Treasure Island Summary

Description

Here you will find a Treasure Island summary (Robert Louis Stevenson's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

P.S.: As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page. But the summaries are totally free!

Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Treasure Island Summary Overview

In the 18th century, a young boy named Jim Hawkins resided with his parents at their inn, the Admiral Benbow, located near Bristol, England. Their lives dramatically change when an old seafarer, Billy Bones, fatally succumbs to a black spot, a well-known pirate symbol. This prompts Jim to open Billy's chest, uncovering a logbook and a map. He and his mother flee with the items just in time before Billy's pursuers ransack their inn. Recognizing the potential value of these items, Jim shows them to Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney who verify that it's a guide to a colossal fortune hidden by the notorious pirate Captain Flint. Trelawney naively assembles a crew for an expedition, unknowingly hiring deceptive individuals, including Long John Silver, a confidant of Flint. The Hispaniola embarks on its journey, and Jim, having discovered Silver's mutinous intentions, shares the unsettling news with the captain. Upon reaching the foretold island, Captain Smollett tactically devises a plan to lure the treacherous crew members to shore. Jim, succumbing to curiosity, accompanies them but soon flees in fear. He winds up witnessing Silver's ruthless murder of an insubordinate sailor. Pushed further into the heart of the island, Jim stumbles upon a deranged man called Ben Gunn, a former crew member of Captain Flint who had been abandoned on the island. Meanwhile, Smollett and his loyal men secure themselves in a fortification previously built by the pirates. Jim returns to the fort with Ben, where they face an ensuing attack. In the heat of the battle, Jim daringly ventures out to locate a handmade boat devised by Ben that's hidden in the woods. Upon finding the boat, Jim courageously sails to the anchored Hispaniola, intending to set it adrift to deprive the pirates of their escape route. After succeeding in his mission, he gets chased by Israel Hands, a watchman who had killed his companion in an inebriated squabble. Despite being injured, Jim manages to overcome Hands. He returns to the fort, only to find it seized by the pirates. Silver takes Jim captive, but the men, distrusting Silver, dethrone him. In a last-ditch attempt to regain control, Silver presents the treasure map to his crew, leading them to a completely excavated and empty treasure site. Just then, Dr. Livesey, Ben, and the others attack the pirates, causing them to scatter. Silver and Jim escape to Ben's cave, where the treasure has been hidden all along. The men spend three days transferring the treasure to the ship before setting sail for home, leaving the remaining pirates stranded on the island. Silver seizes a part of the treasure and secretly disembarks, never to be seen again. Once they return home, Captain Smollett retires, and Ben becomes a lodge-keeper while Jim vows never to engage in treasure hunting again, plagued by nightmares of the sea and gold coins.

chapter 1

Under pressure from Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey, young Jim Hawkins details his experiences with Treasure Island, deliberately leaving out the precise location due to remaining buried treasure. He begins his tale with his initial encounter with a shabby, yet intimidating old seaman at the Admiral Benbow, an inn owned by Jim's father. The seasoned sailor pays for his stay with a handful of gold coins, but proceeds to live in the inn far longer than his initial payment allows. He employs Jim to watch for a one-legged sailor he seems to be afraid of and intimidates the others in the inn with his vulgar sea shanties and excessive drinking. Livesey warns the sailor about the perils of alcohol, which merely enrages the man, leading to him threatening Livesey with a knife. Livesey, however, manages to calm the sailor with his composed authority.

chapter 2

In the chill of a January morning, a tall, pale man missing two digits strolls into the inn. He queries Jim about a man named Bill, better known as Billy Bones, identifiable by a facial scar. Jim identifies this as their resident old sailor and informs the stranger of his imminent return. Upon his arrival, Billy Bones goes white at the sight of his old comrade, Black Dog. Their exchange, inaudible to Jim, concludes abruptly as Billy attempts to attack Black Dog with his blade, only to be struck down by a stroke. Dr. Livesey tends to Billy at the inn, firmly advising him against rum due to its potentially fatal effects on his deteriorating health.

chapter 3

Jim takes care of the sick Billy Bones and reluctantly provides him rum when asked. Billy, stimulated by the drink, reveals his need to avoid his former shipmates who are after his sea chest. They once sailed under the now-deceased Captain Flint. That same night, Jim's ill father passes away. After his father's burial, Jim crosses path with a mysterious blind man who wishes to see Billy. The sight of the blind man distresses Billy who receives a black spot from him. Jim knows this is a secret pirate communication. On seeing the black spot, Billy claims he has only six hours left, attempts to get up, but suffers a deadly stroke. Alarmed, Jim calls out for his mother.

chapter 4

Jim informs his mom about the pirates' plan to grab Billy's sea chest, prompting them to seek aid from a neighboring town. However, the name of old Flint terrifies the villagers, leaving them unwilling to help. Determined, Jim and his mom return to the inn armed with a gun. They rummage through Billy's belongings for the key to the chest and find it around his neck. Upon unlocking the chest, they discover hidden gold, some of which his mom claims. Suddenly, footsteps are heard from outside, causing them to quickly grab some papers in an oilcloth from the chest and leave. Overwhelmed by fear, his mom faints once they are out, and Jim manages to hide her under a bridge near the inn.

chapter 5

Jim, hiding and scared yet intrigued, watches seven to eight individuals, including the previously encountered blind man, rush toward the inn. Discovering the inn open and Billy deceased, they express dismay that Billy's chest contains only money, implying they were seeking something more valuable of Flint's. Referred to as Pew by his compatriots, the blind man commands the group to hunt for the absentees, promising them wealth equal to royalty if they locate the elusive item. Pew becomes irate and a heated dispute ensues among the men. A gunshot provokes panic and they scatter, leaving Pew alone. An investigative party on horseback unknowingly tramples and kills Pew. Upon his return, Jim discovers his inn laid waste. He identifies an oilcloth-wrapped packet in his possession as potentially being the object the pirates were after. Although Officer Dance attempts to take control, Jim is hesitant to give him the documents, instead proposing to take them to Dr. Livesey. He joins Dance’s group in heading towards Livesey’s residence.

chapter 6

Jim and his companions reach Dr. Livesey's abode, only to find he's at Squire Trelawney's house, a local aristocrat. So, they proceed there and locate the two gentlemen in the study. There, Dr. Livesey scrutinizes the oilskin packet Jim found. Trelawney compares Flint, the pirate, to Blackbeard, declaring him more ruthless and significantly richer. Upon opening the oilskin-wrapped book, they realize it contains a record of all locations where Flint amassed his treasures and the gold he garnered at each site. Interestingly, the packet also encloses a chart of an island, complete with longitude and latitude, where Flint's treasure is supposedly buried. The discovery excites Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, who immediately scheme to journey to the island, intending to take Jim as a cabin boy. All present vow to maintain secrecy regarding their plans.

chapter 7

Jim is relieved when Dr. Livesey receives news from Squire Trelawney about the ship and crew secured for their voyage to Treasure Island. Trelawney, with the aid of a questionable Bristol acquaintance, has acquired a ship named the Hispaniola. Securing a crew proves challenging until Trelawney encounters Long John Silver, a former sailor longing for the sea life. Silver, a one-legged man, is eager to join the voyage as the ship's cook. Trelawney employs him and Silver assists in assembling the remaining crew. Soon after a heartfelt goodbye with his mother, Jim, joined by Tom Redruth, another member of the crew, heads for Bristol the following morning. At the Bristol inn, they find Trelawney dressed in a sea officer's uniform, announcing their departure for the following day.

chapter 8

Trelawney hands Jim a message for Long John Silver at the local tavern, the Spy-glass. As Jim goes to meet the sailor, he is surprised by Silver's neat appearance. Jim quickly identifies and introduces himself to Silver. Suddenly, another tavern patron gets up to leave, catching Jim’s eye. He realizes it's Black Dog and tells Silver. To his delight, Silver also holds a negative opinion of Black Dog and Pew. Silver's viewpoint earns Jim's trust, and they spend some time at the docks, discussing sailing and marine life. Silver meets Dr. Livesey and shows him respect, which Livesey reciprocates, expressing his satisfaction with Silver as the ship's new cook.

chapter 9

Upon entering the ship, Jim and Silver encounter Mr. Arrow, the friendly first mate who has a good rapport with Trelawney. However, Trelawney doesn't share the same amicable relationship with the captain, Smollett. Smollett, a straightforward man, doesn't hold back his distaste for the crew and his uneasiness about the journey. He also expresses his displeasure at the apparent loose talk around the map and the treasure, despite Trelawney's assurance of maintaining secrecy. Once the captain departs, Livesey communicates his unwavering trust in both Silver and Smollett.

chapter 10

The journey gets off to a bad start when the crew discovers that Mr. Arrow, the first mate, is a chronic alcoholic who's of no use on the ship. One night, he vanishes without a trace and the crew believes he must've drunkenly fallen overboard. Job Anderson, the boatswain, takes over his position. Jim remains captivated by Silver's agile movements around the deck, despite his disability. Furthermore, Silver's ancient parrot, Cap'n Flint, named after a notorious pirate, fascinates him. Even though there's some tension between Trelawney and Smollett, the voyage continues as expected. One night, while craving an apple, Jim hides in an apple barrel on the ship and accidentally eavesdrops on an impactful discussion.

chapter 11

Tucked away in an apple barrel, Jim accidentally stumbles upon Long John Silver's conversation with some crew members. Silver boasts about his rich exploits with old Flint, revealing he has nearly three thousand pounds tucked away safely in a bank, a fortune amassed from his dealings with the so-called "gentlemen of fortune". Jim quickly deduces that this term is a veiled reference to pirates. He discovers that many of Flint's old comrades are on the ship, masquerading as regular seamen but harboring secret plans to seize the treasure. Silver also reveals that some of the crew have been swayed to join their conspiracy, while others have declined. Jim observes the pirates secretly indulging in a hoard of rum. Amidst this, the deck's call of "Land ho!" rings out.

chapter 12

As they approach the island, Smollett and his team debate about the ideal spot to anchor. He studies an island map which Jim recognizes as a duplicate of the treasure map, minus the “X” indicating the stash location. Silver, familiar with the island, provides guidance and shares his fondness for the island with Jim. After praising his crew for their efforts, Smollett goes below deck to confer with Trelawney. Jim, later going below deck, informs Smollett and Trelawney of Silver’s sinister plans, relaying the conversation he had overheard from the apple barrel. Trelawney quickly confesses his mistake in hiring the crew and confiding in Silver. Smollett emphasizes the need for everyone to remain on high alert.

chapter 13

In the scorching heat, the ship's crew grows grumpy and restless. Dr. Livesey alerts them about potential tropical illnesses they could contract on the island. Leveraging his understanding of the island, Silver suggests a suitable spot to Captain Smollett to drop anchor. Smollett, aware of the upcoming mutiny, doesn't spill the beans. With Squire Trelawney's advice, he consents to let the crew disembark for fun, providing an opportunity for the honest crew members to regain control of the ship. Smollett confides in Tom Redruth and a few other trustworthy sailors, arming them with weapons. Silver escorts the pirates to the island, assuming they'll find the treasure at once. Jim, believing he's not needed on the ship, sneaks into one of the pirate's boats and accompanies them to the island. However, Silver spots Jim who immediately regrets his choice. Jim manages to escape from them by reaching the shoreline first.

chapter 14

Jim is taken aback when he hears voices while exploring the island. He quietly approaches and sees Silver trying to convince a sailor, Tom, to join the rebel crew. Silver implies that Tom's life depends on his choice, but Tom firmly rejects the offer. A distant, chilling scream interrupts them, which Silver dismissively attributes to Alan, a loyal sailor who has also rejected the pirates. Tom informs Silver that they are no longer friends and starts to leave. Silver responds violently, throwing his crutch at Tom's back and knocking him down. He then proceeds to end Tom's life with his knife. Jim, filled with fear, realizes his path back to the ship is blocked by Silver and his men. He decides to flee further into the island.

chapter 15

In his flight from the pirates, Jim encounters a man in the woods and is initially afraid, thinking the figure could be a cannibal. He collects himself upon remembering he's armed, and boldly approaches the man. He learns the man's name is Ben Gunn, who claims to have been marooned on the island for three years. Ben's erratic speech, filled with religious references, makes Jim question his sanity. With Ben's inquiry about a ship belonging to Flint, Jim realizes that Ben could possess valuable knowledge. It turns out Ben used to be a part of Flint's crew, and thus, he is familiar with all the mutineers. Ben discloses he was abandoned on the island following an unsuccessful treasure quest three years prior. He tells Jim about Flint burying his treasure and murdering the six men who had helped him. Ben reveals he has built a boat hidden under a white rock and promises to lead Jim to the treasure in exchange for a safe journey back home. He takes Jim to his abode, and on the way, Jim is surprised to spot the Union Jack, the symbol of a noble sailor, flying high in the distant trees.

chapter 16

Dr. Livesey assumes the role of the narrator, taking up the story when the rebels left for the island. He and Captain Smollett worry for Jim, who they realize is with the mutineers. Consequently, Dr. Livesey, accompanied by Hunter, the servant of Squire Trelawney, decides to land on the island. There, he stumbles upon a fortification made by Flint's crew, located near a spring. After returning to the ship, he informs the rest of the crew about his discovery. Risking the possibility of alerting the onshore rebels, they load two boats with supplies. Captain Smollett offers Abraham Gray, a sailor who has sided with the mutineers, a final opportunity to join them. Gray manages to get on the boat, and they all start for the shore.

chapter 17

Captain Smollett, Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, Tom Redruth, and Abraham Gray are aboard a small, overfilled boat that's difficult to control. They become suspicious that the rebellious crew might attack, knowing they have weapons and gunpowder, and that Israel Hands was Flint's former gunman. Trelawney attempts to shoot Hands but accidentally hits a different pirate, an act ignored by the mutineers. Hands retaliates by shooting a cannonball at their boat, leading it to sink. Luckily, no lives are lost due to the shallow water, but they have to abandon half their supplies as they wade to shore.

chapter 18

Smollett's party reaches the stockade, halting to reload their firearms. They come across a slain pirate and celebrate their victory momentarily, before Tom Redruth is fatally shot. The crew assists him in his last moments, with Squire Trelawney asking for his forgiveness. They all believe Tom will find peace in death, considering he fell while performing his duty. Being cornered in the stockade, the party endures persistent cannon attacks throughout the night, with the pirates specifically targeting the Union Jack. Smollett refuses to lower the flag and records the names of the stockade occupants in his logbook. In the meantime, Livesey ponders about Jim's whereabouts. Unexpectedly, Jim shows up at that moment.

chapter 19

Continuing his narrative, Jim, along with Ben Gunn, moves towards the stockade, drawn by the sight of the Union Jack. Uncertain if it's the captain's team or the mutineers in charge, Ben convinces him that the pirates wouldn't hoist the Union Jack. A sudden cannon blast scatters the loyal crew from the stronghold. Jim later spots the Jolly Roger, the pirate flag, flying over the ship and hears the pirates' drunken chatter. He enters the bastion to unite with Captain Smollett's party and share his experiences. Smollett delegates work among the men, appointing Jim as the watchman. He inquires about Ben's mental state, showing compassion for the unhinged man. As Jim rests, he is awakened by a declaration that Long John Silver is approaching with a peace flag.

chapter 20

Smollett doesn't trust Silver's peace offering, suspecting foul play. Silver introduces himself as "Captain Silver," expressing his desire for a settlement. Smollett disputes Silver's self-appointed captaincy and declines his offer for dialogue. Undeterred, Silver scales the barricade and confronts Smollett, demanding the treasure map as a condition for a truce. An incensed Smollett reminds Silver of his superior position over the mutineers. Silver makes another attempt, assuring Smollett and his crew of a safe journey if they hand over the map. When Smollett once again rejects his proposal, Silver departs in a huff.

chapter 21

Having shunned Silver abruptly, Captain Smollett foresees a retaliation from the pirates and instructs his crew to brace themselves. After a nerve-wracking hour, they hear scattered gunfire and spot pirates clambering over the stockade's barrier. Gray and Squire Trelawney retaliate, injuring a few pirates. A battle breaks out, and when the dust settles, Smollett, Dr. Livesey, Jim and most of their party make it back to the stockade, suffering fewer losses than the rebellious pirates.

chapter 22

After the conflict with the rebels quietens down, Captain Smollett's crew gets a breather in the enclosure. The sight of Dr. Livesey wandering off into the woods with the map leaves Gray puzzled. Jim explains that Livesey is off to see Ben Gunn. Meanwhile, Jim, stuck with the mundane task of clearing the aftermath of the skirmish, yearns for more adventurous pursuits. On a sudden impulse, Jim sets off to find the coracle that Ben had alluded to. As he reaches the shore, he spots Silver and his men engaged in light-hearted banter. The shrill cry of Silver’s parrot, Cap’n Flint, rings in the air. After some looking around, Jim discovers the tiny handmade boat reminiscent of those used by ancient Britons. He decides to set the Hispaniola adrift using the coracle. As night descends, Jim lifts the coracle onto his shoulders and strides towards the water.

chapter 23

Navigating the coracle proves challenging for Jim, but he eventually reaches the stationary ship. Holding onto the hawser, he cautiously starts to sever it with his knife, avoiding potential injury when it breaks. He waits for a lull in the wind to cut the remaining threads while he overhears the pirates’ crude, inebriated conversations. One sailor hauntingly sings of a voyage that began with seventy-five men and ended with one survivor. When a gust of wind arrives, Jim finishes cutting the rope, freeing the Hispaniola. Acting impulsively, he pulls himself up to the window to see the ship’s sudden movement unnoticed by the pirates. His curiosity reveals a distraction; Hands and another pirate are engaged in a fight. Suddenly, he finds himself back in the coracle, shockingly close to the pirates’ shore-bound bonfire. Convinced his end is near, he prays, and falls asleep in the coracle, his dreams filled with thoughts of home.

chapter 24

Jim wakes up to find himself at the rocky southwestern end of Treasure Island. Realizing he can't paddle to shore without endangering himself, he struggles to steer towards a safer spot up north. He finally reaches a cove, parched from thirst, and catches sight of the aimlessly drifting Hispaniola. He figures out that the crew must be either drunk or have abandoned the ship. Jim comes up with a risky plan to board the Hispaniola. Despite the danger of being seen, he embraces the adventure of the situation and begins to paddle. Once he boards the ship, he scrambles for water to soothe his thirst. Suddenly, he hears the ship damaging and wrecking the coracle. Jim now realizes that leaving the ship is no longer an option for him.

chapter 25

When Jim boards the Hispaniola, he initially sees no one. He soon discovers two guards: Israel Hands, soaked in blood and unconscious from drunkenness, and another man, lifeless. Jim speaks to Hands, who pleads for brandy. After searching the ship’s storage, Jim finds most of the liquor gone. He provides Hands with a drink, requesting that he be accepted as the captain since he now controls the ship. Jim then disposes of the pirates' Jolly Roger flag into the sea. Hands casually mentions the dead man near him, slandering his Irish heritage and observing his uselessness in guiding the ship. Hands then emphasizes his own skills in navigation, proposing a deal with Jim: if Hands receives food, drink, and medical assistance, he will help Jim manage the ship. They steer towards the island's North Inlet, carried by a helpful wind. Jim enjoys his newfound authority but remains cautious of Hands's constant monitoring.

chapter 26

Jim and Hands near the North Inlet, waiting for a suitable tide to anchor. Hands suggests discarding the deceased Irishman's body into the sea as he's uncomfortable with it lying on the deck. Jim doesn't like this plan and they discuss the nature of death, with Jim insisting that the soul lives on. Hands changes the topic, asking Jim to fetch him some wine, claiming the brandy is too potent for him. Jim feigns compliance and secretly observes Hands as he hides a large knife under his coat. Understanding that he needs Hands to steer the ship safely into the inlet, Jim keeps a cautious eye on him. As they near the anchorage, Jim's attention to the navigation causes him to let his guard down and Hands seizes the chance to attack. In the ensuing fight, Jim scrambles up the mast with Hands in pursuit. Jim draws his gun on Hands but is wounded when Hands throws his knife, hitting Jim's shoulder and pinning him to the mast. Startled, Jim fires his gun and Hands tumbles into the water.

chapter 27

Jim, still impaled to the mast by the knife, watches Hands's body surface once before sinking. Though bloodied, he is not gravely injured. Fear initially possesses him, but he eventually steadies himself. He painfully frees himself from the mast by tearing the skin on his shoulder, which the knife had nailed. After attending to his wound, he spots the lifeless Irishman on the deck and sends the body into the sea. Feeling isolated on the boat, Jim figures that he is near enough to the shore to safely swim. He lands on the island and traverses the wilderness to find Captain Smollett's fort on the island's other side. He spots the flicker of a fire from afar, originating from campfires at the fort. Jim is puzzled that Smollett would allow such firewood extravagance. As he sneaks into the fort, he finds the men sleeping. Out of nowhere, a voice yells, "Pieces of eight!" and he identifies it as Silver's parrot, Cap'n Flint's voice. Realizing the pirates have seized the fort, Jim attempts to escape but is restrained.

chapter 28

Jim stumbles upon the pirates’ hideout, discovering that only half a dozen remain. Long John Silver speaks to Jim warmly, comparing the boy’s younger self to his own. Silver informs Jim that Dr. Livesey is upset with him for leaving and is not missing him. Jim is skeptical but relieved to learn his friends are safe. The boy observes Silver struggling to control his unruly crew. A fearless Jim confesses to Silver about severing the ship's rope and causing the death of Hands, also emphasizing that he is not scared of him. While Silver is merely entertained by Jim, his crew grows increasingly aggressive. Efforts to reestablish his dominance prove futile as the mutineers gather at a distance from Silver and Jim. In a hushed tone, Silver confides in Jim about the brewing mutiny and their need to cooperate for survival. He instructs Jim to act as a captive to maintain the illusion of Silver's authority. To Jim's amazement, Silver uncovers that he is in possession of Livesey's treasure map.

chapter 29

As the pirate discussion wraps up, Silver receives a 'black spot', a pirate's formal judgement, from a Bible page. The message states Silver has lost his leadership for botching the mission. Silver, irate, argues that the failure was due to the crew's interference in his leadership. He emphasizes their looming execution risk and the benefit of holding Jim captive, also highlighting his arrangement for Dr. Livesey's daily care. Silver then dramatically throws down the treasure map given by Livesey, regaining the crew's support. He gives Jim the 'black spot' as a keepsake, which contains a quote from the Book of Revolution. As Jim falls asleep, he reflects on the life he took and Silver's uncertain future.

chapter 30

Upon daylight, Dr. Livesey comes to administer medical care to the pirates. Jim is relieved to see him, but worries about facing his censure. Livesey is taken aback by Jim's presence, treats his patients silently before requesting a private conversation with Jim. An objecting pirate is overruled by Silver, and Jim and Livesey retreat to the other end of the stockade, within Silver's sight. Livesey is surprised that Silver is not concerned about Jim, his captive, but Silver assures him of his trust in Livesey's honor. Livesey criticizes Jim for abandoning the captain in his vulnerable state, causing Jim to break down. Unexpectedly, Livesey proposes they both escape from the pirates. Jim declines, stating it wouldn't be ethical. He then reveals to Livesey that he knows the whereabouts of the Hispaniola. Surprised, Livesey credits Jim for continuously rescuing their lives. He then hands Jim back to Silver as a captive, cautioning him not to rush in discovering the treasure.

chapter 31

Silver expresses gratitude to Jim for protecting his life and opting to stay, despite Dr. Livesey's advice to flee. As they have breakfast, Jim is surprised by the surplus of food the band has prepared. The pirates, anticipating the imminent acquisition of the treasure, are in high spirits, but Jim, convinced of Silver's impending betrayal, is disheartened. Post-breakfast, the treasure hunt commences with Silver leading Jim, bound by a leash. They navigate through the hilly terrain, pausing occasionally to refer to the map. Their trek to the hilltop reveals a startling sight – a skeleton dressed in sailor's attire spread out on the ground, its position resembling a compass pointing towards the treasure. The missing knife of the skeleton hints that others might have discovered it before them. Recognizing the long bones and yellow hair, the pirates identify the skeleton as Allardyce, a former member of Flint's crew. Guided by Allardyce's hint, they continue their pursuit of the treasure.

chapter 32

Silver takes a break from the treasure hunt but maintains that they are nearing their goal. One pirate is nervous about the legacy of Flint, to which Silver responds they're fortunate Flint is no longer alive. Suddenly, they hear a shaking voice singing their common pirate song, “Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest.” One pirate insists it's Flint's voice, inciting panic in the group who believe they've disturbed a phantom. The spectral voice returns, echoing Flint's dying words. One pirate pulls out his Bible and begins to pray. Silver, unaffected by the scare, dismisses the others' superstitions and stays concentrated on the quest for treasure. They press on, driven by Silver's increasing anticipation. But as they stumble upon the supposed treasure spot, they are astounded to see it already dug up and only a vacant pit awaits them.

chapter 33

The pirates, including Silver, are stunned to discover the treasure missing. Silver gives Jim back his weapon, understanding he requires the boy's assistance. However, Jim questions Silver's loyalty. As the crew digs deeper, they uncover a small amount of coins. Silver is accused by one of them of concealing the fact that the treasure was missing. Suddenly, the pirates, now united in their anger, turn on Silver. But just then, gunfire rings out from the nearby bushes, mowing down several pirates. Silver swiftly takes out the pirate who had blamed him. Dr. Livesey, Ben Gunn, and Abraham Gray step out of their hiding place, guns still smoking. Grateful to Livesey for rescuing him from the mutiny, Silver greets Ben Gunn warmly. It's revealed that Ben had previously unearthed the treasure and relocated it to a cave during his time on the island. Livesey was aware of this and handed the now useless map to Silver. Concerned for Jim's safety, Livesey instructed Ben to mimic Captain Flint's voice to scare the pirates and delay them. In the end, they all find the relocated treasure in the cave. Captain Smollett asserts he and Jim will never sail together again. After the day's events, they all sit down for a meal, with Jim notably content among his allies.

chapter 34

The men start the strenuous process of transferring the gold to the Hispaniola the following morning. Jim is captivated by the diversity of the coins, interested more in their distinctive designs and country of origin than the value they hold. During the third day of loading, they stumble upon three mutineers, who appear drunk or unhinged, and choose to abandon them on the island with limited supplies. As the crew and Captain Smollett ready to set sail, the stranded mutineers plead to be taken along, falling to their knees in desperation. Realising they are being deserted, they open fire at the departing ship, but fail to inflict any harm. Smollett directs the Hispaniola towards a port in Spanish America before heading home. The ship finally reaches Bristol. Jim, reflecting on past events, shares that Captain Smollett has left his seafaring days behind, Ben has used up his reward and now manages a lodge, and Silver mysteriously disappeared one night during the journey, taking a few treasure bags and vanishing. Jim harbours no ill will towards Silver. He reveals the treasure's remainder is still on the island and firmly asserts he would never participate in another treasure hunt. He confesses that he is haunted by nightmares of Silver’s parrot screeching, “Pieces of eight! pieces of eight!”

Enjoying this summary?
Buy the book! (it's better)

People who recommended Treasure Island

Richard Branson

Richard Branson recommended this book on his "70 must-read books" blog post.

Lists that recommended Treasure Island

Best Adventure Books

Best Pirate Books