The next morning, Doctor Livesey and I took a coach to Bristol. I had never seen a city so big and busy. The harbor was full of ships from all over the world. Sailors walked the streets, singing songs and telling stories. The squire met us at an inn near the docks. He was dressed in a fine new coat and looked very proud. 'The ship is ready, and the crew is hired,' he announced happily. The doctor frowned and asked about secrecy. The squire looked embarrassed and admitted he might have talked too much. 'Everyone in Bristol knows we're sailing for treasure,' he confessed. Doctor Livesey shook his head but said nothing. The squire then gave me a note to deliver to Long John Silver. Silver owned a tavern called the Spy-glass near the docks. I found the place easily and stepped inside. The room was full of sailors drinking and smoking. Behind the bar stood a tall man with one leg. His left leg was cut off at the hip, and he used a crutch. He moved quickly and cheerfully despite his missing leg. This must be Long John Silver, I thought. He looked nothing like the evil pirates I had imagined. His face was friendly, and his smile was warm. Suddenly, one of the customers jumped up and ran for the door. I recognized him at once; it was Black Dog! 'Stop him!' I shouted without thinking. But Black Dog was already running down the street. Silver sent two men after him, but they could not catch him. 'Who was that man?' Silver asked me with concern. I told him about Black Dog and the trouble at the inn. Silver seemed shocked and angry that such a villain was in his tavern. 'I've never seen him before in my life!' Silver declared. We walked together to meet the squire and report what happened. Silver told the story so well that no one suspected him. The squire trusted him even more after this incident. 'Silver is a true gentleman,' the squire declared. I wanted to believe it, but something worried me. The next day, we went to see the Hispaniola. She was a beautiful ship with tall masts and white sails. Captain Smollett, a serious man, commanded the ship. He asked to speak privately with the squire and doctor. 'I don't like this voyage,' the captain said bluntly. 'I don't like the crew, and I don't like the mission.' The squire grew red with anger at these words. 'Why not?' the doctor asked calmly. 'Every man on this ship knows we're after treasure,' said Smollett. 'They talk about it openly. That's dangerous.' 'What do you suggest?' asked the doctor. 'Keep the map secret. Store the weapons near your cabin.' 'And move your servants to sleep between you and the crew.' The squire grumbled but agreed to follow the captain's advice. The weapons and powder were moved to safer locations. I began to feel nervous about the voyage ahead. That night, I lay awake thinking about pirates and treasure. The captain's words had planted doubt in my mind. Could some of the crew be enemies in disguise? The next morning, I pushed these fears aside. The sun was shining, and our great adventure was about to begin. We boarded the Hispaniola with high hopes. The sailors pulled up the anchor and unfurled the sails. The wind filled the canvas, and we sailed out of Bristol harbor. We were finally on our way to Treasure Island.
B1Chapter 4 / 12586 words60 sentences
Chapter 4: I Go to Bristol
Chapter 4 · Treasure Island · B1 English. Tip: Click on any word while reading to see its translation. Take your time with each chapter and review the vocabulary before moving on.
Chapter Summary
Jim travels to Bristol and meets Long John Silver at his tavern. He spots Black Dog there, but Silver claims ignorance. Captain Smollett expresses concerns about the crew knowing about the treasure. Despite warnings, the Hispaniola sets sail for Treasure Island.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why did Jim trust Long John Silver when they first met?
2
What happened when Black Dog was seen at the tavern?
3
What concerns did Captain Smollett express before sailing?
4