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Treasure Island

Treasure Island

A picture-story retelling, after Robert Louis Stevenson (1883)

Written in 1883: pirates fight and some characters die (never shown graphically).

The text of our illustrated edition, page by page. Read it with narration.

Long ago, when my father kept the Admiral Benbow inn, a scarred old seaman came plodding to our door, his sea-chest trundling behind. He looked round the lonely cove and sang: "Fifteen men on the dead man's chest—yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!" — 1Long ago, when my father kept the Admiral Benbow inn, a scarred old seaman came plodding to our door, his sea-chest trundling behind. He looked round the lonely cove and sang: "Fifteen men on the dead man's chest—yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!"

He paid in gold and asked to be called captain. All day he haunted the cove and the cliffs with a brass telescope, and every evening he asked whether any seafaring men had passed along the road. It soon became plain he was hoping never to meet them. — 2He paid in gold and asked to be called captain. All day he haunted the cove and the cliffs with a brass telescope, and every evening he asked whether any seafaring men had passed along the road. It soon became plain he was hoping never to meet them.

At night he drank rum by the fire, told dreadful tales of hanging and walking the plank, and forced the trembling neighbours to roar his chorus. My father only wrung his hands, for the captain roared down any mention of the bill. — 3At night he drank rum by the fire, told dreadful tales of hanging and walking the plank, and forced the trembling neighbours to roar his chorus. My father only wrung his hands, for the captain roared down any mention of the bill.

The captain paid me a silver fourpenny each month to keep my weather-eye open for "a seafaring man with one leg." On stormy nights that man haunted my dreams in a thousand shapes, leaping after me over hedge and ditch, and I paid dearly for my wages. — 4The captain paid me a silver fourpenny each month to keep my weather-eye open for "a seafaring man with one leg." On stormy nights that man haunted my dreams in a thousand shapes, leaping after me over hedge and ditch, and I paid dearly for my wages.

Only once was he crossed. When Dr. Livesey talked through his song, the captain drew a clasp-knife. The doctor never moved: "Put that knife in your pocket, or upon my honour you shall hang at the next assizes." The captain knuckled under. — 5Only once was he crossed. When Dr. Livesey talked through his song, the captain drew a clasp-knife. The doctor never moved: "Put that knife in your pocket, or upon my honour you shall hang at the next assizes." The captain knuckled under.

One frosty January morning, while the captain walked the beach, a pale stranger missing two fingers came asking for "my mate Bill." He pulled me behind the open parlour door to wait, loosening his cutlass, and I saw that he was frightened too. — 6One frosty January morning, while the captain walked the beach, a pale stranger missing two fingers came asking for "my mate Bill." He pulled me behind the open parlour door to wait, loosening his cutlass, and I saw that he was frightened too.

The captain strode in and turned grey as a ghost: "Black Dog!" Low talk turned to oaths and a clash of steel. Black Dog fled, and the captain's last great cut struck our signboard instead. The notch is there to this day. — 7The captain strode in and turned grey as a ghost: "Black Dog!" Low talk turned to oaths and a clash of steel. Black Dog fled, and the captain's last great cut struck our signboard instead. The notch is there to this day.

Calling for rum, the captain fell senseless to the floor. Dr. Livesey declared it a stroke, and on his arm found the tattoo "Billy Bones his fancy." He warned that more rum would mean death, and we got him up to bed. — 8Calling for rum, the captain fell senseless to the floor. Dr. Livesey declared it a stroke, and on his arm found the tattoo "Billy Bones his fancy." He warned that more rum would mean death, and we got him up to bed.

Sick in bed, the captain begged Jim for rum, then whispered his secret: he had been Flint's first mate, and they were after his sea-chest. "Watch for Black Dog, and a seafaring man with one leg—him above all." — 9Sick in bed, the captain begged Jim for rum, then whispered his secret: he had been Flint's first mate, and they were after his sea-chest. "Watch for Black Dog, and a seafaring man with one leg—him above all."

That same evening, Jim's poor father died quite suddenly. The neighbours' visits, the funeral and the work of the inn kept Jim too busy to fear the captain, who drank harder than ever, grew weaker by the day, and sat brooding with his bare cutlass on the table. — 10That same evening, Jim's poor father died quite suddenly. The neighbours' visits, the funeral and the work of the inn kept Jim too busy to fear the captain, who drank harder than ever, grew weaker by the day, and sat brooding with his bare cutlass on the table.

On a bitter, foggy afternoon the day after the funeral, Jim stood at the inn door full of sad thoughts when he heard a stick go tap-tap-tapping along the road. A hunched, hooded blind man was coming, and Jim had never seen a more dreadful-looking figure. — 11On a bitter, foggy afternoon the day after the funeral, Jim stood at the inn door full of sad thoughts when he heard a stick go tap-tap-tapping along the road. A hunched, hooded blind man was coming, and Jim had never seen a more dreadful-looking figure.

Jim kindly held out his hand to lead the beggar in, and the soft-spoken, eyeless creature gripped it like a vise and yanked him close. "Now, boy, take me in to the captain," he hissed, "or I'll break your arm." — 12Jim kindly held out his hand to lead the beggar in, and the soft-spoken, eyeless creature gripped it like a vise and yanked him close. "Now, boy, take me in to the captain," he hissed, "or I'll break your arm."

Jim led him to the parlour and cried out, "Here's a friend for you, Bill." The captain went sober and deathly sick at one look. On the blind man's orders, Jim held Bill's wrist while Pew pressed something into his palm, then skipped away, his stick tapping into the distance. — 13Jim led him to the parlour and cried out, "Here's a friend for you, Bill." The captain went sober and deathly sick at one look. On the blind man's orders, Jim held Bill's wrist while Pew pressed something into his palm, then skipped away, his stick tapping into the distance.

The captain stared into his palm at the black spot. "Ten o'clock!" he cried. "Six hours. We'll do them yet!" He sprang to his feet, reeled, clutched his throat, and fell face-first to the floor, struck dead. Jim, who had never liked him, burst into tears. — 14The captain stared into his palm at the black spot. "Ten o'clock!" he cried. "Six hours. We'll do them yet!" He sprang to his feet, reeled, clutched his throat, and fell face-first to the floor, struck dead. Jim, who had never liked him, burst into tears.

Jim told his mother everything, and they ran through the frosty fog to the hamlet for help. But Captain Flint's name struck terror there, and no man would come. "If none of the rest of you dare," said Mrs. Hawkins, "Jim and I dare." — 15Jim told his mother everything, and they ran through the frosty fog to the hamlet for help. But Captain Flint's name struck terror there, and no man would come. "If none of the rest of you dare," said Mrs. Hawkins, "Jim and I dare."

Back at the inn they took the key from the dead captain's neck and opened his chest. Inside lay an oilcloth packet and a bag of gold. "I'll have my dues, and not a farthing over," said his mother. Then came the blind man's tap-tap. — 16Back at the inn they took the key from the dead captain's neck and opened his chest. Inside lay an oilcloth packet and a bag of gold. "I'll have my dues, and not a farthing over," said his mother. Then came the blind man's tap-tap.

The tapping died away, but soon a low whistle sounded on the hill. Jim snatched up the oilskin packet and they fled into the fog. At the little bridge his mother fainted, and Jim dragged her under the low arch. — 17The tapping died away, but soon a low whistle sounded on the hill. Jim snatched up the oilskin packet and they fled into the fog. At the little bridge his mother fainted, and Jim dragged her under the low arch.

From behind a bush of broom, Jim watched seven or eight men run up with blind Pew among them. "Down with the door!" he cried. They tore through the inn and found the money, but Flint's fist, the thing Pew wanted most, was gone. — 18From behind a bush of broom, Jim watched seven or eight men run up with blind Pew among them. "Down with the door!" he cried. They tore through the inn and found the money, but Flint's fist, the thing Pew wanted most, was gone.

"It's that boy!" screamed Pew, and set his men searching, but they found no one. A warning whistle came from the hill, and the crew grumbled that they had the doubloons. Mad with rage, Pew struck at them with his heavy stick. — 19"It's that boy!" screamed Pew, and set his men searching, but they found no one. A warning whistle came from the hill, and the crew grumbled that they had the doubloons. Mad with rage, Pew struck at them with his heavy stick.

Then came galloping horses and a pistol-shot, and the pirates scattered, leaving Pew alone. "You won't leave old Pew, mates!" he cried, groping on the road. Bewildered, he blundered straight under the nearest horse, and fell and moved no more. — 20Then came galloping horses and a pistol-shot, and the pirates scattered, leaving Pew alone. "You won't leave old Pew, mates!" he cried, groping on the road. Bewildered, he blundered straight under the nearest horse, and fell and moved no more.

The riders were revenue men under Supervisor Dance, though the pirates' lugger escaped them. Jim's mother came round safe in the hamlet, and when Jim told Mr. Dance he held what the pirates wanted, Dance took him to Dr. Livesey's. — 21The riders were revenue men under Supervisor Dance, though the pirates' lugger escaped them. Jim's mother came round safe in the hamlet, and when Jim told Mr. Dance he held what the pirates wanted, Dance took him to Dr. Livesey's.

Mr. Dance and I rode on to the hall, where Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey sat smoking by the library fire. As Dance told his tale, they forgot their pipes; at my mother's bravery the squire cried "Bravo!" — 22Mr. Dance and I rode on to the hall, where Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey sat smoking by the library fire. As Dance told his tale, they forgot their pipes; at my mother's bravery the squire cried "Bravo!"

When I handed over the oilskin packet, the doctor asked whether Flint's treasure would amount to much. "I'll have that treasure if I search a year!" roared the squire. Inside the packet lay a book of pirate accounts and a sealed paper. — 23When I handed over the oilskin packet, the doctor asked whether Flint's treasure would amount to much. "I'll have that treasure if I search a year!" roared the squire. Inside the packet lay a book of pirate accounts and a sealed paper.

The sealed paper held a map of an island, with a hill called the Spy-glass and three red crosses, one marked "Bulk of treasure here." The squire would buy a ship in Bristol, with me as cabin-boy, and swore to breathe no word. — 24The sealed paper held a map of an island, with a hill called the Spy-glass and three red crosses, one marked "Bulk of treasure here." The squire would buy a ship in Bristol, with me as cabin-boy, and swore to breathe no word.

Weeks passed at the hall with old Redruth. Then the squire wrote: he had bought the schooner Hispaniola and found a crew with help from a one-legged cook, Long John Silver. "The squire has been talking, after all," I thought uneasily. — 25Weeks passed at the hall with old Redruth. Then the squire wrote: he had bought the schooner Hispaniola and found a crew with help from a one-legged cook, Long John Silver. "The squire has been talking, after all," I thought uneasily.

Redruth and I walked home to the Admiral Benbow, where a clumsy new boy was to take my place beside my mother. Seeing him brought my first tears. Next day I said goodbye, and soon my home was out of sight. — 26Redruth and I walked home to the Admiral Benbow, where a clumsy new boy was to take my place beside my mother. Seeing him brought my first tears. Next day I said goodbye, and soon my home was out of sight.

The night coach rattled us to Bristol, and we walked along the quays among ships of every nation until the squire came out of his inn dressed like a sea-officer. When I asked when we sailed, he cried, "We sail tomorrow!" — 27The night coach rattled us to Bristol, and we walked along the quays among ships of every nation until the squire came out of his inn dressed like a sea-officer. When I asked when we sailed, he cried, "We sail tomorrow!"

Jim carried the squire's note to the Spy-glass tavern, where a tall, cheerful landlord came hopping out on a crutch. This was no buccaneer, Jim thought. But just as Silver shook his hand, a customer jumped up and bolted into the street. — 28Jim carried the squire's note to the Spy-glass tavern, where a tall, cheerful landlord came hopping out on a crutch. This was no buccaneer, Jim thought. But just as Silver shook his hand, a customer jumped up and bolted into the street.

'Stop him! It's Black Dog!' cried Jim. Silver sent two men after him and stumped about roaring with outrage. When they came back empty-handed, he laughed that he'd forgotten the unpaid rum bill, and Jim felt sure Silver was honest. — 29'Stop him! It's Black Dog!' cried Jim. Silver sent two men after him and stumped about roaring with outrage. When they came back empty-handed, he laughed that he'd forgotten the unpaid rum bill, and Jim felt sure Silver was honest.

Aboard the Hispaniola, stern Captain Smollett said he didn't like the cruise, the crew or his mate, and that half the ship knew about the map. The squire was furious, but the doctor made him listen, and the arms were moved aft. — 30Aboard the Hispaniola, stern Captain Smollett said he didn't like the cruise, the crew or his mate, and that half the ship knew about the map. The squire was furious, but the doctor made him listen, and the arms were moved aft.

Before dawn the crew manned the capstan. 'Now, Barbecue, tip us a stave!' someone called, and Silver struck up the old song Jim knew so well. The whole crew roared the chorus, and the Hispaniola set sail for Treasure Island. — 31Before dawn the crew manned the capstan. 'Now, Barbecue, tip us a stave!' someone called, and Silver struck up the old song Jim knew so well. The whole crew roared the chorus, and the Hispaniola set sail for Treasure Island.

At sea the cook, called Barbecue, hung his crutch round his neck and swung across the deck on ropes he had rigged, as fast as another man could walk. 'He's no common man, Barbecue,' the coxswain told Jim. — 32At sea the cook, called Barbecue, hung his crutch round his neck and swung across the deck on ropes he had rigged, as fast as another man could walk. 'He's no common man, Barbecue,' the coxswain told Jim.

Silver was always kind to Jim and welcomed him into his spotless galley, where his parrot, Cap'n Flint, lived in a cage. Silver said she was two hundred years old. 'Pieces of eight!' she screamed, until John covered her cage. — 33Silver was always kind to Jim and welcomed him into his spotless galley, where his parrot, Cap'n Flint, lived in a cage. Silver said she was two hundred years old. 'Pieces of eight!' she screamed, until John covered her cage.

The mate, Mr. Arrow, came on deck drunk again and again, though no one knew where he got the drink. Then one dark, rough night he vanished. 'Overboard!' said the captain. 'That saves the trouble of putting him in irons.' — 34The mate, Mr. Arrow, came on deck drunk again and again, though no one knew where he got the drink. Then one dark, rough night he vanished. 'Overboard!' said the captain. 'That saves the trouble of putting him in irons.'

On the last evening of the voyage, Jim climbed into the apple barrel and was dozing off when a heavy man sat down against it. It was Silver. Within a dozen words, Jim knew every honest man's life depended on him alone. — 35On the last evening of the voyage, Jim climbed into the apple barrel and was dozing off when a heavy man sat down against it. It was Silver. Within a dozen words, Jim knew every honest man's life depended on him alone.

Days out from Bristol, Jim climbed into the apple barrel for an apple, dozed in the dark, and woke to Long John Silver's voice just outside. Silver was boasting that he had been quartermaster to Captain Flint himself. "Flint was cap'n; I was quartermaster, along of my timber leg." — 36Days out from Bristol, Jim climbed into the apple barrel for an apple, dozed in the dark, and woke to Long John Silver's voice just outside. Silver was boasting that he had been quartermaster to Captain Flint himself. "Flint was cap'n; I was quartermaster, along of my timber leg."

Silver was talking to young Dick, bragging of the gold he had saved while Pew and the rest drank theirs away. Then Jim heard the very words once used on himself: "You're as smart as paint." Dick shook hands on joining the plot. — 37Silver was talking to young Dick, bragging of the gold he had saved while Pew and the rest drank theirs away. Then Jim heard the very words once used on himself: "You're as smart as paint." Dick shook hands on joining the plot.

At Silver's whistle the coxswain, Israel Hands, joined them, grumbling to strike at once. Silver told him to wait until the treasure was aboard, then gave his vote: every loyal man must die. "Only one thing I claim—I claim Trelawney." — 38At Silver's whistle the coxswain, Israel Hands, joined them, grumbling to strike at once. Silver told him to wait until the treasure was aboard, then gave his vote: every loyal man must die. "Only one thing I claim—I claim Trelawney."

"Dick, jump up and get me an apple," said Silver. Jim froze as Dick began to rise, but Hands stopped him and called for rum instead, and Dick fetched a pannikin from the keg. From Hands's whispers Jim learned that some honest men were still left on board. — 39"Dick, jump up and get me an apple," said Silver. Jim froze as Dick began to rise, but Hands stopped him and called for rum instead, and Dick fetched a pannikin from the keg. From Hands's whispers Jim learned that some honest men were still left on board.

Then the moon rose and turned the sails silver, and the lookout cried, "Land ho!" Jim slipped out of the barrel in the rush and joined the others at the bow. As the fog lifted, three pointed hills rose from the sea to the south-west. — 40Then the moon rose and turned the sails silver, and the lookout cried, "Land ho!" Jim slipped out of the barrel in the rush and joined the others at the bow. As the fog lifted, three pointed hills rose from the sea to the south-west.

Silver said he knew the island and named its hills, the tall Spy-glass among them. When Captain Smollett handed him a chart, his eyes burned—but it was only a clean copy, without the red crosses and notes of Flint's map. Silver hid his annoyance and praised the drawing. — 41Silver said he knew the island and named its hills, the tall Spy-glass among them. When Captain Smollett handed him a chart, his eyes burned—but it was only a clean copy, without the red crosses and notes of Flint's map. Silver hid his annoyance and praised the drawing.

Then Silver limped over to Jim and laid a hand on his arm, chatting cheerfully about the goats and trees ashore. Jim could hardly hide a shudder. As soon as he could, he whispered to Dr. Livesey to get the captain and squire below: "I have terrible news." — 42Then Silver limped over to Jim and laid a hand on his arm, chatting cheerfully about the goats and trees ashore. Jim could hardly hide a shudder. As soon as he could, he whispered to Dr. Livesey to get the captain and squire below: "I have terrible news."

In the cabin, Jim told all he had heard. The squire admitted the captain had been right, and Smollett decided to keep quiet and wait for their chance to strike. They had seven men they could trust, one of them a boy, against nineteen. — 43In the cabin, Jim told all he had heard. The squire admitted the captain had been right, and Smollett decided to keep quiet and wait for their chance to strike. They had seven men they could trust, one of them a boy, against nineteen.

The island lay grey and gloomy, and Jim hated it at first sight. The boats towed the Hispaniola into the stinking anchorage behind Skeleton Island. “I don’t know about treasure,” said the doctor, “but I’ll stake my wig there’s fever here.” — 44The island lay grey and gloomy, and Jim hated it at first sight. The boats towed the Hispaniola into the stinking anchorage behind Skeleton Island. “I don’t know about treasure,” said the doctor, “but I’ll stake my wig there’s fever here.”

The crew lay about the deck growling, and mutiny hung over the ship, while Silver went from group to group, all smiles. To let him calm them, Captain Smollett gave the men shore leave. Thirteen, with Silver, went ashore; six stayed aboard. — 45The crew lay about the deck growling, and mutiny hung over the ship, while Silver went from group to group, all smiles. To let him calm them, Captain Smollett gave the men shore leave. Thirteen, with Silver, went ashore; six stayed aboard.

On a mad notion, Jim slipped into the nearest boat. When its bow struck the shore he caught a branch and plunged into the thicket. “Jim, Jim!” Silver shouted from the other boat, but Jim ran on till he could run no longer. — 46On a mad notion, Jim slipped into the nearest boat. When its bow struck the shore he caught a branch and plunged into the thicket. “Jim, Jim!” Silver shouted from the other boat, but Jim ran on till he could run no longer.

Pleased to have given Long John the slip, Jim explored the strange island. A rattlesnake hissed at him from a ledge, though he didn't know it was deadly. Then screaming birds rose over the marsh. Someone was coming. — 47Pleased to have given Long John the slip, Jim explored the strange island. A rattlesnake hissed at him from a ledge, though he didn't know it was deadly. Then screaming birds rose over the marsh. Someone was coming.

Crawling under the live-oaks, Jim saw Silver pleading with Tom, one of the honest hands. Suddenly a horrid scream rang out across the marsh. Tom leaped like a horse at the spur, but Silver never winked. “I reckon that’ll be Alan.” — 48Crawling under the live-oaks, Jim saw Silver pleading with Tom, one of the honest hands. Suddenly a horrid scream rang out across the marsh. Tom leaped like a horse at the spur, but Silver never winked. “I reckon that’ll be Alan.”

“Kill me too, if you can,” cried Tom, “but I defies you!” He turned for the beach. Jim watched in horror as Silver hurled his crutch through the air. Tom fell, and Silver was upon him with his knife. — 49“Kill me too, if you can,” cried Tom, “but I defies you!” He turned for the beach. Jim watched in horror as Silver hurled his crutch through the air. Tom fell, and Silver was upon him with his knife.

The world swam before Jim's eyes. When he came to, Silver was wiping his knife and whistling for the others. Jim ran as never before, sure he'd be next. Then, near a two-peaked hill, a shaggy figure leaped behind a pine. — 50The world swam before Jim's eyes. When he came to, Silver was wiping his knife and whistling for the others. Jim ran as never before, sure he'd be next. Then, near a two-peaked hill, a shaggy figure leaped behind a pine.

Remembering his pistol, Jim approached the creature, who knelt. He was Ben Gunn, once Flint's shipmate, marooned three years, and now, he whispered, rich. “You mightn’t happen to have a piece of cheese about you, now?” — 51Remembering his pistol, Jim approached the creature, who knelt. He was Ben Gunn, once Flint's shipmate, marooned three years, and now, he whispered, rich. “You mightn’t happen to have a piece of cheese about you, now?”

Ben said he had a boat hidden under the white rock, but just then cannon thunder shook the island. “They have begun to fight!” cried Jim, running for the anchorage with Ben beside him. Soon the Union Jack fluttered above the trees. — 52Ben said he had a boat hidden under the white rock, but just then cannon thunder shook the island. “They have begun to fight!” cried Jim, running for the anchorage with Ben beside him. Soon the Union Jack fluttered above the trees.

Dr. Livesey told this part. Rowing ashore after Jim, the doctor found Flint's old stockade: a log-house on a knoll with a spring and a stout fence. Since the ship had no fresh water, he, Hunter and Joyce ferried stores ashore. — 53Dr. Livesey told this part. Rowing ashore after Jim, the doctor found Flint's old stockade: a log-house on a knoll with a spring and a stout fence. Since the ship had no fresh water, he, Hunter and Joyce ferried stores ashore.

On the last trip Captain Smollett ordered Abraham Gray, among the six mutineers aboard, to follow him, giving him thirty seconds by his watch. After a scuffle and blows, Gray burst out with a cut cheek. “I'm with you, sir.” — 54On the last trip Captain Smollett ordered Abraham Gray, among the six mutineers aboard, to follow him, giving him thirty seconds by his watch. After a scuffle and blows, Gray burst out with a cut cheek. “I'm with you, sir.”

The overloaded jolly-boat drifted on the ebb as Israel Hands, Flint's old gunner, aimed the ship's long nine-pounder at them. “Hold!” cried the captain, backing water with Redruth. The ball missed, but the stern went under and she sank in three feet of water. — 55The overloaded jolly-boat drifted on the ebb as Israel Hands, Flint's old gunner, aimed the ship's long nine-pounder at them. “Hold!” cried the captain, backing water with Redruth. The ball missed, but the stern went under and she sank in three feet of water.

They waded ashore and ran for the stockade with pirates crashing behind. They drove one band back, but a shot from the bushes felled old Tom Redruth. The squire knelt weeping beside him. “Tom, say you forgive me, won't you?” Soon Tom died quietly. — 56They waded ashore and ran for the stockade with pirates crashing behind. They drove one band back, but a shot from the bushes felled old Tom Redruth. The squire knelt weeping beside him. “Tom, say you forgive me, won't you?” Soon Tom died quietly.

From his well-stuffed pockets Captain Smollett produced the British colours, climbed onto the log-house roof and raised the Union Jack himself. The ship's gun opened fire on it, cannonballs thudding into the sand. “Strike my colours! No, sir, not I.” — 57From his well-stuffed pockets Captain Smollett produced the British colours, climbed onto the log-house roof and raised the Union Jack himself. The ship's gun opened fire on it, cannonballs thudding into the sand. “Strike my colours! No, sir, not I.”

That evening a shout came from the woods, and Jim Hawkins climbed safe and sound over the stockade. He carried Ben Gunn's message: the doctor or squire must come alone, carrying something white, to where Jim had found him. — 58That evening a shout came from the woods, and Jim Hawkins climbed safe and sound over the stockade. He carried Ben Gunn's message: the doctor or squire must come alone, carrying something white, to where Jim had found him.

After old Tom was buried, the doctor asked Jim about Ben Gunn. “Was it cheese you said he had a fancy for?” He opened his snuff-box. Inside was no snuff, only a piece of Parmesan cheese, for Ben Gunn. — 59After old Tom was buried, the doctor asked Jim about Ben Gunn. “Was it cheese you said he had a fancy for?” He opened his snuff-box. Inside was no snuff, only a piece of Parmesan cheese, for Ben Gunn.

At dawn on the coldest morning Jim ever knew, a white flag waved outside the stockade. Silver, in his best blue coat, climbed the fence and struggled up the sandy knoll on his crutch, while the captain waited on the threshold, whistling. — 60At dawn on the coldest morning Jim ever knew, a white flag waved outside the stockade. Silver, in his best blue coat, climbed the fence and struggled up the sandy knoll on his crutch, while the captain waited on the threshold, whistling.

The captain made Silver sit on the cold sand. Then the two men filled their pipes and smoked in silence, eyeing each other. At last Silver named his terms: hand over Flint's chart, and the pirates would either carry them home safe or leave them stores and send a ship. — 61The captain made Silver sit on the cold sand. Then the two men filled their pipes and smoked in silence, eyeing each other. At last Silver named his terms: hand over Flint's chart, and the pirates would either carry them home safe or leave them stores and send a ship.

The captain refused. Silver could surrender for trial in England, or be shot. Nobody helped Silver up; he crawled to the porch, hauled himself onto his crutch and spat into the spring. “Before an hour's out, I'll stove in your old block house!” — 62The captain refused. Silver could surrender for trial in England, or be shot. Nobody helped Silver up; he crawled to the porch, hauled himself onto his crutch and spat into the spring. “Before an hour's out, I'll stove in your old block house!”

When Silver was gone, the captain scolded everyone but Gray for leaving their posts. Then he set out the defence: loaded muskets on each side, cutlasses in the middle, the fire put out. For an hour they waited, sweating in the heat. — 63When Silver was gone, the captain scolded everyone but Gray for leaving their posts. Then he set out the defence: loaded muskets on each side, cutlasses in the middle, the fire put out. For an hour they waited, sweating in the heat.

Suddenly, with a cheer, pirates leaped from the woods and swarmed over the fence like monkeys. The squire and Gray fired fast, but four reached the house. Hunter was knocked senseless, and a pirate burst into the doorway, cutlass raised against the doctor. — 64Suddenly, with a cheer, pirates leaped from the woods and swarmed over the fence like monkeys. The squire and Gray fired fast, but four reached the house. Hunter was knocked senseless, and a pirate burst into the doorway, cutlass raised against the doctor.

“Out, lads, and fight 'em in the open!” cried the captain. Jim grabbed a cutlass and ran straight into Job Anderson. As the huge blade swung up, Jim slipped and rolled down the slope, and Gray cut the big boatswain down. — 65“Out, lads, and fight 'em in the open!” cried the captain. Jim grabbed a cutlass and ran straight into Job Anderson. As the huge blade swung up, Jim slipped and rolled down the slope, and Gray cut the big boatswain down.

In seconds it was over, and the last pirate fled into the woods. But when the smoke cleared, Hunter lay stunned, faithful Joyce was dead, and the captain was wounded. 'Five against three leaves us four to nine,' he said. 'That's better odds than we had at starting.' — 66In seconds it was over, and the last pirate fled into the woods. But when the smoke cleared, Hunter lay stunned, faithful Joyce was dead, and the captain was wounded. 'Five against three leaves us four to nine,' he said. 'That's better odds than we had at starting.'

With the captain wounded and the log-house hot and full of dead men, Jim envied the doctor, gone into the cool woods to find Ben Gunn. Stuffing his pockets with biscuit and taking two pistols, he slipped away over the stockade. — 67With the captain wounded and the log-house hot and full of dead men, Jim envied the doctor, gone into the cool woods to find Ben Gunn. Stuffing his pockets with biscuit and taking two pistols, he slipped away over the stockade.

Jim crept along the sandy spit to the white rock. In a hidden hollow beneath a goat-skin tent lay Ben Gunn's boat, a lopsided home-made coracle. Now a bolder plan took hold of him: he would cut the Hispaniola adrift. — 68Jim crept along the sandy spit to the white rock. In a hidden hollow beneath a goat-skin tent lay Ben Gunn's boat, a lopsided home-made coracle. Now a bolder plan took hold of him: he would cut the Hispaniola adrift.

In pitch-black fog Jim paddled the coracle out on the ebb to the ship's anchor rope and cut it strand by strand. Across the water the pirates sang round their fire: “But one man of her crew alive, what put to sea with seventy-five.” — 69In pitch-black fog Jim paddled the coracle out on the ebb to the ship's anchor rope and cut it strand by strand. Across the water the pirates sang round their fire: “But one man of her crew alive, what put to sea with seventy-five.”

The last fibres parted and the schooner swung free. Jim caught a trailing cord at her stern and peeped through the lit cabin window. Inside, Israel Hands and the red-cap pirate, drunk and furious, had each other by the throat. — 70The last fibres parted and the schooner swung free. Jim caught a trailing cord at her stern and peeped through the lit cabin window. Inside, Israel Hands and the red-cap pirate, drunk and furious, had each other by the throat.

Suddenly the current swept ship and coracle out through the narrows toward the open sea. The two drunkards woke shouting. Sure he'd drown in the breakers, Jim lay flat in the boat, and at last fell asleep, dreaming of the Admiral Benbow. — 71Suddenly the current swept ship and coracle out through the narrows toward the open sea. The two drunkards woke shouting. Sure he'd drown in the breakers, Jim lay flat in the boat, and at last fell asleep, dreaming of the Admiral Benbow.

Jim woke in broad daylight off the island's south-west end, below the cliffs of Haulbowline Head. Breakers thundered on rocks crowded with huge, barking sea lions. No one could land there, so he let the current carry him north. — 72Jim woke in broad daylight off the island's south-west end, below the cliffs of Haulbowline Head. Breakers thundered on rocks crowded with huge, barking sea lions. No one could land there, so he let the current carry him north.

Burning with thirst, Jim rounded a headland and saw the Hispaniola wandering under sail with no one on deck. He paddled hard after her. Suddenly she came charging down on him, and he leapt for the jib-boom as she ran over the coracle. — 73Burning with thirst, Jim rounded a headland and saw the Hispaniola wandering under sail with no one on deck. He paddled hard after her. Suddenly she came charging down on him, and he leapt for the jib-boom as she ran over the coracle.

On the filthy deck, Red-cap O'Brien lay dead and Israel Hands sat wounded, begging for brandy. Jim fetched some, declared himself captain and tore down the black flag. “God save the king! And there's an end to Captain Silver!” — 74On the filthy deck, Red-cap O'Brien lay dead and Israel Hands sat wounded, begging for brandy. Jim fetched some, declared himself captain and tore down the black flag. “God save the king! And there's an end to Captain Silver!”

Hands offered a bargain: food, drink and a bandage, and he would teach Jim to sail her into North Inlet. Jim bound his thigh with his mother's silk handkerchief. But Hands watched him with an odd smile, part mockery, part treachery. — 75Hands offered a bargain: food, drink and a bandage, and he would teach Jim to sail her into North Inlet. Jim bound his thigh with his mother's silk handkerchief. But Hands watched him with an odd smile, part mockery, part treachery.

While they waited for the tide, Hands sent Jim below for wine. Jim slipped off his shoes, crept to the fore hatch and watched Hands crawl across the deck, pull a long dirk from a coil of rope and hide it in his jacket. — 76While they waited for the tide, Hands sent Jim below for wine. Jim slipped off his shoes, crept to the fore hatch and watched Hands crawl across the deck, pull a long dirk from a coil of rope and hide it in his jacket.

Hands piloted them neatly into North Inlet. As the schooner ran for the beach, Jim turned just in time: Hands was coming at him with the dirk. Jim fired, but the sea-soaked priming failed. Then the ship struck and heeled right over. — 77Hands piloted them neatly into North Inlet. As the schooner ran for the beach, Jim turned just in time: Hands was coming at him with the dirk. Jim fired, but the sea-soaked priming failed. Then the ship struck and heeled right over.

Jim was first up. He scrambled into the mizzen shrouds, reached the cross-trees and reprimed both pistols. Slowly Hands followed, the dirk in his teeth. "One more step, Mr. Hands, and I'll blow your brains out!" — 78Jim was first up. He scrambled into the mizzen shrouds, reached the cross-trees and reprimed both pistols. Slowly Hands followed, the dirk in his teeth. "One more step, Mr. Hands, and I'll blow your brains out!"

Hands took the dirk from his mouth and pretended to give in. Then his arm flew back, and the dirk pinned Jim's shoulder to the mast. Both pistols went off, and the coxswain plunged head first into the water. — 79Hands took the dirk from his mouth and pretended to give in. Then his arm flew back, and the dirk pinned Jim's shoulder to the mast. Both pistols went off, and the coxswain plunged head first into the water.

The blade held only a pinch of skin, so Jim shuddered free and dressed his small wound. He heaved O'Brien overboard to lie beside Hands on the clear sand, cut loose the sails, and waded ashore at sunset. — 80The blade held only a pinch of skin, so Jim shuddered free and dressed his small wound. He heaved O'Brien overboard to lie beside Hands on the clear sand, cut loose the sails, and waded ashore at sunset.

By moonlight Jim crept back into the dark log-house, hearing snores. Suddenly a shrill voice screamed, "Pieces of eight!" It was Silver's parrot, Captain Flint. The sleepers sprang up, and Jim ran straight into arms that held him tight. — 81By moonlight Jim crept back into the dark log-house, hearing snores. Suddenly a shrill voice screamed, "Pieces of eight!" It was Silver's parrot, Captain Flint. The sleepers sprang up, and Jim ran straight into arms that held him tight.

Jim was a prisoner in the pirates' camp. Long John Silver sat on the brandy cask. Jim told them he had heard them from the apple barrel and had cut the ship loose. "Kill me, if you please, or spare me." — 82Jim was a prisoner in the pirates' camp. Long John Silver sat on the brandy cask. Jim told them he had heard them from the apple barrel and had cut the ship loose. "Kill me, if you please, or spare me."

Old Tom Morgan jumped up with his knife drawn, but Silver faced him down. "Maybe you thought you was cap'n here!" Nobody dared fight him, but the crew muttered and went out for a council, leaving Silver and Jim alone. — 83Old Tom Morgan jumped up with his knife drawn, but Silver faced him down. "Maybe you thought you was cap'n here!" Nobody dared fight him, but the crew muttered and went out for a council, leaving Silver and Jim alone.

Alone with Jim, Silver whispered that the ship was gone, the game was lost, and the crew meant to get rid of him. He offered a bargain: "You save your witness, and he'll save your neck!" Jim promised to try. — 84Alone with Jim, Silver whispered that the ship was gone, the game was lost, and the crew meant to get rid of him. He offered a bargain: "You save your witness, and he'll save your neck!" Jim promised to try.

The pirates came back and handed Silver the black spot. It had been cut from the last page of Dick's Bible, and George Merry had written one word on it in wood ash: "Deposed." Silver only laughed at the bad luck of spoiling a Bible. — 85The pirates came back and handed Silver the black spot. It had been cut from the last page of Dick's Bible, and George Merry had written one word on it in wood ash: "Deposed." Silver only laughed at the bad luck of spoiling a Bible.

George Merry listed the crew's complaints, and Silver answered each one: Merry had spoiled the cruise, and the boy was a valuable hostage. Then he threw Flint's map on the floor. The pirates pounced on it and shouted, "Barbecue for cap'n!" — 86George Merry listed the crew's complaints, and Silver answered each one: Merry had spoiled the cruise, and the boy was a valuable hostage. Then he threw Flint's map on the floor. The pirates pounced on it and shouted, "Barbecue for cap'n!"

At dawn a voice called out of the mist: "Block house, ahoy! Here's the doctor." Dr. Livesey had come to dose the fevered pirates. When he asked to speak with Jim, Silver made the boy promise not to run away. — 87At dawn a voice called out of the mist: "Block house, ahoy! Here's the doctor." Dr. Livesey had come to dose the fevered pirates. When he asked to speak with Jim, Silver made the boy promise not to run away.

Through the fence, the doctor begged Jim to jump over and run. Jim refused: "Silver trusted me; I passed my word." He did tell him that the ship lay beached in North Inlet. As he left, the doctor gave Silver a warning: "Look out for squalls when you find it." — 88Through the fence, the doctor begged Jim to jump over and run. Jim refused: "Silver trusted me; I passed my word." He did tell him that the ship lay beached in North Inlet. As he left, the doctor gave Silver a warning: "Look out for squalls when you find it."

The pirates climbed toward the plateau with picks and shovels. Jim came last, like a dancing bear, with a rope round his waist and Long John holding the other end. He remembered the doctor's warning: "Look out for squalls when you find it." — 89The pirates climbed toward the plateau with picks and shovels. Jim came last, like a dancing bear, with a rope round his waist and Long John holding the other end. He remembered the doctor's warning: "Look out for squalls when you find it."

Suddenly a man cried out in terror. At the foot of a pine lay a skeleton, arms stretched above its head, pointing straight at Skeleton Island. "This here is a p'inter," said Silver. It was one of Flint's jokes. — 90Suddenly a man cried out in terror. At the foot of a pine lay a skeleton, arms stretched above its head, pointing straight at Skeleton Island. "This here is a p'inter," said Silver. It was one of Flint's jokes.

Now the pirates kept close together, whispering about Flint. As they rested, a thin, high voice from the trees wailed, "Darby M'Graw! Fetch aft the rum, Darby!" Morgan grovelled on the ground, and Dick pulled out his Bible and prayed. — 91Now the pirates kept close together, whispering about Flint. As they rested, a thin, high voice from the trees wailed, "Darby M'Graw! Fetch aft the rum, Darby!" Morgan grovelled on the ground, and Dick pulled out his Bible and prayed.

Silver's teeth rattled, but he would not give in. Nobody alive had heard of Darby except the men sitting there. Then he slapped his knee: "By the powers, Ben Gunn!" At once the pirates' courage came back. Nobody minded Ben Gunn. — 92Silver's teeth rattled, but he would not give in. Nobody alive had heard of Darby except the men sitting there. Then he slapped his knee: "By the powers, Ben Gunn!" At once the pirates' courage came back. Nobody minded Ben Gunn.

They pressed on across the hilltop. The third tree was a giant, and the men hurried faster, thinking of gold. Silver yanked Jim's rope with deadly looks. Jim could read his thoughts: grab the treasure, seize the ship, and leave no honest man alive. — 93They pressed on across the hilltop. The third tree was a giant, and the men hurried faster, thinking of gold. Silver yanked Jim's rope with deadly looks. Jim could read his thoughts: grab the treasure, seize the ship, and leave no honest man alive.

"Huzza, mates, all together!" shouted Merry, and the men ran, only to stop dead before an old, empty pit. Among the broken boards lay one branded Walrus, the name of Flint's ship. The seven hundred thousand pounds were gone! — 94"Huzza, mates, all together!" shouted Merry, and the men ran, only to stop dead before an old, empty pit. Among the broken boards lay one branded Walrus, the name of Flint's ship. The seven hundred thousand pounds were gone!

Silver changed his plan in a heartbeat. "Jim, take that, and stand by for trouble," he whispered, handing Jim a double-barrelled pistol. Down in the pit, old Morgan held up one lone two-guinea coin, cursing, while George Merry turned on Silver in a rage. — 95Silver changed his plan in a heartbeat. "Jim, take that, and stand by for trouble," he whispered, handing Jim a double-barrelled pistol. Down in the pit, old Morgan held up one lone two-guinea coin, cursing, while George Merry turned on Silver in a rage.

Merry raised his arm to charge, but three musket shots cracked from the thicket. Merry fell and the rest ran. Out stepped the doctor, Gray and Ben Gunn. Ben had found the treasure long ago and hidden it in his cave. — 96Merry raised his arm to charge, but three musket shots cracked from the thicket. Merry fell and the rest ran. Out stepped the doctor, Gray and Ben Gunn. Ben had found the treasure long ago and hidden it in his cave.

They rowed round to Ben Gunn's cave, where heaps of Flint's gold lay in a dark corner. That night they had a merry supper by the fire, and there sat Silver at the edge of the firelight, eating heartily and polite as ever. — 97They rowed round to Ben Gunn's cave, where heaps of Flint's gold lay in a dark corner. That night they had a merry supper by the fire, and there sat Silver at the edge of the firelight, eating heartily and polite as ever.

For days they carried the gold down to the boat. Jim packed the coins into bread-bags and never enjoyed anything more. There were coins from every country, with the faces of every king in Europe, as many as autumn leaves. — 98For days they carried the gold down to the boat. Jim packed the coins into bread-bags and never enjoyed anything more. There were coins from every country, with the faces of every king in Europe, as many as autumn leaves.

The three surviving pirates were left on the island with powder, food and medicine. As the Hispaniola sailed away, they knelt on the sand, begging not to be left. One fired a shot through the mainsail. By noon the island had sunk from sight. — 99The three surviving pirates were left on the island with powder, food and medicine. As the Hispaniola sailed away, they knelt on the sand, begging not to be left. One fired a shot through the mainsail. By noon the island had sunk from sight.

At a port in Spanish America, Silver slipped away with a sack of coins and was never heard of again. Only five came home. Ben Gunn spent his thousand pounds in nineteen days. But Jim still dreamed of the parrot shrieking, "Pieces of eight!" — 100At a port in Spanish America, Silver slipped away with a sack of coins and was never heard of again. Only five came home. Ben Gunn spent his thousand pounds in nineteen days. But Jim still dreamed of the parrot shrieking, "Pieces of eight!"

Adapted from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, public domain. Pictures are AI illustrations drawn for this edition.