Chapter 34 of Treasure Island brings the adventure to a gripping conclusion as the loyalists prepare to leave the island—and the danger—behind. For days, they work tirelessly to load the Hispaniola with the vast treasure, all while keeping a cautious watch on the three remaining mutineers who still roam the island.

“The three fellows still abroad upon the island did not greatly trouble us; a single sentry on the shoulder of the hill was sufficient to ensure us against any sudden onslaught…”

At night, the pirates’ drunken singing echoes across the island, a haunting reminder of their failed rebellion. The loyalists hold council and decide on a controversial solution: the mutineers will be marooned on the island.

Rather than returning them to England to face the gallows, they leave behind supplies to give the pirates a fighting chance—“a good stock of powder and shot, the bulk of the salt goat, a few medicines… and by the particular desire of the doctor, a handsome present of tobacco.”

Stopping briefly in Spanish America to resupply, the loyalists enjoy a rare evening of peace with the captain of a man-of-war. But the calm is short-lived—Long John Silver, ever the opportunist, seizes his chance and escapes, vanishing with a bag of stolen coins.

“I think we were all pleased to be so cheaply quit of him.”

Returning to Bristol, the crew disbands, forever changed by their perilous journey. Captain Smollett retires, Ben Gunn squanders his share of the treasure, and Jim Hawkins, haunted by the memories of Treasure Island, vows never to set foot there again.

As the Hispaniola sails into history, the final chapter leaves readers pondering the cost of adventure, the lure of treasure, and the lasting scars of the journey. Did the loyalists truly escape the shadow of the island, or will its ghosts linger in their lives forever?

A FINAL JOURNAL ENTRY

“Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and the rest of these gentlemen having asked me to write down the whole particulars about Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearings of the island, and that only because there is still treasure not yet lifted, I take up my pen…”

The book Treasure Island is one complete journal of Jim Hawkins’ experiences. We’re going to write one last journal entry for him.

TERMS TO KNOW

Minted money – coins produced by a government or authorized entity, typically using metal such as gold, silver, or copper.

“Like Billy Bones's hoard for the diversity of coinage” – treasure containing coins from various countries or origins.

“It was only a snatch that reached our ears” – a distant voice, a faint song, or a muffled conversation.

“Was allowed his entire liberty” – granted complete freedom to move and act as they pleased, without restriction or confinement.

“In spite of daily rebuffs” – persistence or determination in the face of repeated rejection, discouragement, or setbacks.

“Trying to ingratiate himself” – an effort to win approval from others by being overly friendly, flattering, or accommodating.

“Meditating a fresh treachery” – plotting a new act of betrayal.

“I'm on your side now, hand and glove” – a close, cooperative relationship, like the perfect fit of a glove on a hand.

A fathom or two of rope – a length of rope measuring between one and two fathoms (a fathom is equal to 6 feet).

“To take them home for the gibbet” – a structure used for the public hangings of convicted criminals as a warning to others.

Baffling winds – unpredictable or shifting winds that make navigation difficult for sailors.

“Offering to dive for bits of money” – acts of desperation, ingenuity, or resourcefulness to earn money.

“Our dark and bloody sojourn” – a brief period spent somewhere, especially away from one’s usual residence.

“With wonderful contortions” – twisting, bending, or moving in an exaggerated, dramatic, or unusual way.

“Connived at his escape” – deliberately allowing another person to escape, often through collusion or turning a blind eye.

“Made a good cruise home” – a successful, smooth, and favorable journey back to a home destination.

“He still lives, a great favourite, though something of a butt” – someone who is both well-liked and respected yet occasionally teased or ridiculed.

“Oxen and wain-ropes would not bring me back” – wain-ropes are sturdy ropes used to tie loads on carts or wagons.