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Treasure Island, Chapter 18 summary

Chapter 18 of 34 · Part 4: The Stockade · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 18, the loyal party reaches the stockade and drives back the mutineers, but Thomas Redruth suffers a fatal wound and the defenders discover their food shortage. Captain Smollett keeps the flag raised through cannon fire, an attempt to recover provisions fails, and Jim Hawkins arrives safely.

What happens

  1. The doctor arms Gray, and the defenders fire on seven approaching mutineers, killing one and driving the others into the woods.
  2. A shot from the bushes fatally wounds Tom Redruth, who dies inside the log-house after speaking with the squire and doctor.
  3. The captain raises the British flag, covers Redruth’s body with another flag, and warns the doctor about scarce food.
  4. The ship bombards the enclosure, but the captain refuses to lower the flag and the defenders grow accustomed to the fire.
  5. Gray and Hunter attempt to recover provisions but find armed mutineers carrying them away under Silver’s command.
  6. The captain records their position and limited supplies, while Jim Hawkins returns safely over the stockade.

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In this chapter

Jim HawkinsSilverCaptain Smollett

What to notice

The captain refuses to remove the flag despite the bombardment. The doctor sees this resistance as both a shared feeling and a way to show confidence.

Quick check

Why do Gray and Hunter fail to recover the provisions?

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