I was on the bowsprit (the long pole at the front of a ship). The wind hit the sails hard and made a loud noise like a gun. The ship shook from the wind. I almost fell into the sea. I crawled back carefully and jumped onto the deck.
I was at the front of the ship. I could not see the back of the ship because the large sail was in the way. No one was there. The floor was very dirty. I saw an empty bottle moving back and forth on the wood.
Suddenly, the ship turned in the wind. The sails made a loud cracking sound. The ship moved sharply. The large pole at the bottom of the sail swung across the deck. Now I could see the back of the ship.
I saw the two watchmen. The man in the red cap was on his back. His body was stiff and his arms were spread out. He was dead. Israel Hands was sitting against the side of the ship. His chin was on his chest and his face was very white.
The ship moved like an angry horse. The sails filled with wind and the ship jumped. The dead man in the red cap moved across the floor. But Israel Hands stayed still. He sat lower and lower on the deck.
I saw dark blood on the floor around the two men. I was sure they fought because they were drunk and angry. I thought they killed each other. While I watched, Israel Hands moved.
Israel Hands made a low sound of pain. His jaw was open and he looked very weak. I felt sorry for him for a moment. Then I remembered that he was a dangerous pirate. I walked toward the middle of the ship.
"I am back, Mr. Hands," I said. Israel Hands moved his eyes slowly. He was too weak to be surprised. He spoke only one word. "Brandy," he said.
I knew I had to move quickly. I ran past the moving sail and went down the stairs. I entered the cabin. The room was a mess. The pirates broke the cupboards to find the map.
The floor was covered in mud. There were many empty bottles in the corners. One of the doctor's books was on the table. Someone pulled out the pages to light their pipes. The lamp made a dark, smoky light.
I went to the storage room. All the large barrels were empty. The pirates drank many bottles of alcohol. They were never sober during the mutiny. I found one bottle with some brandy for Israel Hands.
I also found some biscuits (hard, dry bread that sailors eat), fruit, and cheese for myself. I went back to the deck. I went to the water barrel and had a long drink of water. Then I gave the brandy to Israel Hands.
Israel Hands drank a lot of the brandy. He said he really needed that drink. I sat in a corner and started to eat my food. I asked Israel Hands if he was badly hurt.
Israel Hands made a rough sound. He said he would be fine if the doctor was there. He looked at the dead man in the red cap. He said the man was not a good sailor. Then he asked me where I came from.
"I am the captain of this ship now, Mr. Hands," I said. "You must listen to me." Israel Hands looked at me with an angry face, but he said nothing. He looked very sick as the ship moved.
"I do not like this flag," I said. I ran to the ropes and pulled down the Jolly Roger (the black pirate flag with a skull and bones). I threw the flag into the sea. "Now Captain Silver is finished!" I shouted.
Israel Hands watched me closely. He kept his chin on his chest. He called me "Captain Hawkins." He suggested that we should talk. He wanted to make a plan.
Israel Hands said that he and O'Brien tried to sail the ship. But now O'Brien was dead. He said I did not know how to sail a big ship. He made a deal with me.
Israel Hands said he would tell me how to sail. In return, I had to give him food and drink. I also had to help him with his wound. I thought this was a good idea.
"I will not go back to the old place," I told Israel Hands. "I want to go to the North Inlet." Israel Hands agreed immediately. He said he would help me sail the ship anywhere.
We made a bargain. In three minutes, the Hispaniola was sailing well. I wanted to reach the North Inlet before the tide went out. Then we could put the ship on the sand safely.
I tied the wheel of the ship so it would stay straight. I went downstairs and got a soft silk handkerchief. I used it to tie the wound on Israel Hands' leg. He ate some food and drank more brandy. He began to look much stronger.
The wind was very good for us. The ship moved fast like a bird. We passed the high cliffs and the sandy beaches. Soon we reached the north part of the island.
I was very happy to be the captain. The weather was bright and sunny. I had plenty of water and food. I felt good because I captured the ship.
But I was still worried. Israel Hands watched me constantly. He had a strange smile on his face. He looked at me with treachery (a plan to hurt someone who trusts you). He watched every move I made.