Читать книгу Остров сокровищ / Treasure Island - Роберт Льюис Стивенсон - Страница 4

13. How My Shore Adventure Began

There was no sign of any wind. Everybody was glad to get to land. The bottom was clean sand. We held a council in the cabin.

“Sir,” said the captain, “We’ve only one man to rely on.”

“And who is that?” asked the squire.

“Silver, sir,” returned the captain. “Let’s allow them to go ashore. If they all go, we’ll get the ship.”

I believe the silly sailors thought they would find the treasure as soon as they were landed. Silver was the captain. Six fellows were to stay on board, and the remaining thirteen, including Silver, began to embark. And at that moment it occurred to me to go ashore with the others. It was an idea that helped to save our lives.

When our boat reached the shore, I jumped out and ran away, while Silver and the rest were still a hundred yards behind.

“Jim, Jim!”

But I paid no attention, I ran straight till I could run no longer.

14. The First Blow [52]

I now felt for the first time the joy of exploration. Here and there were flowering plants, unknown to me; here and there I saw snakes.

Soon I heard human voices, which grew louder and nearer. This put me in a great fear, and I crawled under cover of the nearest oak, as silent as a mouse.

Long John Silver and another of the crew stood face to face in conversation. Silver threw his hat beside him on the ground, and his great face was lifted to the other man’s.

“Tom,” he was saying, “I’m warning you that the men will kill you if you don’t help us.”

I realized that I found an honest man in Tom!

“John!” said the sailor, “Kill me, if you can. I’m not afraid.”

And with that, this brave fellow turned his back directly on the cook. But did not go far. With a cry John took his heavy crutch from under his arm and threw it at Tom. It struck poor Tom right between the shoulders, in the middle of his back, and he fell to the ground.

52

The First Blow – Первый удар