1) take a good look at
Definition: to look at something carefully
2) for sure
Definition: definitely; without doubt
3) what's on your mind
Definition: what you are thinking or worrying about
4) sooner or later
Definition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually)
5) pay attention to
Definition: to focus on something and listen or watch carefully
'And now, men,' said the captain when everything was ready, 'has anyone seen that land before?'
'I have, sir,' said Long John Silver. 'I stopped there once with a ship when I worked as the cook.'
'The safe place to anchor* is on the south side, behind a small island, isn't it?' asked the captain.
'Yes, sir,' answered Silver. 'They call it Skeleton Island. Long ago pirates often came here. One sailor on our ship knew all their names for the places. That hill to the north is called Foremast Hill. There are three hills in a row : front, main, and back. But the main one, the one with the cloud on top, they usually call it the Spy-glass. Pirates used to go up there as a lookout* when they cleaned their ships.'
'I have a map here,' said Captain Smollett. 'Take a good look at it and see if it is the same place.'
Silver's eyes shone when the captain took out the map. But I knew he would be disappointed. This was not the real treasure map that I had found in the chest*. It was only a clean copy with names, heights, and water depths. The red crosses, and other details were missing.
Even though Silver must have felt annoyed, he kept calm and did not show his feelings.
'Yes, sir,' he said. 'This is the place, for sure. It is very nicely drawn. I wonder who made it. Pirates don't have the education for that. Ah, here it is—'Captain Kidd's Anchor*.' That is the name my shipmate used. There is a strong current* along the south side and then it goes up the west coast. You were right, sir, to turn the ship and stay on the side of the island where the wind is coming from.'
'Thank you,' said the captain. 'Later I may ask you for some help. You may go now.'
I was surprised that Silver spoke so openly about the island. I also felt half afraid when he approached me. Of course, he did not know that I had heard his secret meeting while I was hiding in the apple barrel*. Still, I had begun to feel frightened of him. When he put his hand on my arm, I almost shook with fear.
'Ah,' he said kindly, 'this island is a wonderful place for a young lad to go. You can swim, climb trees, and look for goats. You can even go up the hills like a goat yourself! It almost makes me feel young again. When you want to go out and explore, just ask old John, and I will prepare a snack for you.'
He put his hand on my shoulder in a friendly way and then slowly went off towards the front of the ship.
Captain Smollett, the squire, and Dr. Livesey were talking together. I really wanted to tell them about the terrible news I had learned, but I did not want to interrupt them. While I was still trying to think of a good reason to speak, Dr. Livesey suddenly called to me.
He had left his pipe* below and wanted me to go down and get it. But when I was close enough so nobody else could hear, I quickly whispered, 'Doctor, please listen. Get the captain and the squire into the cabin, and then find a way to call me. I have very bad news. '
The doctor looked worried for a moment, but then he controlled himself.
'Thank you, Jim,' he said loudly, as if I had just answered a simple question.
Soon after that, the captain gave an order, and all the sailors were called together on deck*.
'My lads,' said Captain Smollett, 'this land we have just seen is the place we were sailing to. Mr. Trelawney is a very generous man. Since every man has done his duty, the squire, the doctor, and I are going down to the cabin* to drink to your health and good luck. You will also be given some rum to drink to ours and celebrate.'
The sailors gave a loud cheer*. It sounded strong and honest, and I could hardly believe these same men were secretly planning to kill us.
'One more cheer* for Captain Smollett!' cried Long John.
The men cheered* again.
After that, the three gentlemen went down to the cabin. A little later, someone came to get me.
They were sitting around the table with wine and food. The doctor was smoking his pipe, and I could see he was nervous.
'Now, Hawkins,' said the squire, 'speak. Tell us what's on your mind.'
So I told the whole story of what I had heard Silver say. Nobody interrupted me until I had finished.
'Jim,' said Dr. Livesey, 'sit down.'
They gave me some wine and food, and each man raised his glass to my health. They thanked me for being so brave.
'Captain,' said the squire, 'you were right, and I was wrong.'
'No, sir,' said the captain. 'I have never seen a crew planning a mutiny* without showing signs before. But this crew is different.'
'Captain,' said the doctor, 'that is because of Silver. He is a danger to us.'
'He would look be less dangerous hanging from a rope,' said the captain. 'But we need a plan. I see three points.'
'Please go on,' said the squire.
The captain spoke seriously. 'Firstly, we must go on, because we cannot turn back. If we try, they will attack us. Secondly, we have some time before they act. Thirdly, we still have some men we can trust. Sooner or later, there will be a fight. I think we should wait and choose the right moment to fight back.'
In the end, we counted our friends. 'That makes seven of us,' said the captain, 'including Jim.'
'Maybe some of the other men are still honest,' said the doctor.
'I really don't believe all this! And they are all English!' said the squire. 'I feel so annoyed I could destroy the ship!'
'We must stay calm,' said the captain. 'We must wait and watch carefully. It is not easy, but we have no other choice.'
'Jim can help us,' said the doctor. 'The men talk freely with him, and he pays attention.'
'Hawkins, we trust you,' said the squire.
I felt frightened when I heard this. But somehow, it was through me that we could stay safe. At that moment, we had only seven men we could trust out of twenty-six—and one of them was just a boy.
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