The most sympathetic interpretation is that he was not willing to leave her to face the island alone.

Whatever his motives, his presence meant that Marguerite was not initially abandoned without any companion capable of physical labor and defense.

He was another person who could share the work of survival — of building shelter, hunting, gathering water, maintaining fire, and managing the gun.

Three people on an unknown island with limited supplies.

This was their situation.

The island itself is described in the accounts as wild, cold, and desolate — characteristics that are consistent with the geography of the region.

Islands in the Gulf of St.