Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: Worksheet

VI: I go to Bristol

Several weeks later Doctor Livesey forwarded to me a letter from Squire Trelawney,, who was staying at The Old Anchor Inn, Bristol.

I have good news. Our ship, Hispaniola is almost ready and I have also found the perfect man to help us. Long John Silver - an old sailor who lost his leg in the country’s service. He is now the landlord of an inn but wants to get to sea again. And he knows all the seafaring men in Bristol.

Mr Silver will be our cook and his old ship mates our crew. They are not pretty to look at, but they are fellows with fighting spirit.

Let young Hawkins say farewell to his mother. Then both of you come full speed to Bristol.

John Trelawney

***

As the coach pulled away, I said good-bye to Mother and to the dear old Admiral Benbow, now repainted and repaired. I also thought of the captain, who had so often strode along the beach with his old brass telescope.

Then we turned the corner and my home was out of sight.

We travelled all night on the mail coach. I was wedged in between two large old gentlemen but slept all the way.

A punch in the ribs finally woke me. I opened my eyes. It was daylight and we were outside a large building in a city street.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“The Anchor Inn, Bristol,” said the driver.

I looked out and saw ships of all sizes and nations. Squire Trelawney, dressed in blue like a naval officer was there to greet me.

“Welcome ,Jim,” he cried. “The doctor came last night from London. Bravo! The ship's company is complete! We sail tomorrow!”

Now I was going to sea! To an unknown island in search of buried treasure!

***

Quick Check: True or False?

Squire Trelawney is in Bristol
The ship is called Hispaniola
Jim gets the train to Bristol

Glossary

Lantern - light you can carry

Mist - light fog

Pistol - small gun

Slam - to collide with force e.g slam a door