Chapter 10 The voyage

Summary

In this thrilling chapter of 'Treasure Island,' the crew sets sail on the Hispaniola, led by Captain Smollett, but tensions rise aboard. First mate Mr. Arrow succumbs to drunkenness and mysteriously vanishes, while Job Anderson replaces him. Long John Silver, with his cunning and strength, becomes a central figure, forming bonds with the crew and young Jim Hawkins. As the ship nears Treasure Island, Jim overhears a dangerous conversation that places the lives of the honest men in his hands, sparking a new level of suspense in their adventure.

Takeaways

• 🛳️ The crew was busy preparing for the voyage aboard the Hispaniola, with various members making final checks and adjustments.
• 🎶 The crew sang sea shanties like 'Fifteen men on the Dead Man’s Chest,' led by Long John Silver, creating an exciting atmosphere for the journey.
• ⚓ The voyage to Treasure Island was largely uneventful, but Mr. Arrow, the first mate, was frequently drunk and eventually disappeared at sea.
• 📜 Job Anderson took over as first mate after Mr. Arrow was lost, while Mr. Trelawney and Israel Hands helped manage the ship.
• 🐦 Long John Silver had a parrot named Montego, who was well-known for repeating sailors’ curses and was said to be very old.
• 💬 There was tension between the squire and the captain, with the captain remaining cautious about the crew and the voyage, despite some initial improvements.
• 🍎 The squire spoiled the crew with extra food and gifts, including a barrel of apples, despite the captain's concerns about discipline.
• 😨 While hiding in an apple barrel, Jim Hawkins overheard a conversation from Long John Silver, realizing the lives of all the honest men on board depended on him.
• 🏴‍☠️ Long John Silver was a complex figure, strong and intelligent, gaining respect from the crew despite his dark plans.
• 🌊 As they neared Treasure Island, the atmosphere on board shifted, with the crew becoming more focused on the upcoming adventure and dangers ahead.

Q & A

What were the crew members doing on the night before the voyage?

The crew members were making their preparations for the trip. Tim Cooper was checking his sea bag, Abe Gray was carving a good luck charm, and Alan Jenkins was sewing a patch on his shirt.

What song did Long John Silver lead the crew in singing?

Long John Silver led the crew in singing 'Fifteen men on the Dead Man's Chest.'

How did the crew react when Mr. Arrow disappeared during the voyage?

No one was very surprised or sorry when Mr. Arrow disappeared one dark night, as he had been showing signs of drunkenness and was a bad influence on the crew.

Who took over as the first mate after Mr. Arrow's disappearance?

Job Anderson took over as the first mate after Mr. Arrow disappeared, in addition to his regular duties of supervising the masts and rigging.

What was Israel Hands' role aboard the ship, and how did he assist?

Israel Hands was the helmsman, responsible for steering the ship. He was also a confidant of Long John Silver and was very helpful in keeping things running smoothly.

What was unusual about Long John Silver's movement on the ship?

Long John Silver hung his crutch on a rope around his neck so that he could have both hands free to work. He rigged ropes across the deck, allowing him to walk back and forth even in stormy weather.

How did Long John Silver's parrot, Montego, contribute to the story?

Montego, Long John Silver's parrot, was said to be 200 years old and had seen much wickedness. The parrot also swore like a sailor, which Silver explained was because it had been around impolite men.

What was the ongoing tension between the squire and the captain?

The squire despised the captain, and the captain was sharp and curt when speaking to the squire. Though the captain admitted that the crew was behaving well and that the ship was responsive, he still didn't like the voyage, which frustrated the squire.

What was the captain's view on the squire’s generosity towards the crew?

The captain believed that the squire's generosity, like providing extra food and treats for the crew, would spoil them. He warned that spoiling the crew would make them 'devils.'

How did Jim Hawkins discover the treachery on board?

Jim Hawkins climbed into the apple barrel one evening to get an apple and overheard Long John Silver's conversation, which revealed the treachery on board. He realized that the lives of all the honest men aboard depended on him alone.