At last -- I think it was on the third night -- the doctor and I were strolling on the shoulder of the hill where it overlooks the lowlands of the isle , when , from out the thick darkness below , the wind brought us a noise between shrieking and singing . It was only a snatch that reached our ears , followed by the former silence . `` Heaven forgive them , '' said the doctor ; '' 't is the mutineers ! '' `` All drunk , sir , '' struck in the voice of Silver from behind us . Silver , I should say , was allowed his entire liberty , and in spite of daily rebuffs , seemed to regard himself once more as quite a privileged and friendly dependent . Indeed , it was remarkable how well he bore these slights and with what unwearying politeness he kept on trying to ingratiate himself with all . Yet , I think , none treated him better than a dog , unless it was Ben Gunn , who was still terribly afraid of his old quartermaster , or myself , who had really something to thank him for ; although for that matter , I suppose , I had reason to think even worse of him than anybody else , for I had seen him meditating a fresh treachery upon the plateau . Accordingly , it was pretty gruffly that the doctor answered him . `` Drunk or raving , '' said he . `` Right you were , sir , '' replied Silver ; `` and precious little odds which , to you and me . '' `` I suppose you would hardly ask me to call you a humane man , '' returned the doctor with a sneer , `` and so my feelings may surprise you , Master Silver . But if I were sure they were raving -- as I am morally certain one , at least , of them is down with fever -- I should leave this camp , and at whatever risk to my own carcass , take them the assistance of my skill . '' `` Ask your pardon , sir , you would be very wrong , '' quoth Silver . `` You would lose your precious life , and you may lay to that . I 'm on your side now , hand and glove ; and I should n't wish for to see the party weakened , let alone yourself , seeing as I know what I owes you . But these men down there , they could n't keep their word -- no , not supposing they wished to ; and what 's more , they could n't believe as you could . '' `` No , '' said the doctor . `` You 're the man to keep your word , we know that . '' Well , that was about the last news we had of the three pirates . Only once we heard a gunshot a great way off and supposed them to be hunting .
A council was held , and it was decided that we must desert them on the island -- to the huge glee , I must say , of Ben XXXXX , and with the strong approval of Gray .
't Gunn Right fever gunshot mutineers night rebuffs skill treachery