Saved by the discovery of Treasure Island, Jim is able to escape from the apple barrel and joins the other in perusing the island. The island, as they discover, has three hills, one higher than the surrounding two.
At this point, Long John Silver admits that he has been on the island before, claiming that he was there as a cook on trading shop that was forced to stop on the island for water. While there, he claims that he learned the pirates' names for places on the island and offers to help the captain find the best place to anchor. He claims that the best place is an islet denoted as Skeleton Island, and that the previously identified highest hill is called Spy-glass, since it was the pirate's lookout. Because of his knowledge Captain Smollet asks Silver to look at a chart and identify the place the ship should anchor. Jim, astutely, recognizes that Silver merely wants to look at the chart in order to find out where the treasure is buried, but luckily, from Silver's disappointment, it is clear that the mark that Silver looks for was not on the map. During this time, Silver speaks to Jim and gives the boy a pat on his back, a friendly gesture, Jim coils inside and finds it extremely difficult to hide his feelings. Following this incident, Jim discretely tells Dr. Livesy that he has terrible news and asks that the doctor, squire, and captain meet in the cabin for him to tell them this news.
In the cabin, Jim tells the gathered group the terrible news that he overheard. Immediately, the squire apologizes to the captain, acknowledging that the captain was right from the beginning of the expedition. The doctor, however, explains that only Long John Silver's authority has kept the crew from showing any signs of the coming mutiny to this point. The captain realizes that the rest of the men must proceed like they know nothing or risk immediate mutiny. When the men least expect it, they will attack. They also realize that they must know who will be on their side. From the initial count, it seems only six grown men and a boy will be against nineteen other men. At the conclusion of the chapter, the squire and the doctor tell Jim that they are relying on him to learn more about the pirate's plan.
Analysis
At this point in the book, it is relevant to consider the fact that Robert Louis Stevenson used real men from history to model the pirates from. Although he is a larger than life creation, Long John Silver was inspired by the pirate Henly. Having lost a leg, Henly provided a physical disability that would become an integral part of pirate lore. Many critics also believe that Silver's surname was suggested while he was on his honeymoon, part of which was spent at the Silverado mine in California. Other characters might have also had historical precursors, including Ben Gun (Benjamin Gunn of Rio Pun go), Blind Pew (Thomas Pew, admiral of the pirate fleet at Madagascar), and Darby McGraw (Darby Mullins, who was hanged with Captain Kidd in the early 18th century).
Another theme of the book becomes clear in this chapter, as the crew learn of the pirates planned mutiny. Robert Louis Stevenson plays almost a game of balancing knowledge against ignorance. First, the reader and Long John Silver's gang know the truth, while Jim and his friends remain in ignorance; then Jim and his friends learn the truth about silver's gang, but still Silver and his gang do not know that Jim and his friends know. Careful balance between knowledge and ignorance greatly enriches the possibilities of suspense, and Stevenson makes good use of the opportunities that he provides himself.
The role of the narrator, Jim, is also evident in the actions of the last two chapters. Because he is the narrator, Jim is central to the action of the plot. For example, it is through his overhearing the conversation in the apple barrel that the plot has taken another twist. Because Jim is a boy, he is small enough to escape depiction at many points and thus can learn more than the other characters can. Jim is also central to the plot because through the boy, the reader responds emotionally to what Jim is experiencing. For example, in this chapter, when Jim is trying to conceal his anger at Silver's touch, the reader learns of the cruelty of the pirate and the feelings of a young boy at trying to conceal his hatred and anger for the safety of the honest men aboard the ship.