05 I go to Bristol

Chapter 5 I go to Bristol

Dr Livesey went to London, to find another doctor to look after his patients while he was away. I waited at his home with Tom Redruth.

Weeks passed, and I spent many hours studying Flint's map and dreaming of treasure. Then a letter arrived, addressed to Dr Livesey'or Jim Hawkins, if the doctor is away:

Old Anchor Inn, Bristol 1st March 17- Dear Livesey, I do not know whether you are at home or in London, so Iam sending copies of this letter to both places.

The ship is bought and ready for sea. You never saw a better ship—and with the name Hispaniola.

I got her through my old friend, Blandly, who, with everyone in Bristol, worked hard to find me a suitable ship when they heard the reason for our voyage-treasure, I mean. Dr Livesey won't like that, I said to Tom Redruth.

The squire's been talking. I read on: I wanted a crew of twenty men—as we may meet pirates or enemy ships—but I had the greatest difficulty finding six.

Then good fortune brought me the very man that I needed. I met the man quite by accident, and we began a conversation,

I learnt he was an old seaman who kept an inn, and he knew all the seamen in Bristol. The poor man had lost his health on shore and wanted to get work as a cook, and go to sea again.

I felt sorry for him and employed him immediately, to be the ship's cook. Long John Silver, he is called, and he has lost a leg fighting for his country.