Chapter 18 of Treasure Island throws us straight into the chaos of battle as Dr. Livesey recounts the loyalists’ desperate fight to defend the stockade.

Having reached the fort, the men dig in for a brutal confrontation, but the pirates, armed to the teeth and moving with deadly precision, waste no time in attacking.

Gunfire erupts, and the loyalists strike back, taking down one of the mutineers. But the cost is heavy—Tom Redruth, the loyal gamekeeper and companion to Squire Trelawney, falls in the exchange. His final words echo in the hearts of the crew:

“Be I going, doctor?”

“Tom, my man,” Livesey replies, “you’re going home.”

As bullets rain down, tension mounts. The squire debates removing the flag marking their position, fearing it makes them an easy target. But Captain Smollett’s defiant words ignite a shared resolve: “Strike my colours? No, sir, not I!”

With resources dwindling, the loyalists attempt to recover supplies from the water, but it’s too late—the pirates seize their food, leaving the cabin crew stranded and hungry.

The fort becomes both their refuge and their trap, as every move is shadowed by the constant threat of enemy fire.

Then, amidst the chaos, a voice rises above the clamor. Someone is hailing them from outside the stockade. The men brace for another attack, only to find the last person they expected—Jim Hawkins.

How did Jim survive the island on his own? And what dangers has he unwittingly brought back with him?

Chapter 18 marks a turning point, where loyalty, courage, and survival are tested in the crucible of battle, and every decision could mean the difference between life and death. The adventure has never been more dangerous—or more thrilling.

MAKE A LOGBOOK

A logbook is a record-keeping book where a ship’s captain records important information about the voyage. This includes details such as the ship’s location, weather conditions, daily events, crew activities, and any incidents or changes in course.

The logbook serves as an official document of the journey, providing a detailed account of what occurred each day. Let’s make our own logbook for record-keeping of our own.

TERMS TO KNOW

Breasted across a bit of thicket – pushing one’s way through a dense patch of shrubs, using their chest to press through.

Appeared in full cry – arriving with loud shouts or intense excitement, possibly in pursuit or alarm.

A coil of stoutish rope – a thick rope that has been wound up.

Run up the colors – means to raise the ship’s flag, often on a mast, to display a particular allegiance or signal. “Colors” refers to the flag or ensign that represents a country, ship, or group.

“It mayn’t be good divinity” – acknowledging that one’s words or actions might not align with their religious beliefs but may be practical or necessary in certain circumstances.

Expect the consort – anticipating the arrival of a partner vessel.

“We were pretty close hauled” – sailing as directly into the wind as possible, angling to catch the wind just enough to move forward without being blown off course, typically at 45 degrees.

“A piece of stout, seamanly good feeling” – a sentiment that reflects the strong, honest camaraderie valued among sailors. “Stout” means robust; “seamanly” means loyal and courageous.

“We despised their cannonade” – unfazed or unimpressed by the cannon fire directed at them.