The War for the Map

The struggle between Billy Bones's hidden secret and the pirates who want it, from the inn to the gentlemen's hall.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Stranger's Knife

A Stranger's Knife Context Billy Bones's past begins to catch up with him when Black Dog appears at the inn. The old captain is terrified. Development The encounter leads to a fight with cutlasses and a stroke. The conflict for the sea-chest is now in the open. Significance The first blow of the treasure war is struck not for gold but for the map. Black Dog's visit is the first probe from Flint's old crew.

Pew's Summons

Pew's Summons Context The pirates send Blind Pew to serve Billy Bones with the Black Spot and demand the chart. Development Billy Bones dies before he can answer. The summons is both a death sentence and a claim on his property. Significance The Black Spot formalizes the pirates' authority. It shows they are a lawless collective that delivers justice without mercy.

The Hunted Chest

The Hunted Chest Context Pew and the crew raid the Admiral Benbow to seize Billy Bones's sea-chest. Mrs. Hawkins has taken the money, Jim the packet. Development The pirates find the chest empty of the map and scatter. They are driven off by the revenue officers, but the chase is not over. Significance The raid transfers the conflict from the inn to the wider world. The map is now the object of the pirates' obsession.

The Chest Is Bare

The Chest Is Bare Context The pirates' rage centers on the missing oilskin packet. They suspect the boy and his mother and search for them in the dark. Development Pew lashes out, but the approach of Mr. Dance's riders breaks the party. The map has already slipped out of their hands. Significance The empty chest marks the pirates' first major loss. It sets them on a collision course with the gentlemen who now hold the secret.

The Map Passes to the Gentlemen

The Map Passes to the Gentlemen Context Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney open the packet and discover the map of Treasure Island with Flint's marks. Development The squire immediately plans a voyage. The doctor warns that the pirates will not give up, and they must keep the secret. Significance The possession of the map shifts the balance. It turns the pirates' prey into the gentlemen's prize and sets the stage for the seaborne conflict.

the winter at the Admiral Benbow when Billy Bones is hiding

when Blind Pew delivers the Black Spot

the night the pirates raid the inn

after the pirates search the inn and find the map gone

when Dr. Livesey opens the oilskin packet at the hall