At this I had a happy inspiration . I began to believe that I had found an ally , and I answered him at once . `` It 's not Flint 's ship , and Flint is dead ; but I 'll tell you true , as you ask me -- there are some of Flint 's hands aboard ; worse luck for the rest of us . '' `` Not a man -- with one -- leg ? '' he gasped . `` Silver ? '' I asked . `` Ah , Silver ! '' says he . `` That were his name . '' `` He 's the cook , and the ringleader too . '' He was still holding me by the wrist , and at that he give it quite a wring . `` If you was sent by Long John , '' he said , `` I 'm as good as pork , and I know it . But where was you , do you suppose ? '' I had made my mind up in a moment , and by way of answer told him the whole story of our voyage and the predicament in which we found ourselves . He heard me with the keenest interest , and when I had done he patted me on the head . `` You 're a good lad , Jim , '' he said ; `` and you 're all in a clove hitch , ai n't you ? Well , you just put your trust in Ben Gunn -- Ben Gunn 's the man to do it . Would you think it likely , now , that your squire would prove a liberal-minded one in case of help -- him being in a clove hitch , as you remark ? '' I told him the squire was the most liberal of men .
`` Aye , but you see , '' returned Ben XXXXX , `` I did n't mean giving me a gate to keep , and a suit of livery clothes , and such ; that 's not my mark , Jim .
Flint Gunn Jim John head leg liberal name rest ringleader