Narrator: After many weeks, the Hispaniola visits a port in South America for supplies.It is a vibrant, colourful place and the music drifting from the bars in the townworks its magic.
Squire: Now then, young Jim. The Doctor and Mr Gunn and I have decided to takegood Captain Smollett ashore for a little…er…local entertainment.
Dr Livesey: All in the name of medicine of course, you understand.
Squire: You shall stay here in charge of the good Hispaniola. And we shall see you inthe morning.
Smollett: Keep your eye on that rascal Silver, mind.
Jim: Of course, Captain!
Smollett: Cast off!
Narrator: And away they go in a little skiff towards the harbour steps. Jim settles backon deck to soak in the atmosphere. Pretty soon he’s fast asleep, dreaming ofriches and his own good fortune.
Parrot: Stand by to go about! Pieces of Eight! Pieces of Eight!
Long John Silver: Button that beak, you pesky parrot…
Narrator: Jim wakes in an instant.
Long John Silver: No…no…need to stir, young Jim. I be just…er…checking the sails for…er…moths.
Jim: With a bag of gold, I see.
Long John Silver: What? Bag of gold? Agh! Now where the devil did that come from?
Jim: Are you running away, Silver?
Long John Silver: Now why should I be doing that, Jim? I gave my word, didn’t I?
Jim: I think they’ll hang you soon as we reach home.
Long John Silver: Ah well, Jim. There you have it. In a nutshell. This be my only chance.
Jim: I should stop you.
Long John Silver: Aye, you should. But what if I promised to give up this pirate lark for good?
Jim: I wouldn’t believe you, Silver.
Long John Silver: Neither would I. I’ve a black heart, Jim, a black heart. And you can’t change ablack heart without ripping it out.
Narrator: The old pirate leans on his peg-leg, his eyes beseeching.
Long John Silver: We been through hell and high water, shipmate, didn’t we just?
Jim: We did, Silver.
Long John Silver: Fate and fortune - we shared em both, didn’t we?
Jim: I think I’ll get a little more sleep…
Long John Silver: And I’ll just check these here…em…these…
Narrator: Silver lowers himself into the little boat and gently gathers the oars.
Long John Silver: I’ll say a prayer of thanks for ye, Jim. Every day.
Jim: You won’t pray, Silver.
Long John Silver: No, son. I won’t. Ha, ha! You’re as smart as paint, Jim me lad. Didn’t I saythat? Smart as paint.
Narrator: And with that - Long John Silver is gone.
When the others return and discover he’s escaped and taken a bag oftreasure too - Jim acts the innocent. In truth no-one’s sorry to see the back ofthe old pirate.
After many months at sea, they arrive back in Bristol to a tumultuouswelcome. Over the next few years Jim and the others learn to spend theirgreat fortune wisely. But the memory of his adventure is never far away…
Jim: Of Silver we have heard no more. That formidable man with one leg hasat last gone clean out of my life. I dare say he met up with his wife in theend and perhaps still lives in comfort with her. It is to be hoped so, for hischances of comfort in the next world are very small. I never told a soul aboutthe true nature of his leaving.
At night sometimes I dream I am back on the island with the surf booming,and I sit bolt upright in bed with fear. I smell again the gunpowder, I hear theclash of cutlasses. I feel the knife burning deep into my arm…and see thatpirate face disappearing into the deep dark water for ever. And last of all,before sleep claims me again, I see Long John Silver grinning down at me,and I feel his great arm thumping into my back as he laughs. And I hear thesharp voice of Cap’n Flint ringing through the years: ‘Pieces of Eight! Piecesof Eight! Pieces of Eight!’
10. Silver escapes and the heroes return
The Hispaniola is returning to England with the treasure.
After several weeks the ship puts in to port in South America for supplies. The Squire, Dr Livesey and Captain Smollett go ashore - leaving Jim on board with Silver. Silver is a captive on the ship and his return to England will mean almost certain hanging.
As Jim lies on deck, his eyes half closed, Silver creeps by, a bag of treasure over his shoulder. Jim wakes and Silver hesitates. The two reflect on their lengthy adventure…and at the end Jim is happy to let Silver make his escape. In truth no-one is sad to see the back of Silver.
Jim returns to England now a wealthy young man. He hears nothing more of Long John Silver…but sometimes in his sleep he continues to dream of Silver…and his parrot squawking 'Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight!'
Teacher Notes
This series can be used to increase pupils' familiarity with a broad range of texts and narratives, including myths, legends and traditional stories and to make connections between these and other stories they are familiar with.
It will also support a broad range of writing objectives.
This series is relevant for teaching English at KS2, in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and at First and Second Level in Scotland.
7. A fight and the Hispaniola captured. video
Jim slips away at night, sets the Hispaniola adrift and in the morning boards the ship
8. The pirates parley and the black spot. video
Jim returns to the stockade to discover that it is now in the hands of the pirates
9. An empty pit and Ben Gunn's surprise. video
Silver and his crew follow the map inland...but someone has beaten them to the treasure
