`` Ah , '' said he , `` so you would . '' And he seemed very much relieved . `` Now , I 'll tell you what , '' he went on . `` So much I 'll tell you , and no more . I were in Flint 's ship when he buried the treasure ; he and six along -- six strong seamen . They was ashore nigh on a week , and us standing off and on in the old WALRUS . One fine day up went the signal , and here come Flint by himself in a little boat , and his head done up in a blue scarf . The sun was getting up , and mortal white he looked about the cutwater . But , there he was , you mind , and the six all dead -- dead and buried . How he done it , not a man aboard us could make out . It was battle , murder , and sudden death , leastways -- him against six . Billy Bones was the mate ; Long John , he was quartermaster ; and they asked him where the treasure was . ` Ah , ' says he , ` you can go ashore , if you like , and stay , ' he says ; ` but as for the ship , she 'll beat up for more , by thunder ! ' That 's what he said . `` Well , I was in another ship three years back , and we sighted this island . ` Boys , ' said I , ` here 's Flint 's treasure ; let 's land and find it . ' The cap'n was displeased at that , but my messmates were all of a mind and landed . Twelve days they looked for it , and every day they had the worse word for me , until one fine morning all hands went aboard . ` As for you , Benjamin Gunn , ' says they , ` here 's a musket , ' they says , ` and a spade , and pick-axe . You can stay here and find Flint 's money for yourself , ' they says .
`` Well , Jim , three XXXXX have I been here , and not a bite of Christian diet from that day to this .
Flint Gunn John cutwater day days leastways messmates murder years