Israel Hands's Treacherous Fall

The old coxswain's loyalty to Silver and his own greed lead to a fatal duel with a boy.

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Coxswain in Silver's Confidence

Coxswain in Silver's Confidence Context Israel Hands serves as coxswain on the Hispaniola and is a close confidant of Long John Silver, who calls him by his first name. Development He complains about Captain Smollett's order and wants to seize the cabin's wine. Silver rebukes him, but Hands remains a principal plotters. Significance Hands is the mutiny's muscle and experience. His later fall will be a sign of the pirate cause's decay.

Plotting in the Apple Barrel

Plotting in the Apple Barrel Context Jim Hawkins hides in the apple barrel and hears Hands, Silver, and Dick planning the mutiny. Hands wants to move quickly; Silver says to wait. Development They discuss the murder of the loyal hands, using the phrase 'dead men don't bite.' Jim listens, trembling. Significance The apple barrel scene ties Hands directly to the plot. It makes him one of the three voices Jim can identify and accuse.

Left Aboard the Abandoned Ship

Left Aboard the Abandoned Ship Context When Captain Smollett leaves the ship, Hands stays behind with the other mutineers. He is later left in charge of the anchored schooner. Development He and another pirate drink heavily in the cabin, quarrel, and wound each other fatally. The ship drifts without a steersman. Significance Hands becomes the symbol of the mutineers' self-destruction. His drinking does what the loyal party could not: it cripples the pirate watch.

Stalking Jim on Deck

Stalking Jim on Deck Context Jim Hawkins finds Israel Hands badly wounded but alive. Hands offers to navigate the ship if Jim gives him food and drink, hiding a dirk in his coat. Development Jim catches him crawling for the knife but keeps it secret. Hands helps beach the ship, then attacks Jim in the confusion of the grounding. Significance The duel is a battle of wits and nerve. Jim's suspicion saves him from an older, more vicious opponent.

Food for Fishes

Food for Fishes Context Jim Hawkins shoots Israel Hands as the pirate hurls his dirk. Hands falls from the shrouds into the green water. Development Jim sees him lying still on the sandy bottom, food for fish. The pirate who meant to kill him is dead. Significance Hands's death is Jim's first direct killing. It hardens Jim and completes the capture of the Hispaniola.

during the voyage to Treasure Island

the last evening before land is sighted

after the loyal party abandons the Hispaniola

after Jim boards the drifting Hispaniola

after the duel at North Inlet