treasure island chapter 16

Podcast 325 - Treasure Island (B1 story) Chapter 16

1) remain calm

Definition:
To stay relaxed and not become worried, angry, or frightened in a difficult situation.

Example sentences:

The teacher told everyone to remain calm during the fire drill.

You should remain calm if you have a problem in the exam.

She remained calm even when she missed her bus.


2) to be honest

Definition:
A phrase used when you want to say what you really think or feel.

Example sentences:

To be honest, I didn't enjoy the film very much.

To be honest, I forgot about our meeting.

To be honest, I think this is the best choice.


3) achieve

Definition:
To succeed in doing something that needs effort or hard work.

Example sentences:

She worked hard to achieve her goal.

We hope to achieve better results this year.

He achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.


4) decision

Definition:
A choice that you make after thinking about something.

Example sentences:

It was a difficult decision to leave my job.

She made the right decision in the end.

We need to make a decision before Friday.


5) possibly

Definition:
Maybe; it is possible that something is true or will happen.

Example sentences:

We will possibly go to the beach tomorrow.

This answer could possibly be correct.

He is possibly the fastest runner in the class.


6) expect

Definition:
To think that something will probably happen or that someone will do something.

Example sentences:

I expect the train to arrive on time.

They expect good weather this weekend.

My parents expect me to finish my homework before dinner.


7) admit

Definition:
To say that something is true, especially when it is difficult or embarrassing to say.

Example sentences:

He admitted that he had made a mistake.

She didn't want to admit she was wrong.

I must admit that the food was very good.

The Story

The sharp knife had gone through my shoulder and into the wooden mast* behind. The cut hurt terribly, and felt like burning iron. I was absolutely terrified of falling into the deep green water below. I closed my eyes and held on tight, trying to remain calm . In my mind, I thought I might never recover. I took a deep breath, and managed to relax a little. I pulled myself away from the mast* with a huge effort . Fortunately, the knife had only caught a tiny piece of my skin, so I was finally out of danger. I went down to the deck* straight away. My shoulder bled, but it was not a serious condition. To be honest , I was exhausted and wanted to fall asleep, but I knew I had to stay awake and deal with the ship first. It was my duty to make sure the she did not sink completely.

I was totally alone on board the ship with the dead murderer, O’Brien. I lifted his heavy weight, and pushed his body into the water. I watched him sink below the waves. The sun was going down, and I imagined I could see a storm approaching, so I needed to make the ship safe. I managed to cut the ropes* and let the sails drop to the deck*. The ship was resting safely in the water near the sandy coast. I climbed down into the sea, which was not deep here, and walked quickly to the shore. I had saved the ship! I was delighted to return to my friends at the fort* and report to them what I had achieved . I wanted to share this unbelievable success with them.

I walked through the dark jungle. I could hear wildlife moving around me, dangerous animals perhaps, making me feel quite uncomfortable. It was hard to see in the shadows, and I slipped over things and fell into holes. Finally, the moon rose, giving me enough light to reach the fort* safely . I saw a red fire burning outside. This was strange, because Captain Smollett always told us to save our wood and not waste it. I crept quietly inside the dark building. I heard the sound of men sleeping and smiled, thinking of how surprised my friends would be in the morning when they woke up and found me. I thought they would be proud of my brilliant escape. Suddenly, a sharp voice screamed:

'Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight!'

It was Captain Flint, Long John Silver’s green parrot! She had woken everyone up.

'Who goes there?' shouted Silver.

I turned to escape, but I crashed into a man who grabbed me and held me tight. Someone lit a stick. The red light showed my worst nightmare. The pirates were in our fort*. My friends were gone.

'Ho, ho, ho! Well, look who it is!' said Silver, sitting on a wooden barrel*. 'Jim Hawkins. I always liked you, Jim. You’re a smart boy.'

They pushed me against the wall. I was frightened, but I tried to look brave.

'Your friends have left,' Silver explained. 'The doctor gave us the fort* and the food. You can’t go back to them. They don't want you any more. You’ll have to join us now, Jim.'

'Where are my friends?' I asked, feeling anxious .

'We made an arrangement ,' Silver said. 'They walked away. I don't know where they are. We gave them our word we would not attack them.'

'Do I have to make a decision now?' I asked.

'Yes, you must,' he replied.

I took a deep breath. 'To be honest, I am not a fool. I know you will possibly murder me. But there is something you need to know. I am the one who destroyed your plans! I was hiding in the apple barrel* on board the ship and heard your secret plans. I cut the ship's rope*. I killed your men on the ship. I hid the ship where you will never discover it! The laugh is on my side. Kill me or let me live. But if you let me live, I will defend you and help save you from the judge when you are arrested for your crime.'

The pirates looked at me, totally shocked. It was obvious that they did not expect this.

'It was him who robbed us of the treasure* map from the start, too!' shouted Morgan angrily. He pulled out his knife and jumped towards me.

'Stop!' cried Silver. 'Are you the captain here, Tom Morgan? I am the leader! If any man wants to fight me, take out your sword straight away !'

None of the pirates moved, but they were extremely annoyed. They talked together and then walked outside the fort* to have a private meeting.

When we were alone, Silver's voice was quieter.

' Pay attention to me, Jim,' he said. 'You are in serious danger. Those men are going to turn against me. But I will protect you. I didn't plan to, but when you spoke so bravely, I changed my mind . We must support each other.'

I was confused. 'You mean everything is hopeless for you?'

'Yes,' Silver admitted . 'The ship is gone, and I will be hanged*. The other pirates are fools. I will save you, Jim, but you must promise to save me from the prison rope when we return to England.'

'I will do what I can,' I promised . I could not refuse his offer .

'It's an arrangement!' Silver smiled. 'You have the ship safe somewhere, and I am on your side now. But there is one detail I don't understand...'

He poured himself a drink of rum and looked at me, looking very nervous.

'Why did the doctor give me the treasure* map, Jim? There is a trick in this, I am certain of it.'

 

 

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