (todo esto nos complació mucho).

By and by (poco a poco) they came to the shore (llegaron a la orilla), quite close (bastante cerca) to where we were standing (de donde estábamos parados).

One of the men (uno de los marineros) whom they had left in the boat (que habían dejado en el barco) was standing with us (estaba parado con nosotros). He was one of the honest men (era uno de los hombres honestos) whom the captain had pointed out (que el capitán había señalado /antes/), and he had joined us very gladly (y se había unido a nosotros con mucho gusto).

By my orders he now cried out (por mis órdenes, gritó), “Tom Smith (Tom Smith)! Tom Smith (Tom Smith)!” For that was the name (porque ese era el nombre) of the leader of the company (del líder de la compañía).

Tom Smith answered at once (Tom Smith respondió de inmediato), “Is that you, Robinson (eres tú, Robinson)?” for he knew the voice (porque él conoció la voz).

“Yes (sí),” the other answered (respondió el otro), “and for God’s sake (por Dios), Tom Smith (Tom Smith), throw down your arms and yield (arrojaos sus armas y rendíos; to yield – ceder el paso; rendirse), or you will all be dead men the next minute (o seréis todos muertos al minuto siguiente = dentro de un minuto).”

“To whom must we yield (a quién debemos rendir)?” cried Tom Smith (exclamó Tom Smith). “Where are they (dónde están)?”

“Here they are (aquí están),” was the answer (fue la respuesta). “Here’s our captain (aquí está nuestro capitán) at the head of a whole army of fighting men (como cabeza de todo ejército de los combatientes). The boatswain is dead (el contramaestre está muerto), and Bill Fry is dead (y Bill Fry está muerto), and all the rest of us are prisoners (y todos los demás somos prisioneros). If you don’t yield, you are lost (si no te rindes, estás perdido).”

We could hear them calling to one another. We could hear them telling how lame and tired they were. We could hear them saying that they were in an enchanted island where there were witches and other kinds of uncanny things. All this pleased us very much.

By and by they came to the shore, quite close to where we were standing.

One of the men whom they had left in the boat was standing with us. He was one of the honest men whom the captain had pointed out, and he had joined us very gladly.

By my orders he now cried out, “Tom Smith! Tom Smith!” For that was the name of the leader of the company.

Tom Smith answered at once, “Is that you, Robinson?” for he knew the voice.

“Yes,” the other answered, “and for God’s sake, Tom Smith, throw down your arms and yield, or you will all be dead men the next minute.”

“To whom must we yield?” cried Tom Smith. “Where are they?”

“Here they are,” was the answer. “Here’s our captain at the head of a whole army of fighting men. The boatswain is dead, and Bill Fry is dead, and all the rest of us are prisoners. If you don’t yield, you are lost.”

“If they’ll give us quarters (si nos dan cuartel), we’ll yield (rendiremos),” said Smith (dijo Smith).

Then the captain himself spoke up (entonces el capitán mismo habló). “You, Smith (tú, Smith),” he said (dijo), “you know my voice (conoces mi voz). If you lay down your arms at once (si depones tus armas de inmediato), you shall have your lives (os quedaréis con sus vidas) — all but Will Atkins (todos excepto Will Atkins).”

Upon this (ante esto), Will Atkins cried out (Will Atkins gritó): “For God’s sake, Captain (por Dios, capitán), give me quarter (dame cuarto)! What have I done (qué he hecho)? I have been no worse than the rest (no he sido peor que el resto; rest – resto).”

Now this was not true (pues esto no era verdad). For it was Will Atkins (porque fue Will Atkins) who had first laid hold of the captain (quien el primero atrapó al capitán; to lay hold of smth. – agarrar, atrapar), and it was he who had tied the captain’s hands (y fue él quien ató las manos del capitán).

“Nay, Will Atkins (no, Will Atkins),” said the captain (dijo el capitán). “You know what you have done (sabes lo que has hecho), and I can promise you nothing (y no puedo prometer nada). You must lay down your arms (debes deponer tus armas) and trust to the governor’s mercy (y confiar en la piedad del gobernador).”

By “the governor” (bajo "el gobernador") he meant me, Robinson Crusoe (se refería a mí, Robinson Crusoe) — for they called me governor (porque me llamaban el gobernador).

The upshot of the whole matter (el desenlace de todo el asunto) was that they all laid down their arms (fue que todos depusieron las armas) and begged for their lives (y rogaron por sus vidas).

“If they’ll give us quarters, we’ll yield,” said Smith.

Then the captain himself spoke up. “You, Smith,” he said, “you know my voice. If you lay down your arms at once, you shall have your lives—all but Will Atkins.”

Upon this, Will Atkins cried out: “For God’s sake, Captain, give me quarter! What have I done? I have been no worse than the rest.”

Now this was not true. For it was Will Atkins who had first laid hold of the captain, and it was he who had tied the captain’s hands.

“Nay, Will Atkins,” said the captain. “You know what you have done, and I can promise you nothing. You must lay down your arms and trust to the governor’s mercy.”

By “the governor” he meant me, Robinson Crusoe—for they called me governor.

The upshot of the whole matter was that they all laid down their arms and begged for their lives.

Then I sent three of my men (luego envié a tres de mis hombres) to bind them with strong cords (para atarlos con cuerdas fuertes), which they did (lo que hicieron), much to my joy (para mi alegría).

After that (después de eso) I sent my great army of fifty men (envié a mi gran ejército de cincuenta hombres) — which, after all (que, después de todo), were only five (solo eran cinco) besides the three (además de los tres) who already had them in charge (que ya los tenían a cargo = bajo la supervisión; charge – cargo, orden, obligación, supervisión / cuando se trata de una persona o un animal/) — to lead them to prison (para llevarlos a prisión).

I told the captain (dije al capitán) that it would be better to put some of our prisoners (que sería mejor poner a algunos de nuestros prisioneros) in one place and some in another (en un lugar y algunos en otro), as then they would be less likely (ya que entonces sería poco probable) to try to escape (que trataran de escapar).

He and Friday therefore (él y Viernes, por lo tanto) took Atkins with two others (llevaron a Atkins con otros dos) who were the worst to my cave in the woods (que eran los peores a mi cueva en el bosque). It was a dismal place (era un lugar sombrío), but very safe (pero muy seguro). There the rough fellows (allí los tipos fuertes) were left with their hands (se quedaron con sus manos) and feet tied fast (y pies bien atados), and the door blocked up (y la puerta obstruida) with a huge stone (con una enorme piedra).

Late as it was (ya que era tarde), I sent the rest of them to my bower (envié el resto de ellos a mi emparrado). As they also were bound (como también estaban atados), and as the place was fenced in (y como el lugar estaba vallado) and was very strong (y bien fortalecido), they were quite safe there (estaban bastante seguros allí = bien encerrados).

They were all much frightened (estaban todos muy asustados). For they believed (porque creían; to believe – creer, tener confianza) that the island (que la isla) was inhabited by Englishmen (estaba habitada de ingleses), and that the governor had really (y que el gobernador tenía realmente) a large army (un gran ejército). They felt that the better they behaved (sintieron que cuanto mejor se comportaban) the safer they would be (más seguros estarían).

The captain went out to talk with them (el capitán salió a hablar con ellos).

Then I sent three of my men to bind them with strong cords, which they did, much to my joy.

After that I sent my great army of fifty men—which, after all, were only five besides the three who already had them in charge—to lead them to prison.

I told the captain that it would be better to put some of our prisoners in one place and some in another, as then they would be less likely to try to escape.

He and Friday therefore took Atkins with two others who were the worst to my cave in the woods. It was a dismal place, but very safe. There the rough fellows were left with their hands and feet tied fast, and the door blocked up with a huge stone.

Late as it was, I sent the rest of them to my bower. As they also were bound, and as the place was fenced in and was very strong, they were quite safe there.

They were all much frightened. For they believed that the island was inhabited by Englishmen, and that the governor had really a large army. They felt that the better they behaved the safer they would be.

The captain went out to talk with them.

“My men (mis marineros),” he said (él dijo), “you all know what a great crime you have committed (todos ustedes saben qué gran crimen han cometido). You are now in the power (ahora estáis en poder) of the governor of this island (del gobernador de esta isla). He will send you to England (él os enviará a Inglaterra). There you will be tried (allí seréis juzgados), and you will be hanged in chains (y seréis encadenados; hanged in chains – ahorcado en cadenas).”

At these words (ante estas palabras) they turned pale and groaned (se pusieron pálidos y gimieron). For they were but young men (porque no eran más que hombres jóvenes) and had been led into this by (y habían sido involucrados en ello) the four or five ruffians (por los cuatro o cinco rufianes) who were the ringleaders (que eran las cabecillas).

“Now, my men (pues bien, mis marineros),” the captain went on (continuó el capitán), “you know that I have always been (saben que siempre he sido) kind to you (amable con ustedes).”

“Certainly you have (ciertamente lo ha sido),” said Tom Smith (dijo Tom Smith).

“Aye, aye (sí, sí)!” cried all the rest (gritó todo el resto).

“Well, then (bueno, entonces),” said the captain (dijo el capitán), “it grieves my heart to see you (me duele el corazón de veros) in this hard case (en este caso difícil). The ship, as you know (el barco, como sabéis), still lies at anchor off the shore (aún está anclado frente a la costa; off the shore — frente a la costa, en alta mar). It is still held by some of the ruffians (aún lo tienen algunos de los rufianes) who brought this trouble upon us (que nos trajeron este problema). If I should persuade the governor (si convenzo al gobernador) to set you free (para que os libere), what say you (qué diréis)? Would you help me retake the ship (me ayudarías a retomar el barco)?”

“My men,” he said, “you all know what a great crime you have committed. You are now in the power of the governor of this island. He will send you to England. There you will be tried, and you will be hanged in chains.”

At these words they turned pale and groaned. For they were but young men and had been led into this by the four or five ruffians who were the ringleaders.

“Now, my men,” the captain went on, “you know that I have always been kind to you.”

“Certainly you have,” said Tom Smith.

“Aye, aye!” cried all the rest.

“Well, then,” said the captain, “it grieves my heart to see you in this hard case. The ship, as you know, still lies at anchor off the shore. It is still held by some of the ruffians who brought this trouble upon us. If I should persuade the governor to set you free, what say you? Would you help me retake the ship?”

“Aye, aye (sí, sí)!” they all cried (todos gritaron). “We would stand by you to the end (le apoyaremos hasta el final), for we should then owe our lives (porque le deberíamos nuestras vidas), to you (a usted).”

“Well, then (bien, entonces),” said the captain (dijo el capitán), “I will see what I can do (veré qué puedo hacer). I will go and talk with the governor (iré y hablaré con el gobernador).”

The matter was soon arranged (el asunto pronto fue arreglado).

The captain was to choose five (el capitán debía elegir a cinco) of those he thought would be most faithful (de los que creía que serían más fieles). These were to help him (estos eran para ayudarlo) retake the ship (a retomar el barco). But the rest (pero el resto) were to stay in prison (debía permanecer en prisión) as hostages (como rehenes).

If the five behaved themselves well (si los cinco se comportan bien; to behave – comportarse, portarse, portarse bien), then all were to be set free (entonces todos serán liberados). If they did not behave (si no se comportan bien), then all were to be put to death (todos deberán ser condenados a muerte).

These were the governor’s orders (estas fueron las órdenes del gobernador).

It was then agreed that the captain (entonces se acordó que el capitán), with all the men he could trust (con todos los hombres en los que podía confiar), should go out to the ship (debería ir al barco). I and my man Friday (yo y mi siervo Viernes) were to stay on shore (debíamos quedarnos en la orilla) to watch the prisoners (para ver a los prisioneros).

The hole in the bottom of the long boat (el agujero en el fondo del bote largo) was soon mended (pronto fue reparado; to mend – arreglar, reparar). Four men (cuatro hombres), with the passenger as their leader (con el pasajero como su líder), went out in this (salieron en él /al mar.). The captain, with five men (el capitán, con cinco marineros), went out in the other boat (salió en el otro bote).

“Aye, aye!” they all cried. “We would stand by you to the end, for we should then owe our lives, to you.”

“Well, then,” said the captain, “I will see what I can do. I will go and talk with the governor.”

The matter was soon arranged.

The captain was to choose five of those he thought would be most faithful. These were to help him retake the ship. But the rest were to stay in prison as hostages.

If the five behaved themselves well, then all were to be set free. If they did not behave, then all were to be put to death.

These were the governor’s orders.

It was then agreed that the captain, with all the men he could trust, should go out to the ship. I and my man Friday were to stay on shore to watch the prisoners.

The hole in the bottom of the long boat was soon mended. Four men, with the passenger as their leader, went out in this. The captain, with five men, went out in the other boat.

It was after midnight (después de la medianoche) when they reached the ship (llegaron al barco).

The men on board (los marineros a bordo) were taken by surprise (fueron tomados por sorpresa), for they thought (porque pensaban) that these were their friends (que estos eran sus amigos) who were but just then returning to the ship (que justo en ese momento volvían al barco).

They even threw a rope to them (incluso les arrojaron una cuerda; rope – cuerda, soga) and helped them on board (y les ayudaron /subir/ a bordo), never suspecting that anything was wrong (sin sospechar que algo andaba mal; wrong – mal, equivocado, injusto).

The whole business was managed well (todo estaba manejado bien). The second mate and the carpenter (el segundo ayudante y el carpintero), who were among the leaders in the plot (que estaban entre los líderes del complot), were soon overpowered (pronto fueron dominados).

The rebel captain (el capitán rebelde), the worst of the crew (el peor de la tripulación), was asleep in his berth (estaba dormido en su litera). He sprang up and showed fight (él se levantó e hico frente; show fight – mostrar pelea). He shot three times at the captain’s party (disparó tres veces en el grupo del capitán; to shoot – disparar), wounding the mate (hiriendo al ayudante) but touching no one else (pero sin tocar a nadie más = sin disparar a nadie más).

The mate, wounded as he was (el ayudante, aunque estaba herido), raised his musket and fired (levantó su mosquete y disparó). The rebel captain (el capitán rebelde) fell to the deck (cayó a la cubierta) with a bullet through his head (con una bala en la cabeza).

The rest (el resto), seeing that they were without leaders (al ver que no tenían líderes), fell upon their knees (se arrodillaron) and begged for their lives (y rogaron por sus vidas).

Thus (Por lo tanto) the captain became again the master (el capitán volvió a ser el dueño) of his own ship (de su propio barco).

It was after midnight when they reached the ship.

The men on board were taken by surprise, for they thought that these were their friends who were but just then returning to the ship.

They even threw a rope to them and helped them on board, never suspecting that anything was wrong.

The whole business was managed well. The second mate and the carpenter, who were among the leaders in the plot, were soon overpowered.

The rebel captain, the worst of the crew, was asleep in his berth. He sprang up and showed fight. He shot three times at the captain’s party, wounding the mate but touching no one else.

The mate, wounded as he was, raised his musket and fired. The rebel captain fell to the deck with a bullet through his head.

The rest, seeing that they were without leaders, fell upon their knees and begged for their lives.

Thus the captain became again the master of his own ship.

CHAPTER 48. I HAVE A NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES

(CAPÍTULO 48. TENGO UN NUEVO TRAJE)

The next morning (a la mañana siguiente) I slept quite late in my hammock (dormí hasta muy tarde en mi hamaca), for the night (porque la noche) had been full of toil (había estado llena de trabajo duro; toil – trabajo duro) and I had had but little rest (y había descansado muy poco).

All at once (de repente) I was awakened by the sound of a gun (me despertó el sonido de un arma).

Then I heard some one calling me (entonces oí que alguien me llamaba; to call – llamar, decir en alta voz), “Governor (gobernador)! Governor (gobernador)!” It was the captain’s voice (era la voz del capitán).

I hurried out (salí corriendo).

He grasped my hand and pointed to the sea (él agarró mi mano y señaló el mar). There (allí), a little way from our beach (un poco lejos de nuestra playa), was the ship (estaba el barco).

The weather being fair (como hacía buen tiempo), the men had brought her around (los marineros lo habían traído; to bring around – llevar; traer de vuelta el barco o el bote) and anchored her near (y lo habían anclado cerca) the mouth of the river (de la desembocadura del río).

“My dear friend (mi querido amigo),” cried the captain (gritó el capitán), “there is your ship (allí está su barco)! She is all yours (él es completamente suyo), for we owe our lives to you (porque le debemos nuestras vidas). We also are yours (nosotros también somos suyos). Everything on board of her is yours (todo lo que está a bordo es suyo).”

I was ready to sink down with surprise (estaba listo para hundirme de la sorpresa).

For here was a large ship (porque aquí estaba un gran barco), at last (por fin), ready to carry me wherever I wished to go (listo para llevarme adonde yo quisiera ir).

The next morning I slept quite late in my hammock, for the night had been full of toil and I had had but little rest.

All at once I was awakened by the sound of a gun.

Then I heard some one calling me, “Governor! Governor!” It was the captain’s voice.

I hurried out.

He grasped my hand and pointed to the sea. There, a little way from our beach, was the ship.

The weather being fair, the men had brought her around and anchored her near the mouth of the river.

“My dear friend,” cried the captain, “there is your ship! She is all yours, for we owe our lives to you. We also are yours. Everything on board of her is yours.”

I was ready to sink down with surprise.

For here was a large ship, at last, ready to carry me wherever I wished to go.

At first I could not answer him (al principio no pude responderle).

We stood for some minutes with our arms around each other (nos quedamos de pie durante algunos minutos abrazados; with our arms around each other – con nuestros brazos alrededor uno de otro), and neither of us could speak (y ninguno de los dos podía hablar).

At last I broke out (al fin me eché a llorar; to break out – echarse a; ponerse a), crying like a child (como un niño). Then we rejoiced together (luego nos regocijamos juntos).

When he had talked awhile (después de que había hablado un rato), the captain told me (el capitán me dijo) that he had brought me a present (que me había traído un regalo).

“Bring up the box for the governor (traigan la caja para el gobernador)!” he cried to his men (gritó a sus marineros).

They came up the hill (subieron a la colina), carrying a wooden chest (llevando un cofre de madera). When it was put down in my castle (cuando fue puesto en la tierra en mi castillo) the captain bade me open it (el capitán me pidió que lo abriera; to bid, bade, bidden – ofrecer; pedir) and help myself to all that was inside it (y que usara todo lo que había dentro).

I did so (así lo hice).

I found first two pounds of good tobacco (encontré las primeras dos libras de buen tabaco), then twelve pieces of beef (luego doce trozos de ternera), six pieces of pork (seis trozos de puerco), a bag of peas (una bolsa de guisantes), a box of sugar (una caja de azúcar), a box of flour (una caja de harina), a bag full of lemons (una bolsa llena de limones), and two bottles of lime juice (y dos botellas de zumo de lima).

But under these was the greatest surprise (pero entre todo esto había la mayor sorpresa). There I found six new shirts (allí encontré seis camisas nuevas), six neckties (seis corbatas), two pairs of gloves (dos pares de guantes), a pair of shoes (un par de zapatos), a pair of stockings (un par de calcetines), a hat (un sombrero), and a very good suit of clothes (y un traje muy bueno).

At first I could not answer him.

We stood for some minutes with our arms around each other, and neither of us could speak.

At last I broke out, crying like a child. Then we rejoiced together.

When he had talked awhile, the captain told me that he had brought me a present.

“Bring up the box for the governor!” he cried to his men.

They came up the hill, carrying a wooden chest. When it was put down in my castle the captain bade me open it and help myself to all that was inside it.

I did so.

I found first two pounds of good tobacco, then twelve pieces of beef, six pieces of pork, a bag of peas, a box of sugar, a box of flour, a bag full of lemons, and two bottles of lime juice.

But under these was the greatest surprise. There I found six new shirts, six neckties, two pairs of gloves, a pair of shoes, a pair of stockings, a hat, and a very good suit of clothes.

I could now dress like a man again (ahora otra vez podía vestirme como un hombre).

I went about it at once (lo hice de inmediato). It had been so long (había pasado mucho tiempo) since I had worn such clothes (desde que había llevado tal ropa; to wear, wore, worn – llevar puesto) that I was very awkward at putting them on (que estaba muy desmañado poniéndomela).

But at last I came out fully dressed (pero al fin salí completamente vestido). Friday did not know me (Viernes no me conoció). I hardly knew myself (apenas me conocía a mí mismo).

The next day (al día siguiente) all was in readiness to sail away (todo estaba listo para zarpar; readiness – preparación, disposición; ready – listo, preparado)

The second mate (el segundo ayudante), the carpenter (el carpintero), and other ruffians (y otros rufianes) who had been foremost in the rebellion (que habían sido los primeros en la rebelión; foremost – primero, mayor, principal) were to be left on the island (debían quedarse en la isla). In fact (de hecho), I had put the matter to them in such a way (les había expuesto el asunto de tal manera) that they requested this as a favor (que lo pidieron como un favor/ piedad).

“It will be better to stay here than be taken to England to be hanged (será mejor quedarse aquí que ser llevados a Inglaterra para ser ahorcados),” I said to them (les dije).

I left with them a keg of powder (dejé con ellos un barril de pólvora), three muskets, and three swords (tres mosquetes y tres espadas).

I told them also about my goats (les conté también sobre mis cabras), and how I managed them (y cómo las manejaba) — how I milked them and made butter and cheese (cómo las ordeñaba y hacía mantequilla y queso).

I showed them my fields of barley and rice (les mostré mis campos de cebada y arroz).

I showed them, also (les mostré, también), my castle, my cave in the woods (mi castillo, mi cueva en el bosque), and my bower (y mi emparrado).

“All these are yours (todo esto es vuestro),” I said (dije).

“They are much more than we deserve (es mucho más de lo que nos merecemos),” said the second mate (dijo el segundo ayudante); and I agreed with him (y estuve de acuerdo con él).

I could now dress like a man again.

I went about it at once. It had been so long since I had worn such clothes that I was very awkward at putting them on.

But at last I came out fully dressed. Friday did not know me. I hardly knew myself.

The next day all was in readiness to sail away.

The second mate, the carpenter, and other ruffians who had been foremost in the rebellion were to be left on the island. In fact, I had put the matter to them in such a way that they requested this as a favor.

“It will be better to stay here than be taken to England to be hanged,” I said to them.

I left with them a keg of powder, three muskets, and three swords.

I told them also about my goats, and how I managed them—how I milked them and made butter and cheese.

I showed them my fields of barley and rice.

I showed them, also, my castle, my cave in the woods, and my bower.

“All these are yours,” I said.

“They are much more than we deserve,” said the second mate; and I agreed with him.

CHAPTER 49. I BRING MY TALE TO A CLOSE

(CAPÍTULO 49. TRAIGO MI CUENTO A SU FIN = TERMINO MI CUENTO)

And so on the 19th of December, 1687 (y así el 19 de diciembre de 1687), we set sail for England (nos zarpamos a Inglaterra; to set sail – zarpar). I had been on the island twenty-eight years (había estado en la isla veintiocho años), two months, and nineteen days (dos meses y diecinueve días).

I took on board with me the money (tomé conmigo a bordo el dinero) that had been by me so long (que había tenido durante todo este tiempo) and had been so useless (y que había sido tan inútil).

I took also my big goatskin cap (también tomé mi gorra grande de piel de cabra) and my umbrella (y mi sobrilla). Neither did I forget my good Poll Parrot (tampoco me olvidé de mi buen loro Poll).

As for my man Friday (en cuanto a mi siervo Viernes), nothing in the world (nada en el mundo) could have parted him from me (podría haberlo separado de mí). He would have gone to the ends of the earth with me (él habría ido conmigo hasta los confines de la Tierra).

The voyage was a long and hard one (el viaje fue largo y difícil). But on the eleventh day of June (pero el día once de junio) we at last reached London (por fin llegamos a Londres). Once more I was in England (otra vez estaba en Inglaterra), the land of my birth (en el lugar de mi nacimiento).

I was as perfect a stranger (yo era como un perfecto extraño) as if I had never been there (como si nunca hubiera estado allí).

I went down to York (fui a York; down – abajo, también significa el camino del centro a la periferia, de la capital a la provincia). My father and mother (mi padre y mi madre) had been dead a long time (habían estado muertos desde hace mucho tiempo). The friends of my boyhood had forgotten me (los amigos de mi niñez me habían olvidado; to forget, forgot, forgotten – olvidar).

And so on the 19th of December, 1687, we set sail for England. I had been on the island twenty-eight years, two months, and nineteen days.

I took on board with me the money that had been by me so long and had been so useless.

I took also my big goatskin cap and my umbrella. Neither did I forget my good Poll Parrot.

As for my man Friday, nothing in the world could have parted him from me. He would have gone to the ends of the earth with me.

The voyage was a long and hard one. But on the eleventh day of June we at last reached London. Once more I was in England, the land of my birth.

I was as perfect a stranger as if I had never been there.

I went down to York. My father and mother had been dead a long time. The friends of my boyhood had forgotten me.

I was alone in the world (estaba solo en el mundo). Where should I go (a dónde debería ir) and what should I do (y qué debería hacer)?

By chance I learned (por casualidad me enteré) that my plantation in Brazil was doing well (de que las cosas con mi plantación en Brasil iban bien). The man whom I had left in charge of it (el hombre al que la había dejado a cargo; charge – cargo; orden; obligación; supervisión) had made much money (había ganado mucho dinero) from the tobacco he had raised (en el tabaco que había cultivado).

He was an honest man (era un hombre honesto), and when he heard (y cuando se enteró) that I was still alive (de que yo todavía estaba vivo) he wrote me a long, kind letter (me escribió una carta larga y amable; to wirte – escribir). In this he gave me (en ella me dio) a full account of the business (toda la información sobre el negocio).

He also sent me a large amount of money (él también me envió una gran cantidad de dinero), which I was very glad to get (a la que estaba muy contento al recibir).

I was now a rich man (ahora yo era un hombre rico). I might have settled down to a life (podría haberme acostumbrado a una vida; to settle down – establecerse; asentarse; acomodarse) of ease and idleness (despreocupada y de ociosidad); but such was not my wish (pero ese no era mi deseo).

Soon I was wandering from one place to another (pronto estuve viajando de un lugar a otro), seeing more of the world (viendo más del mundo). I had many surprising adventures (tuve muchas aventuras sorprendentes), I assure you (te lo aseguro); but I need not tell you about them (que no hace falta contártelas). You would think any account of them (pensarías que cualquier cuento sobre ellos) very dry reading (es una lectura muy seca) compared with the story (en comparación con la historia) I have already related (que ya he relatado).

And so (y así), looking back with regretful memories (mirando hacia atrás con recuerdos llenos de lamentación; regret – arrepentimiento; lamentación) to the years which I spent on my dear desert island (de los años que pasé en mi querida isla desierta), I bid you a kind good-by (me despido de ti con un amable adiós).

I was alone in the world. Where should I go and what should I do?

By chance I learned that my plantation in Brazil was doing well. The man whom I had left in charge of it had made much money from the tobacco he had raised.

He was an honest man, and when he heard that I was still alive he wrote me a long, kind letter. In this he gave me a full account of the business.

He also sent me a large amount of money, which I was very glad to get.

I was now a rich man. I might have settled down to a life of ease and idleness; but such was not my wish.

Soon I was wandering from one place to another, seeing more of the world. I had many surprising adventures, I assure you; but I need not tell you about them. You would think any account of them very dry reading compared with the story I have already related.

And so, looking back with regretful memories to the years which I spent on my dear desert island, I bid you a kind good-by.

¡Estimados lectores!

Actualmente, se preparan los nuevos libros según el método de lectura de Eugene Suchanek. La adaptación de cada libro es un gran trabajo, y si les gustó mi método de aprender el idioma, les pediría escribir el ranking de este libro para que otras personas también puedan aprender el un nuevo método de leer libros en idiomas extranjeros. Además, por favor, ¿cuéntenos qué libros que se han adaptado de acuerdo con este método, podéis leer? ¡Gracias de antemano y que tengáis suerte, aprendiendo el inglés!