Billy Bones's Doomed Flight

The old buccaneer's attempt to hide from his past ends in the Black Spot and a sudden death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Choosing the Admiral Benbow

Choosing the Admiral Benbow Context A heavy, scarred sailor with a sea-chest chooses the lonely Admiral Benbow as his hiding place. He pays gold and calls himself captain. Development He spends his days scanning the sea and his evenings drinking rum. He asks constantly if any seafaring men have passed. Significance The choice makes Billy Bones the first actor in the story. His secret will bring both danger and opportunity to Jim Hawkins.

Fear of the One-Legged Sailor

Fear of the One-Legged Sailor Context Billy Bones tells Jim Hawkins to watch especially for a seafaring man with one leg. He pays for the information month by month. Development The fear obsesses him, and his dreams are haunted by the figure. He drinks more heavily to keep terror at bay. Significance The one-legged sailor becomes the book's great hidden threat. The reader only later learns that it is Long John Silver.

Stroke After the Fight

Stroke After the Fight Context Black Dog confronts Billy Bones in the parlour, they fight with cutlasses, and Black Dog flees. Billy Bones collapses from a stroke. Development Dr. Livesey bleeds him and warns that another stroke will kill him. The captain is left weak and ranting about the Black Spot. Significance The fight reveals Billy Bones's vulnerability. It sets the clock ticking toward his death.

Confessing Flint's Secret

Confessing Flint's Secret Context In a feverish confession, Billy Bones tells Jim Hawkins about his old sea-chest and the crew after it. He says he was Flint's first mate and knows the treasure's place. Development He tells Jim to go to Dr. Livesey if the Black Spot is delivered, but only if pirates come. He grows weaker and more confused. Significance The confession passes the responsibility to Jim. It also names the treasure for the first time, moving the story from fear to adventure.

Death by Black Spot

Death by Black Spot Context Blind Pew forces Jim Hawkins to lead him to Billy Bones. Pew delivers the Black Spot, and Billy Bones falls dead of apoplexy. Development The pirates' summons completes his fate. His sea-chest and his secret are now open to the world. Significance Billy Bones dies as he lived, a mariner hounded by his own past. His death leaves a legacy that will drive the entire voyage.

when the old seaman first arrives at the inn

during his months at the inn

after Black Dog's visit to the inn

after the first stroke, while he lies in bed

the afternoon Blind Pew comes to the Admiral Benbow