Chapter 25 of Treasure Island is a tense and gripping encounter as Jim Hawkins boldly takes control of the Hispaniola.

Climbing aboard, he discovers a grim scene: two mutineers, Israel Hands and O’Brien, locked in a deadly struggle that has left one dead and the other gravely wounded. At first, Jim thinks both are lifeless—until Israel Hands begins to stir.

In a daring move, Jim announces himself as the ship’s new captain. The wounded coxswain, too weak to resist, grudgingly accepts his command.

Jim seizes the moment, tearing down the ominous black jolly roger flying atop the ship and casting it into the sea.

“God save the king!” Jim shouts, waving his cap. “And there’s an end to Captain Silver!”

But the uneasy truce with Israel Hands is fraught with danger. The cunning pirate offers to help Jim sail the Hispaniola, but his cooperation comes at a price: brandy, food, and dressing for his wounds. Jim, though wary, gathers what’s needed and works to steer the ship toward the North Inlet—a safer hiding place out of view of the other pirates.

“I’ll tell you one thing,” Jim declares. “I’m not going back to Captain Kidd’s anchorage.”

Though Jim appears to be in control, the situation is far from secure. Israel’s motives remain suspect, and the tension between them simmers just below the surface. Can Jim keep the upper hand, or is Israel Hands plotting his next move? Chapter 25 sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown, where every decision could mean the difference between survival and disaster.

MAKE A JOLLY ROGER

“By-the-by,” I continued. “I can’t have these colours, Mr. Hands; and, by your leave, I’ll strike ‘em…” I ran to the colour lines, handed down their cursed black flag, and chucked it overboard." The Jolly Roger, the iconic black flag with a white skull and crossbones, has become the symbol of piracy. When pirate ships approached a target vessel, they often flew false colors to appear friendly. Upon drawing near, the pirates would hoist the Jolly Roger, signaling the crew to surrender without a fight.

TERMS TO KNOW

Flying jib – an additional sail that extends even further forward than the regular jib on a sailing ship. The flying jib is rigged to a spar (the jib-boom) that projects outward from the bowsprit, creating extra sail area at the very front of the vessel.

After-deck – the rear (aft) section of a ship’s deck. This area is located toward the back, near the stern, and is typically where the captain or officers manage the ship’s navigation and steering.

Main-boom – the long horizontal spar (pole) attached to the foot of the ship’s mainsail. The main-boom extends outward from the mainmast, holding the lower edge of the mainsail in place and allowing it to be angled to catch the wind. By moving the boom side to side, sailors can control the sail’s position.

Main-mast – the tallest and central mast on a ship, located near the middle of the vessel. It supports the largest sails, including the mainsail, which provides the primary source of propulsion.

Lockfast places – locked compartments on the ship where valuable or sensitive items are kept.

Pipe-lights – small sources of flame, such as matches or kindling, used to light a pipe for smoking.

“Brown as umber” – something with a deep, rich brown color, similar to the earthy tone of the pigment known as umber.

Rudder head – the upper part of the ship’s rudder, which is used for steering. Where the rudder connects to the tiller or wheel.

Water-breaker – a small barrel used to store fresh drinking water.

Drunk a gill – a unit of volume, equal to a quarter of a pint.

By-the-by – an informal expression meaning “by the way.”

Dead as bilge – likening something to bilge water, which is the foul water that collects in the lowest part of a ship’s hull.

Ankecher – a colloquial expression for “handkerchief.”

Captain Kidd’s anchorage – a spot near the island to anchor a ship where pirates abound.

North Inlet – a quiet, more secluded part of the island, located on the northern side, away from the areas occupied by the pirates.

Lashed the tiller – securing the tiller (the lever used to steer the ship) by tying it in place with rope.