Treasure Island, Chapter 4 summary

What happens

1. Jim and his mother seek help in the hamlet, but the frightened residents refuse to defend the inn.
2. They return with a loaded pistol, and Jim finds the chest key hanging around the dead captain’s neck.
3. They open the chest and discover gold coins and a wrapped packet beneath clothes and other belongings.
4. Jim’s mother counts only her due while the blind beggar returns and tries the bolted door.
5. A whistle prompts their escape with some money and the packet as people approach carrying a lantern.
6. Jim’s mother collapses, and he drags her partly beneath a bridge close enough to hear the inn.

In this chapter

What to notice

Jim’s mother’s rule explains the slow counting and her refusal to leave with either too much or too little. That delay increases their danger.

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