Long Ago

Long ago, there lived a boy called Robinson Crusoe. He wasn’t at all interested in school, or books. All he could think about was becoming a sailor. As soon as he was old enough, he set off on his travels. A few years later, some of his friends planned a trip to Africa. Will you come with us – Africa is full of riches – Gold and ivory! I’d love to come with you – Crusoe told them. Soon after that, the men set sail. All went well until a storm blew up. Huge waves crashed into the masts and ripped the sails. Then there was a sickening crunch. We’ve his a sandbank – cried one of the men. They were forced to abandon ship. Row for your lives! they shouted. But the storm was too much for their little boat. It was tossed around in the heaving sea. Then, suddenly, a gigantic wave tipped it right over. Robinson Crusoe felt himself sinking. Desperately, he began to swim for the shore. After battling through the waves, he reached land. When at last he’d got his breath back, he emptied his pockets. He had a knife, a pipe and some tobacco. That was it. This is all I have in the whole world – thought Crusoe. How ever was he going to survive?