`` Why , no , not in particular , '' I answered . `` Ah , well , '' said he , `` but I had -- remarkable pious . And I was a civil , pious boy , and could rattle off my catechism that fast , as you could n't tell one word from another . And here 's what it come to , Jim , and it begun with chuck-farthen on the blessed grave-stones ! That 's what it begun with , but it went further 'n that ; and so my mother told me , and predicked the whole , she did , the pious woman ! But it were Providence that put me here . I 've thought it all out in this here lonely island , and I 'm back on piety . You do n't catch me tasting rum so much , but just a thimbleful for luck , of course , the first chance I have . I 'm bound I 'll be good , and I see the way to . And , Jim '' -- looking all round him and lowering his voice to a whisper -- `` I 'm rich . '' I now felt sure that the poor fellow had gone crazy in his solitude , and I suppose I must have shown the feeling in my face , for he repeated the statement hotly : `` Rich ! Rich ! I says . And I 'll tell you what : I 'll make a man of you , Jim . Ah , Jim , you 'll bless your stars , you will , you was the first that found me ! '' And at this there came suddenly a lowering shadow over his face , and he tightened his grasp upon my hand and raised a forefinger threateningly before my eyes . `` Now , Jim , you tell me true : that ai n't Flint 's ship ? '' he asked . 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 XXXXX 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 . ''
Flint Jim Providence chuck-farthen first forefinger grave-stones statement thimbleful way