Chapter 20 of Treasure Island ignites a fiery confrontation as Long John Silver approaches the stockade under a flag of truce, his intentions cloaked in charisma and menace.

Accompanied by several of his men, Silver’s arrival sets the loyalists on edge. Captain Smollett wastes no time, assigning roles to his crew to guard the fort and prepare for whatever treachery might come.

Long John Silver, ever the smooth-talking pirate, offers a deal dripping with deceit: “We want that treasure, and we’ll have it—that’s our point!”

In exchange for the treasure map, he promises safe passage off the island for Smollett and his men.

But the captain stands firm, refusing to yield an inch to the mutineers. His sharp reply cuts through Silver’s offer:

“The next time I see you, I’ll put a bullet in your back. You’ll not have the treasure, nor your freedom. You’ll sail for England—shackled and tried as the pirates you are.”

Silver’s mask of civility crumbles, and his temper erupts. Rising to his feet without assistance, he spits in the dirt and hurls a dire warning:

“Before an hour’s out, I’ll stove in your old block-house like a rum puncheon. Laugh, by thunder, laugh! Before an hour’s out, ye’ll laugh upon the other side. Them that die’ll be the lucky ones.”

As Silver storms back to the ship, the tension inside the stockade reaches a breaking point. The clock is ticking, and the loyalists know they must brace for a savage assault.

Will their defenses hold, or will Silver’s wrath bring the block-house crashing down?

Chapter 20 is a powder keg ready to explode, setting the stage for a brutal clash of wits, wills, and weapons.

MAKE THE UNION JACK

“If you’ll come up one by one, unarmed, I’ll engage to clap you all in irons, and take you home to a fair trial in England. If you won’t, my name is Alexander Smollett. I’ve flown my sovereign’s colours, and I’ll see you all to Davy Jones.” - Captain Smollett

The sovereign’s colours to which the captain is referring is the Union Jack - the national flag of the United Kingdom. We’re going to fly the colours by making a Union Jack flag of our own.

TERMS TO KNOW

Out of the morass – a swampy area that is difficult to navigate.

Desertion – abandoning one’s duty, post, or comrades, often in a time of need or danger. Viewed as a serious betrayal.

“Come, Lasses and Lads” – a traditional English folk song, sung as a cheerful, upbeat tune celebrating rural life, youth, and the joy of festivities. The song was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Saluted in the hand-somest style – showing respect or greeting someone in a courteous or formal manner.

Handspike-end – the end of a sturdy wooden bar used as a lever on a ship, often for turning capstans or moving heavy objects.

“We’ll have to do sentry-go” – means they’ll need to take turns standing guard or acting as sentries to protect their position.

“We were all sheet in the wind’s eye” – the sails were fully open and catching the wind directly, creating a challenging situation for the ship’s navigation. Suggests being completely exposed.

He had been growing nettled – becoming increasingly irritated, annoyed, or agitated. “Nettled” is a metaphor derived from the stinging or discomfort one feels when touching nettle plants.

“You needn’t be so husky with a man” – speaking in a harsh or aggressive manner – suggesting that it’s unnecessary.

“It was as good as the play to see them” – watching the scene unfold was as entertaining as watching a theatrical performance.

“I’ve flown my sovereign’s colors” – a declaration of loyalty. Refers to raising a flag to show one’s identity or allegiance, particularly on ships with a nation’s flag (or “colors”).

“I’ll give my affy-davy” – means “I swear” or “I give you my promise.” An affidavit is a written statement made under oath.

“Your ship’s in irons” – the ship is not to maneuver because it is pointed directly into the wind, unable to catch wind in its sails.

“I’ll stove in your old block-house like a rum puncheon” – implying they will destroy the blockhouse (a fortified structure) as easily as smashing a barrel of rum.

“Ye’ll laugh upon the other side” – a warning that someone who is currently laughing will soon face consequences, causing their mood to change. Essentially, “You won’t be laughing for long.”