Chapter 12 of Treasure Island raises the stakes to a fever pitch as the realization of Long John Silver’s treachery forces Jim Hawkins and the ship’s leaders into a desperate fight for survival.

Armed with the chilling secrets he overheard in the apple barrel, Jim requests a private meeting with Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney, and Captain Smollett. What he reveals in the belly of the ship changes everything.

As Jim recounts every word of the mutiny plot, the gravity of their situation settles over the group. Captain Smollett listens intently, then takes control with his calm yet firm resolve.

A strategy begins to take shape, but the odds are grim. Outnumbered nearly three to one—six loyal men and one boy against 19 mutineers—they know their only chance of survival is to strike first.

Tensions between Smollett and Trelawney dissolve in the face of the crisis, as both acknowledge the critical mistakes made in assembling the crew. Regret gives way to determination as they unite, pooling their strengths to prepare for the fight ahead.

Time is running out. The pirates have yet to make their move, but the advantage won’t last long. With a few trusted allies among the crew and a plan born of necessity, Smollett prepares his men for the battle that looms on the horizon.

For Jim, the weight of their situation is crushing. How can they possibly survive when the odds are so overwhelmingly against them? As the ship sails closer to the island, the question lingers: can courage, strategy, and a bit of luck save them, or will the pirates’ mutiny spell doom for them all?

The tension builds, and the first blow is about to fall.

LEARN TO TIE A SAILOR KNOT

“Every man on board had done his duty, alow and aloft, as I never ask to see it done better… I’ll tell you what I think of this; I think it handsome. And if you think as I do, you’ll give a good sea cheer.”

What is a sailor’s duty, if not to master the art of knot-tying? We’re going to learn a few techniques and attempt to master one. Find yourself a good rope and let’s begin the instructions.

TERMS TO KNOW

Fore-sail – a type of sail located on the front (or “fore”) mast of a sailing ship. It’s usually the lowest sail on the foremast, positioned closest to the deck, and helps to steer and stabilize the ship.

Quarter-deck – the part of a ship’s deck located toward the stern (rear) where the officers typically command the vessel. Traditionally, it’s an elevated section of the deck and is often reserved for the captain and higher-ranking crew members.

Weather bow – the side of a ship’s bow that faces into the wind, exposed to oncoming weather, such as wind, waves, or storms.

“When all was sheeted home” – the moment when all the sails on a ship have been fully deployed, tightened, and properly adjusted to catch the maximum amount of wind.

“I’ve watered there” – has previously visited and taken on fresh water there for the ship’s supply, to replenish drinking water.

Soundings – measuring the depth of water beneath a ship to ensure clearance. Sailors lowered a weighted line with marks on it, called a lead line, into the water until it hit the seabed.

Duplicity – deceitfulness or double-dealing—when someone presents one thing while secretly acting in the opposite way.

Alow and aloft – the entire height of a ship, from the lowest part (below deck or “alow”) to the highest (up in the rigging or “aloft”).

Yard-arm – the horizontal spar (pole) on a ship’s mast from which sails are hung. Yard-arms extend outward from the mast and support square sails, which are adjusted to catch the wind.

Take time by the forelock – to seize an opportunity before it passes. The idea of time as a figure with a forelock (a tuft of hair at the front) that one can grab to prevent it from slipping away.