The next morning, we anchored near Treasure Island. The island looked dark and threatening under gray clouds. Thick forests covered most of the land. Two tall hills rose in the center, which the map called Spy-glass Hill. A strange smell drifted from the swamps on shore. Doctor Livesey wrinkled his nose in disgust. 'That smell means fever and disease,' he warned. The crew grew restless and angry waiting on the ship. Captain Smollett feared a mutiny might begin at any moment. He decided to let the men go ashore for a few hours. 'Let them stretch their legs and calm down,' he said. Long John Silver organized the shore party with a smile. Six men stayed aboard to guard the ship. The rest climbed into the small boats and rowed to shore. At the last moment, I jumped into one of the boats. I wanted to explore the island and learn more. Silver called out to me, but I pretended not to hear. As soon as the boat touched the sand, I ran into the forest. I heard Silver shouting my name behind me. But I kept running deeper into the trees. The forest was wild and overgrown with strange plants. Birds sang loudly in the branches above my head. I felt free and excited to be exploring alone. Then I heard voices ahead and crept closer to listen. It was Silver, talking to another sailor named Tom. Silver was trying to convince Tom to join the pirates. 'Join us, and you'll be rich,' Silver said smoothly. But Tom was a loyal man and refused. 'I'd rather die honest than live as a pirate!' Tom declared. Suddenly, a terrible scream came from far away. Tom jumped up in alarm. 'What was that?' he gasped. 'That was Alan, I think,' Silver said calmly. Tom understood that another loyal sailor had been killed. He turned to run, but Silver was faster. Silver threw his crutch at Tom's back and knocked him down. Then Silver jumped on him with his knife. I watched in horror as the friendly cook killed Tom. My head spun, and everything went dark for a moment. When I opened my eyes, Silver was wiping his knife clean. I knew I had to escape before he found me. Quietly, I crawled away through the bushes. Once I was far enough away, I started running. I ran without direction, just wanting to get away. Suddenly, a dark figure jumped out from behind a tree. I screamed and fell backward in terror. The creature before me looked barely human. He wore ragged clothes made of goat skin. His skin was burned dark from the sun. 'Who are you?' I stammered. 'I'm Ben Gunn,' the wild man replied. 'I've been alone on this island for three years.' He explained that he had been a pirate on Flint's ship. His crewmates had left him here as punishment. 'Is Long John Silver on that ship?' Ben asked fearfully. I told him yes, and Ben groaned with worry. 'I'll help you against him,' Ben promised. 'I know secrets about this island that Silver doesn't.' Before he could explain more, we heard cannon fire. The battle for Treasure Island had begun.
B1Chapter 6 / 12535 words60 sentences
Chapter 6: The Man of the Island
Chapter 6 · 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
The crew goes ashore, and Jim runs into the forest. He witnesses Silver murder a loyal sailor named Tom. Fleeing in terror, Jim meets Ben Gunn, a castaway who was marooned on the island three years ago. Ben promises to help against Silver as cannon fire signals the start of battle.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What happened to the loyal sailor Tom when he refused to join Silver?
2
Who did Jim meet in the forest on the island?
3
How long had Ben Gunn been alone on the island?
4