The discovery in Chapter 6 of Treasure Island sets the stage for an adventure that will test courage, loyalty, and survival itself. Jim Hawkins, clutching the mysterious oilskin packet, rushes to Dr. Livesey, who is dining with the bold and excitable Squire Trelawney. As Jim recounts the harrowing events leading to this moment, the atmosphere crackles with anticipation.

When they finally open the packet, the room falls silent. Inside lies a journal filled with cryptic entries, odd sketches, and most thrilling of all—a treasure map. Marked with red crosses and cryptic notations, it promises the location of Captain Flint’s legendary buried treasure on a distant, unnamed island.

The squire is electrified by the discovery and wastes no time devising a plan. A ship will be commissioned. A crew will be assembled. And the adventure of a lifetime will begin.

Jim is recruited as cabin-boy, Dr. Livesey as ship’s doctor, and Squire Trelawney declares himself admiral of the expedition. But before they part ways, Dr. Livesey issues a stark warning:

“There’s only one man I’m afraid of.”

When pressed, the doctor’s reply cuts through the squire’s enthusiasm:

“You—for you cannot hold your tongue.”

With that, the curtain closes on Part One of Treasure Island, but the promise of high-seas danger and swashbuckling adventure looms large. The map is drawn, the ship awaits, and the island beckons. But with treasure comes treachery—who can Jim truly trust? And what dangers lie ahead on the path to Captain Flint’s gold? The real adventure is about to begin—brace yourself!

HOW TO MAKE COLD PIE

“I propose we should have up the cold pie, and let him sup.”

“As you will, Livesey,” said the squire; “Hawkins has earned better than cold pie.”

So a big pigeon pie was brought in and put on a side-table, and I made a hearty supper, for I was as hungry as a hawk…”

TERMS TO KNOW

A matted passage – a corridor or hallway covered by a mat or a layer of material that makes it less slippery or reduces noise.

Cold pie – a pre-cooked meat or vegetable pie that’s eaten cold.

Pigeon pie – a savory pie made with pigeon meat, common in 18th- and 19th-century England.

Rum-puncheon – a large cask or barrel used to store rum, often holding around 72 to 120 gallons.

Rascal carcasses – “rascal” implies a mischievous person, while “carcasses” bluntly refers to their bodies – morally expendable.

Black-hearted hound – someone who is deeply evil or morally corrupt. “Black-hearted” suggests a cruel nature – animalistic.

Soundings – measurements of the depth of water, typically taken by sailors to determine if an area is navigable by ship.

Tottery – someone or something that is unsteady, shaky, or weak, often due to age, illness, or exhaustion.

Cabin-boy – a young boy or teenager on a ship who assists the crew, especially by performing tasks for the captain and officers.

Play duck and drake with – to squander something valuable. It originates from an old game in which players would skip flat stones across the surface of water, like skipping stones today.

Desperate blades – swords or knives wielded by individuals in dire situations – unpredictable and dangerous.