[00:00.04] Chapter 13.
[00:02.57] How my shore adventure began.
[00:06.93] The next morning, the Hispaniola lay a half mile off the coast of the island.
[00:13.95] The woods were gray, and the rocks stood above them in strange shapes.
[00:20.89] I could hear the surf thundering on the beach, and the birds crying all around us.
[00:28.95] It made my heart sink.
[00:33.35] After such a long voyage, I hated the very sight of Treasure Island.
[00:41.34] There was no wind.
[00:43.84] We had to tow the ship into a narrow passage to a safe anchorage behind Skeleton Island.
[00:52.57] The heat was sweltering, and the men cursed and grubled in the boats.
[01:00.24] We anchored between the two islands.
[01:05.08] The drop of the anchor sent up clouds of birds wheeling and crying over the woods.
[01:13.88] There was a foul, stagnant smell in the air.
[01:20.75] I saw the doctor sniffing it like someone tasting a bad egg.
[01:26.98] I don't know about treasure, he said, but I'd wager there's fever here.
[01:37.01] The crew's mood didn't improve once they were back on the ship.
[01:42.80] They lay around the deck muttering in low voices.
[01:48.41] Every order was received with a black look.
[01:54.04] It was plain that mutiny hung over us like a thundercloud.
[02:02.98] Long John saw it too, and tried his best to cover the men's dangerous mood.
[02:11.15] He kept up one song after another, and sprang to obey every order with a cheery, I, I, sir.
[02:22.70] Later, in the cabin, we discussed our situation.
[02:29.17] Captain Slett looked grim.
[02:33.92] If I risk another order, we'll have the whole crew up in arms against us.
[02:39.96] There's only one man we can rely on.
[02:45.57] And who is that?
[02:48.35] asked the squire.
[02:51.90] Silver, replied the captain.
[02:57.46] You saw how he's behaving.
[03:01.64] He's as anxious as we are to prevent the men taking over the ship now.
[03:08.28] He wants them to wait till he has his hands on the treasure.
[03:15.69] If he had the chance, I believe he could talk the men out of this mood.
[03:24.43] Let's allow the crew an afternoon ashore.
[03:30.69] You mark my words.
[03:35.99] Silver will bring them back as gentle as lambs.
[03:42.67] We all agreed to the captain's plan.
[03:47.45] All the same, we armed our trusted men with loaded pistols, just in case.
[03:56.70] The captain then went on deck to address the men.
[04:01.47] Lads, we've had a hot day's work and we're all tired.
[04:07.80] Some time ashore will do us all a power of good.
[04:13.39] The boats are still in the water.
[04:17.79] Take them and have an afternoon ashore.
[04:23.72] I'll fire the gun half an hour before sundown for you to return.
[04:33.55] At this news, the men came out of their sulk and gave a loud cheer.
[04:42.18] I believe the silly fools thought they'd trip over the treasure as soon as they went ashore.
[04:53.65] The captain kept out of the way and left Silver to arrange the shore party.
[05:01.39] To anyone watching, it was clear that he was the true captain, and they were his crew.
[05:10.71] At last, the shore party was ready.
[05:16.64] 13 were going to the island with Silver, while six were to stay on board.
[05:27.00] At this point, an idea came to me.
[05:32.37] If Silver was leaving six men to watch the ship, I was no use on board.
[05:40.98] On the other hand, if I went ashore, I might learn something useful.
[05:49.74] Just as one of the boats shoved off, I slipped over the side and into it.
[05:59.22] Is that you, Jim?
[06:02.91] Keep your head down, said one of the men.
[06:09.68] Silver looked up sharply and called out, is that young Hawkins?
[06:18.69] From that moment, I regretted what I'd done.
[06:23.96] I'd acted without thinking and landed myself in great danger.
[06:32.84] But it was too late to go back now.
[06:37.92] The boat I was in reached the shore first.
[06:43.22] Before anyone could stop me, I lept out and ran into the woods.
[06:51.76] I could hear Silver shouting behind me.
[06:55.65] Jim!
[06:59.17] Jim!
[07:02.89] But I paid no attention.
[07:06.93] I ran and ducked under branches till I was out of earshot.