And Dr. Livesey shook hands with me through the stockade , nodded to Silver , and set off at a brisk pace into the wood . 31 The Treasure-hunt -- Flint 's Pointer `` JIM , '' said Silver when we were alone , `` if I saved your life , you saved mine ; and I 'll not forget it . I seen the doctor waving you to run for it -- with the tail of my eye , I did ; and I seen you say no , as plain as hearing . Jim , that 's one to you . This is the first glint of hope I had since the attack failed , and I owe it you . And now , Jim , we 're to go in for this here treasure-hunting , with sealed orders too , and I do n't like it ; and you and me must stick close , back to back like , and we 'll save our necks in spite o ' fate and fortune . '' Just then a man hailed us from the fire that breakfast was ready , and we were soon seated here and there about the sand over biscuit and fried junk . They had lit a fire fit to roast an ox , and it was now grown so hot that they could only approach it from the windward , and even there not without precaution . In the same wasteful spirit , they had cooked , I suppose , three times more than we could eat ; and one of them , with an empty laugh , threw what was left into the fire , which blazed and roared again over this unusual fuel . I never in my life saw men so careless of the morrow ; hand to mouth is the only word that can describe their way of doing ; and what with wasted food and sleeping sentries , though they were bold enough for a brush and be done with it , I could see their entire unfitness for anything like a prolonged campaign . Even Silver , eating away , with Captain Flint upon his shoulder , had not a word of blame for their recklessness . And this the more surprised me , for I thought he had never shown himself so cunning as he did then . `` Aye , mates , '' said he , `` it 's lucky you have Barbecue to think for you with this here head . I got what I wanted , I did . Sure enough , they have the ship . Where they have it , I do n't know yet ; but once we hit the treasure , we 'll have to jump about and find out . And then , mates , us that has the boats , I reckon , has the upper hand . '' Thus he kept running on , with his mouth full of the hot bacon ; thus he restored their hope and confidence , and , I more than suspect , repaired his own at the same time . `` As for hostage , '' he continued , `` that 's his last talk , I guess , with them he loves so dear . I 've got my piece o ' news , and thanky to him for that ; but it 's over and done .
I 'll take him in a line when we go XXXXX , for we 'll keep him like so much gold , in case of accidents , you mark , and in the meantime .
Flint Jim Treasure-hunt attack fire left sentries thanky treasure-hunting unfitness