Timothy may not be able to read or write, but he proves to
be a wise tutor to Phillip during their days on the deserted island. While they are
still on the raft, Timothy warns Phillip to get some sleep since they have much to do
the following day. Phillip only laughed.
"What do we have to do?" I asked.
"...
Stay alive, young bahss, dats what we 'ave to
do."
Timothy had previously
warned Phillip against looking directly into the sun, which probably contributed to the
boy's blindness. Timothy had also reminded Phillip to stay clear of the edge of the raft
because of the sharks that followed them. When Phillip fell overboard, Timothy quickly
pulled him back aboard before the sharks got to him; and when Timothy finally spotted
land, he knew it was better to be on the small cay than on the raft, despite Phillip's
protests.
On the island, Timothy found an ideal place for
their camp, and he went about showing his blind friend how to fend for himself. Timothy
new that he might not survive their long stay on the cay, and he wanted Phillip to be
self-sufficient if that time ever came. Timothy began weaving a rope for Phillip that
would stretch from the hut to the fire on the beach. He taught Phillip to weave mats on
which to sleep and how to conserve the fire. Finally, he taught Phillip how to catch
lobster, knowing that one day the boy might be left alone and would need to
survive.
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