Rescue

They must have seen the smoke from the fire that I kept burning all day, fed with green branches to ensure a permanent column of smoke. I watched from the cliffs as the ship anchored in the bay and a boat was lowered into the water. It was the answer to all my prayers. I still can’t explain why I extinguished the fire and hid amongst the trees whilst the men searched my island - only emerging onto the beach when they had rowed back to their ship, weighed anchor and departed.

I waited several days before re-lighting my signal fire.