Chapter 31 · Treasure Island

Copywork

To complete his strange appearance, Captain Flint sat perched upon his shoulder and gabbling odds and ends of purposeless sea-talk. I had a line about my waist and followed obediently after the sea-cook, who held the loose end of the rope, now in his free hand, now between his powerful teeth. For all the world, I was led like a dancing bear.

Read the second sentence aloud. The rope is held "now in his free hand, now between his powerful teeth". What does the repeated "now" make you see? Which words tell you how Jim walks behind Silver?

Discussion

Narration Tell back the morning in order, from Silver's private word to Jim to the pirates quieting beside the skeleton.

Silver tells Jim, “I seen you say no, as plain as hearing,” and says it is “the first glint of hope.” Why does Jim's refusal matter so much to Silver? Inference
Jim is tied by a rope and follows Silver “like a dancing bear.” What does that picture say about Jim's place in the party? Character
After Silver's talk at the fire, Jim is “horribly cast down.” Does Silver give him good reason to be? Moral reasoning
The skeleton lies “perfectly straight,” with hands raised like a diver's. What is it about the body that chills the men, before anyone says why? Tone
Silver says, “Six they were, and six are we.” Why would he say that to men he has just promised treasure? Character

Make a Connection Tell about a time you saw someone promise two different things to two different people.

Vocabulary

purposeless: To complete his strange appearance, Captain Flint sat perched upon his shoulder and gabbling odds and ends of purposeless sea-talk. without aim or meaning
obediently: followed obediently after the sea-cook, doing as one is told
campaign: I could see their entire unfitness for anything like a prolonged campaign. a long series of military operations
recklessness: had not a word of blame for their recklessness. careless disregard of danger
feasible: Should the scheme he had now sketched prove feasible, possible to carry out
subsist: must have been driven to subsist on clear water and the proceeds of their hunting. keep alive on very little
ambiguity: the terms of the note on the back, as you will hear, admitted of some ambiguity. having more than one possible meaning
eminence: rising again towards the south into the rough, cliffy eminence called the Mizzen-mast Hill. a high piece of ground
aroma: the first mingled their spice with the aroma of the others. a pleasant smell
bated: the pirates no longer ran separate and shouting through the wood, but kept side by side and spoke with bated breath. held back; with bated breath, breathing quietly from fear

Critical thinking

Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Jim sees of the pirates' habits at breakfast.
Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Jim is afraid of as he sets out.
Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Silver does to try to calm his men after the skeleton.