Chapter 11

Copywork

You may imagine how I felt when I heard this abominable old rogue addressing another in the very same words of flattery as he had used to myself. I think, if I had been able, that I would have killed him through the barrel. Meantime, he ran on, little supposing he was overheard.

Jim hears "the very same words of flattery" spent on another boy and says he would have killed Silver "through the barrel". Why is the repeated compliment the thing that turns Jim's feeling, and what does "little supposing he was overheard" remind you that Silver does not know?

Discussion

Narration Tell what Jim overhears in the apple barrel, from the talk of Flint to the lookout's cry of "Land ho!"

1. Israel says other crews “liked a bit o' fun.” Silver answers, “where are they now?” Is that a good answer?Theme

2. Jim says he would have “killed him through the barrel” when Silver flatters the young hand. Why might that sting so much?Character

3. Silver calls pirates “gentlemen of fortune.” Is that a harmless way of talking, or a way of hiding what the job really is?Moral reasoning

4. Silver tells Dick, “I trust you,” then adds, “I've a gauge on the keg, mind.” What do you make of that?Inference

5. Jim hears all this from inside a barrel, in the dark, without seeing a face. What does Stevenson gain by making him only listen?Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone said to you something they had also said to someone else.

Vocabulary

Critical thinking

1. Silver says his savings are “all safe in bank” and the Spy-glass is “sold.” Using two pieces of evidence, how far would you trust what he says about himself?

2. Jim guesses the keg is how Mr. Arrow got his drink. Using two pieces of evidence, is that a fair guess?

3. Jim catches one clause and decides “there were still faithful men on board.” Using two pieces of evidence, how safe is that conclusion?