260 ROBINSON CRUSOE.

the help of some carpenters, whom we agreed to carry with us,
be set up again in the island, and finished fit to go to seaina
few days.

* Iwas not long resolving ; for, indeed, the importunities of
my nephew joined so effectually with my inclination, that noth-
ing could oppose me; on the other hand, my wife being dead,
nobody concerned tliemselves so much for me as to persuade
me to one way or the other, except my ancient good friend the
widow, who earnestly struggled with me to consider my years,
my easy circumstances, and the needless hazards of a long
voyage ; and above all, my young children. But it was all to
no purpose ; I had an irresistible desire for the voyage; and I
told her I thought there was something so uncommon in the
impressions I had upon my mind, that it would be a kind of re-
sisting Providence if I should attempt to stay at home; after
which she ceased her expostulations, and joined with me, not
only in making provisiog for my voyage, but also in settling my
family affairs for my abSence, and providing for the education
of my children.

In order to do this, I made my will, and settled the estate
Thad in such a manner for my children, and placed in such
hands, that I was perfectly easy and satisfied they would have
justice done them, whatever might befall me; and for their
education, I left it wholly to the widow, with a sufficient main-
tenance to herself for her care ; all which she richly deserved ;
for no mother could have taken more care in their education,
or understood it better: and as she lived till I came home, I
also lived to thank her for it.

My nephew was ready to sail about the beginning of Jan-
uary, 1694-5 ; and I, with my man Friday, went on board, in
the Downs, the 8th; having, besides that sloop, which I men-
tioned above, a very considerable cargo of all kinds of neces-
sary things for my colony ; which if I did not find in good con-
dition, I resolved to leave so.

First, I carried with me some servants, whom I pro-
posed to place there as inhabitants, or at least to set on work
there, upon my account, while I staid, and either to leave them
there or carry them forward, as they should appear willing:
particularly I carried two carpenters, a smith, and a very handy,
ingenious fellow, who was a cooper by trade, and was also a
general mechanic: for he was dexterous at making wheels, and
hand-mills to grind corn, was a good turner, and a good pot-
maker ; he also made anything that was proper to make of
earth or of wood; in a word, we called him our Jack-of-all-