Men ,you've had a hot ,tiring day,’he said.‘The boats are still in the water. Any man who wants to can go ashore for the afternoon.You'll hear a gun half an hour before the sun goes down to call you back.’

They all became happier at once .I think they thought they would find the treasure lying around on the beach! After some talk, six men stayed on board ,and the others, with Silver, got into the small boats.

I then had the first of the mad ideas that helped to save our lives. If six men were left, we could not take control of the ship ;and because only six were left, the captain's men did not need my help. So I quickly went over the ship's side and into the nearest boat.

No one took much notice of me, only one man saying,‘Is that you ,Jim?’But Silver called from the other boat, wanting to know if it was me. Then I began to worry if I had done the right thing.