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Treasure Island By: Robert Louis Stevenson

Adapted by: Amelia Figg-Franzoi

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TO THE HESITATING PURCHASER If sailor tales to sailor tunes, Storm and adventure, heat and cold, If schooners, islands, and maroons And Buccaneers and buried Gold, And all the old romance, retold Exactly in the ancient way, Can please, as me they pleased of old, The wiser youngsters of to-day: —So be it, and fall on! If not, If studious youth no longer crave, His ancient appetites forgot, Kingston, or Ballantyne the brave, Or Cooper of the wood and wave: So be it, also! And may I And all my pirates share the grave Where these and their creations lie!

To

LLOYD OSBOURNE An American Gentleman

In accordance with whose classic taste The following narrative has been designed

It is now, in return for numerous delightful hours And with the kindest wishes, dedicated

By his affectionate friend THE AUTHOR

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Pirates: Long John Silver Captain James Flint Israel Hands Billy Bones Black Dog George Merry Mary Reade Anne Bonney Ben Gunn Meg Trueblood Calico Jack Ching Shih Rachel Wall Grace O’Malley Blind Pew Charlotte de Berry Gunpowder Gertie

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English: Jim Hawkins Lady Aubranna Trelawney Miss Abigail Livesly Mr. Arrow Captian Smollett Mrs. Hawkins Mr. Henderson Samuel Mrs. Crossley Abraham Grey Richard Joyce John Hunter Tom Morgan

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The Cast: Jim Hawkins Long John Silver/ Captain James Flint Lady Aubranna Trelawney Captian Smollett/ Mr. Henderson Miss Abigail Livesly Mr. Arrow/ Ben Gunn Mrs. Hawkins/ Rachel Wall Billy Bones/ Richard Joyce Israel Hands/ Tom the Knife George Merry Mary Reade Anne Bonney Meg Trueblood/ Mrs. Crossley Calico Jack/ Samuel Ching Shih Grace O’Malley Charlotte de Berry Gunpowder Gertie Black Dog/Abraham Grey/ Tom Morgan Blind Pew/ John Hunter

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Prologue

(Music of cannons and the sea attacks the listener in the dark. Lightning hits and thunder sounds. Shouts are heard in the hallway, suddenly the doors to the house open and a pirate appears BEN GUNN, running for his life to the front of the stage. Another lighting strike reveals him running to the stage. Seconds later, a crew of PIRATES run in, some from the house, some from the stage. )

Israel Hands: Grab ‘em! Black Dog: ‘old ‘im! George Merry: Trap ‘em! Mary Reade: How far can he get? We’re on a ship! Anne Bonney: I got him! Black Dog: Got ‘em! Ben Gunn: (caught) Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! The PIRATES tackle BEN GUNN and pin his arms behind

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him. Hands: Bonney, hold ‘em down. Bonney: Stop yer squirmin’ Ben Gunn: I ain’t done nothin’ wrong! Leave me alone! George Merry: Where is it? Ben Gunn: I never seen it! I don’t know what yer talkin’ about. Grace O’Malley: You lyin’ filth, where is it? Gunn: Get Flint! He’ll tell ya it ain’t me! Cap’n Flint!!! Mary Reade: I wouldn’t do that if I were you.

A tap- tapping is heard from off stage. Everyone freezes, they know that sound and fear it. FLINT’s crew fears three people in this order, SILVER, FLINT, PEW. Even though he was last on the list, it was a mighty short list. GUNN is desperate, he knows what that sound means. PEW enters blind, tapping with his stick, right towards GUNN.

Blind Pew: Ben… we all know you have it. Give it here and yer death will be painless, savvy? The PIRATES laugh. Gunn: (In tears, knowing he’s about to be killed) I never seen it in me life, I swear! CAP’N FLINT! Hands: Here he comes. Charlotte de Berry: It’s Flint. Grace: Flint. Black Dog: It’s Flint. George: Get outa ta way!

(CAPTAIN JAMES FLINT walks down the aisle, stepping into the light. He looks evil beyond description. He has a hideous scar on one side of his face and a mop of greasy hair sticks out of the sides of his tri-corn hat. A man

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the look of death and destruction but carries himself with an air of daintiness. (Later in history Captain Hook would be modeled after this beast).

Gunn: Oh, Cap’n Flint! Thank god above you’s ‘er. They was gonna kill me, Cap’n. Kill me fer nothin’.

GEORGE MERRY brings his cutlass down towards GUNN’s head and FLINT parries the blow with a flick of his wrist, saving GUNN’s life. Then, to BEN GUNN.)

Flint: Where’s ta map? Gunn: Map, sir? Flint: Little piece o’ paper with lines on it. Gunn: But sir, I ain’t never seen ta map. Flint: Think… think real hard about tis, Benny. Gunn: I swear on me mother’s life! Hands: We all knows where be yer mother Ben. Gunn: On her grave then! Charlotte: Not good enough. (SHE advances to swing at GUNN) Gunn: I swear o’ me life, I don’t know where it tis! Flint: ‘O yer life’ Ben? Interesting choice o’ words you be having. Very appropriate, now ain’t it Benny? (FLINT’s mood changes, his eyes darken, we know what’s to come.) Skin ‘em alive.

They all start to drag GUNN away as PEW ready’s his knives.

Gunn: Noooooooooooooooo! Flint: Tear the flesh from his bones, cut out his heart through his throat and throw the whole mess overboard!! Gunn: I swear I ain’t got the map! Flint: Who’s got it then?

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Gunn: Billy Bones! Yer first mate! Bonney: Bones is dead. Gunn: No ‘e ain’t. Ya taut ‘e was dead, we all did. But that night after the treasure was good an’ buried and the men tat buried it good and dead, I saw Billy Bones clambering o’r ta side ‘o ta ship. E ‘ad survived, ya see. An’ he steals the map! Flint: Bones does?

GUNN gets free of his captors and begins to paint the story around the pirates

Gunn: And then I stops him like, right here on tis deck, and I says “Give me that map! That there belongs to Cap’n Flint, the very man what give me start in this noble o’ professions.”

Other PIRATES groan and roll their eyes. They’ve heard this kind of talk before from Ben. He’s a terrible pirate, but a great man with words and embellishing.

Flint: And Bones? Gunn: (In tears) He threatens me, and says if I ever says a word about it, that he’ll track me down and have my head for breakfast. Then he was over the side like that! Flint: I see, I see. And you didn’t plan o’ meeting up wit him later and divide the spoils? All private like? Between old friends? Gunn: No sir, the map is yers. Flint: You’re a good boy Ben. Gunn: (Relieved) Thank ye, sir. Flint: But you’re a liar!

FLINT strikes GUNN across the face so hard that it brings GUNN to his knees.

Flint: Kill ‘em til he’s dead, lads. Gunn: Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

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Mary Reade: String him up! George Merry: Cut him to pieces! Pew: Drownd him! Flint: On, just throw him over board and be done with it!

As the PIRATES drag GUNN toward the side of the ship, GUNN struggles with all his might. Suddenly he gets away from them, grabbing a cutlass as he goes. He rushes straight at FLINT, who has turned his back on the proceedings and plunges the blade deep into FLINT’s back. FLINT cries out and falls to the deck. GUNN turns to face the other PIRATES.

Gunn: Stay back! Please, I done it for all of us. Merry: Kill ‘em! Hands: Kill him! All Pirates: Kill him! Gunn: Pleeeeeeeeeease!

The lights fade and are out by the time the PIRATES reach him. With a crack of thunder, the scene ends.

Act One

Scene 1: THE OLD BUCCANEER

Jim Hawkins (voice over): Lady Trelawney, Doctor Livesey, and the rest of these people have asked me to write down the whole

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particulars about Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearings of the island. And that, only because there is still treasure still there. I take up my pen in the year of grace 1757, and go back to the time when my mother and I kept the "Admiral Benbow" Inn, and the brown old seaman, with the saber cut, first took up his lodging under our roof.

As the lights come up we see JIM looking out the window as his mother closes the Inn for the night. The Inn is set on the cliffs over looking the sea, but no seafaring man had set foot in the Inn for some time, just the locals and friends. MRS. HAWKINS, a strong woman, washes the tables, humming away.

Mrs. Hawkins: Jim, I don’t pay you to watch out the window. Jim: (laughing,) You don’t pay me at all mother.

BOTH laugh and start cleaning. Starting far off we hear a man singing. BOTH look towards the door slightly curious. JIM goes to the window as we hear…

Billy Bones (voice off): Fifteen men on the dead man's chest, Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil be done for the rest! Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Mrs. Hawkins: Jim, lock the door.

MRS. HAWKINS goes behind the counter and ducks down. Jim: It’s just a man mother. Mrs. Hawkins: Men don’t sing that song. Jim: Who – ?

BONES comes plodding to the inn door, bursting it open, his sea-chest following behind him. A tall, strong, heavy, nut-brown man; his pig-tail falling over the shoulders of his soiled coat; his hands ragged and scarred, with black,

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broken nails, and a saber cut across one cheek, a dirty, livid white. BONES is still singing the song until MRS. HAWKINS sticks the barrel of her musket in BONES face.

Mrs. Hawkins: Not one step further! Bones: (Not phased by the musket) Is this be how ya greet all yer guests? Jim: We don’t get many guests, Sir. Bones: Ah, well then, this is the berth for me. You got a name son? Mrs. Hawkins: As I said before, we are closed for business. Jim: Jim Hawkins, Sir. Bones: Well, Jim Hawkinsir, help up my chest. I'll stay here a bit. (BONES walks to a table and sits down) I'm a plain man; rum and bacon and eggs is what I want, and that room up there fer to watch ships off.

MRS. HAWKINS is very tired of being ignored. From the door, she aims at the floor before BONES and fires. BONES jumps up and on the table.

Bones: Are ya daffy? Mrs. Hawkins: Mr. – ? Bones: Captain, Captain William Bones. Mrs. Hawkins: Captain Bones, kindly escort yourself out. Bones: Oh, I see what you're at—there. BONES throws down a bag of gold pieces at MRS. HAWKINS feet. Bones: You can tell me when I've worked through that.

MRS. HAWKINS picks up the bag and frowns. JIM joins her and gasps.

Jim: Mother –

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Mrs. Hawkins: I know Jim, I can’t turn this down. Captain Bones, you may stay, but know this, my musket is always loaded and I never miss my mark. Bones: I like a woman with pluck.

BONES lets out a hardy laugh as he exits to his rooms. The sun rises and PATRONs enter the Inn.

Mr. Henderson: Good Morning Mrs. Hawkins. Mrs. Hawkins: Would you like the special Samuel? Samuel: As always Marie. BONES enters and sits at a table alone. Bones: Where be me bacon and eggs!? Jim: Here sir. Bones: Rum! I need rum lad! Mrs. Crossley: Marie, who’s that? Mrs. Hawkins: Captain Willian Bones, ma’am, our lodger. He came in late last night.

Whispers are heard as the PATRONs talk about Billy Bones. JIM has served BONES and just as he leaves, BONES catches his hand.

Bones: Jim Hawkinsir, now you listen to me, I need yer help. Jim: My help? Bones: I promise ya a silver fourpenny on the first of every month if ya would only keep yer weather eye open for a seafaring man with one leg. Let me know the moment he appears. Jim: Is he a friend of yours? Bones: Friend? Friend! That man be no friend o’ mine! A beastly creature, no friend of any man! Shoot ‘em til he’s dead, I say. And then still sleep wit one eye open.

JIM runs away in fear as the sun sets and the patrons leave.

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All the while BONES sings. Bones: Fifteen men on the dead man's chest— Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done for the rest— Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!"

As the last customer leaves, BONES takes up his spyglass and leaves to watch the bay.

Scene 2: BLACK DOG APPEARS

Bones: I be goin out lad. I shall be wantin’ bacon and eggs when I return.

JIM sighs as he sets about cleaning the Inn. He is alone on stage. There comes a knock at the door as it opens and reveals BLACK DOG, a pale, tallow creature; and, though he wears a cutlass, he does not look much like a fighter. JIM and BLACK DOG gaze at each other as BLACK DOG crosses to a table.

Jim: Will you be eating here tonight? Black Dog: Rum, just rum lad.

JIM sets about filling a mug, BLACK DOG follows the boy’s every move. As JIM sets the mug on the table, BLACK DOG motions JIM to draw near. JIM pauses where he is, napkin in hand.

Black Dog: Come here, sonny. Come nearer here. JIM takes a step nearer. Black Dog: (laughs) I don’ bite lad, come here.

JIM takes one more slightly larger step forward, then stops. BLACK DOG laughs.

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Black Dog: Is this here table for me mate Bill? Jim: I do not know your mate Bill, sir.

BLACK DOG stands and draws closer to JIM, who steps back for every move made by the man.

Black Dog: Well, my mate Bill would be called the captain, as like as not. Now, is my mate Bill in this here house?" Jim: No, sir.

BLACK DOG has JIM trapped near the wall away from the door.

Black Dog: And where might he be, then? Jim: Out. Black Dog: (Drawing a dagger) Where sonny? Jim: He’s out walking! To the cliffs to look at the sea.

Calmly, BLACK DOG backs JIM behind him into the corner, so that they are both hidden by the open door. BLACK DOG loosens the blade in the sheath. THEY wait. At last in strides BONES, slamming the door behind him, without looking to the right or left, and marches straight across the room to where his breakfast waits him.

Black Dog: Bill. BONES spins around quickly as he looks like he’s seen a ghost. BLACK DOG laughs as he lets go of JIM who stumbles behind the bar.

Black Dog: Come, Bill, you know me; you know an old shipmate, Bill, surely. Bones: Black Dog! Black Dog: And who else?

BLACK DOG goes and sits at a table near the door, keeping one eye on the door and one on BONES.

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Bones: Now, look here, you've searched me out; here I am; well, have at it; what is it? Black Dog: You have something o’ ours. Bones: And what be that? Black Dog: Rum! Rum, me lad! Give o’r the rum.

JIM scurries to BLACK DOG and pours the rum. Going to BONES, Jim tries, but is pushed away as BONES rises in a fury.

Bones: I’ll have none ‘o this! Black Dog: And why do ya tink we be trackin you from the Carolina’s, o’cross te Atlantic and half way across England? The map Billy, the map! Bones: Flint has the map. Black Dog: Flint’s dead, and you stole the map. Ben told us everything before we t’rew ‘em o’er board. Bones: No, no, no, no; and an end of it! If it comes to swinging, swing away, say I. Black Dog: Blasted all you scallywag!

Suddenly there is a tremendous explosion of oaths and other noises; the chair and table are knocked over by BONES, a clash of steel follows. BONES strikes BLACK DOG as BLACK DOG runs for the door, both with drawn cutlasses. Just at the door BONES aims at the fugitive one last tremendous cut, but BLACK DOG dodges and runs off. BONES stares after for a bit, at last turning back into the house.

Bones: Jim, rum As BONES speaks he reels a little, and catches himself with one hand against the wall.

Jim: Are you hurt?

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Bones: Rum! I must get away from here. Rum! rum!"

Scene 3: THE BLACK SPOT

JIM runs to fetch it, as BONES sits at the table, pale and breathing hard. He is showing the beginning signs of a heart attack. JIM comes back with rum and watches BONES drink it. Going to leave, JIM is stopped by BONES jumping up and grabbing Jim.

Bones: I gotta git otta here, boy. They’re a comin fer me now. Jim: Who is?

BONES runs behind the bar and pries open a cupboard where he has hidden his chest.

Bones: Flints men. Jim: The pirate? Captain Flint? Bones: Jim, you're the only one here that's worth anything; and you know I've always been good to you. Jim: Yes, sir. Bones: Jim, I have the horrors; I seen old Flint in the corner there, behind you; as plain as print, I seen him. The ghosts of Captain Flint come to haunt me.

Throughout these next lines, Bones is running around packing random things in his chest.

Bones: They'll have the black spot on me soon. Mind you, it's my old sea chest they're after; I was first mate, I was, old Flint's first mate. Jim: But what is the black spot, captain? Bones: That's a summons, mate, a summons of death. But you keep your weather-eye open, Jim, and I'll share with you equals,

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upon my honor – Suddenly BONES stops talking as he hears a tap tap tapping coming toward the Inn. Hushing JIM, BONES pulls the boy behind the counter to hide. The door opens and Blind PEW enters in rags, with his stick as a guide.

PEW: Will any kind friend inform a poor blind man, where or in what part of this country he may now be? Silence as JIM looks to BONES who nods. Jim: You are at the 'Admiral Benbow,' Black Hill Cove, my good man. Pew: I hear a voice, a young voice. Will you give me your hand, my kind young friend, and lead me in?

JIM holds out his hand, and PEW, the horrible, soft-spoken, eyeless creature gripped it in a moment like a vise. JIM struggles to withdraw, but PEW pulls him close up to him with a single action of his arm.

Pew: Now, boy, take me in to the captain. Jim: Sir, upon my word I dare not. Pew: Take me in straight, or I'll break your arm.

BONES has silently held up his gun to fire at PEW, but when he cocks it back, PEW hears the sound and whirls onto BONES, hitting the pistol from BONES hand and trapping him to the bar.

Pew: (laughing) Now, Bill, sit where you are. If I can't see, I can hear a finger stirring. Business is business.

PEW pries open BONES fingers and slaps a circular piece of paper with a black dot in his hand.

Pew: And now that's done. Suddenly with incredible accuracy and nimbleness, PEW skips out of the Inn and into the road, where we can hear his

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stick go tap-tap-tapping into the distance. BONES looks at the piece of paper, hand shaking, face pale.

Bones: Ten o'clock! We'll do them yet! Reeling, BONES puts his hand to his throat, sways for a moment, and then, with a peculiar sound, falls from his whole height face foremost to the floor. JIM runs to him and shakes him.

Jim: Captain! Captain! Mr. Bones! No response.

Scene 4: THE SEA CHEST

Jim: Mother! Mother! JIM runs to the door as MRS. HAWKINS enters and looks at BONES dead on the ground. Feeling for a pulse, MRS. HAWKINS can’t find one.

Mrs. Hawkins: He’s dead. Jim: He’s a pirate! And more are coming. MRS. HAWKINS nods and goes to grab her musket. Mrs. Hawkins: Lock the door Jim, and draw the blind. JIM does as he is instructed, checking outside first. Mrs. Hawkins: And now, that chest, it must be what they are after.

JIM and MRS. HAWKINS rummage through the chest, finding dirty socks, long johns, hat, foreign coins and a leather roll bound with wax seals all along the sides. As MRS. HAWKINS goes to open it, JIM grabs her arm. In the silent, frosty air, a sound is heard—the tap-tapping of the blind man's stick upon the frozen road. It draws nearer and

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nearer, while THEY sit holding their breath. PEW enters and sharply raps on the inn door, turns the handle and rattles the bolts.

SILENCE At last the tapping recommences, going off. Jim: Mother, we have to get out of here. Mrs. Hawkins: The captain still owes us money, I’ll have my wages and nothing more.

A far away whistle is heard from the house. BOTH jump. MRS. HAWKINS grabs some coins to settle BONES account with the Inn. JIM still holding the leather roll, hides behind the counter with MRS. HAWKINS. In the house, the PIRATES enter. Seven or eight of them, (ANNE BONNEY, GENTLEMAN JACK, BLACK DOG, GEORGE MERRY, MARY READE, TOM THE KNIFE and CHARLOTTE DE BERRY among them) running hard, a man with a lantern some paces in front. Three men run together, hand in hand. PEW is at the middle of this trio.

Pew: Down with the door! Pirates: Ay, ay, sir!

The PIRATES shoot the bolts and the door comes crashing down. THEY all enter.

Tom the Knife: There be Bones! Charlotte: Billy! Shake BONES Black Dog: Bill's dead! Pew: Search ‘em, you shirking lubbers, and the rest of you go and get the chest.

ANNE BONNEY finds the chest on the floor. CHARLOTTE and GEORGE MERRY search BONES.

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Bonney: Pew, they’ve been here before us. Pew: Is it there? Bonney: The money's there. Pew: Curse the money, it’s ta map I be wantin’. Calico Jack: We don't see it here, nohow. George Merry: Damn my buttons, Bill's been searched a'ready. Charlotte: nothin' left. Pew: (Stricking his stick on the ground) Scuttle me—it's that boy. I wish I had put his eyes out! Scatter, lads, and find ‘em. A whistle is heard off. The same whistle heard before. Charlotte: That be Dirk, a warnin us. Calico Jack: Some ‘uns comin. A second whistle is heard. Tom the Kinife: That’s it men, shake a leg. Pew: (Banging his stick). Dirk’s a fool and a coward. Mary: And he still has his eyes. The PIRATES gather the money and start to leave. Pew: You could have thousands of gold bars, you fools, and you hang a leg! You'd be as rich as kings if you could find the map! Tom the knife: Hang it, Pew, we've got the doubloons! Pew: The doubloons! The doubloons? There wasn't one of you dared face Bill, and I did it—a blind man! Tom: Hang it, Pew!

PEW does ‘hang it’ by drawing his pistol and shooting TOM dead. MRS. HAWKINS gasps and PEW turns to the bar, smiling triumphantly. The OTHERS scatter as the sound of horses are heard. PEW walks toward the bar.

Pew: Bonney, Black Dog, Jack, you won't leave old Pew, mates—

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not old Pew? PEW drags another pistol, ready to fire at JIM and MRS. HAWKINS hiding. Suddenly MRS. HAWKINS jumps up and fires her musket just as LADY TRELAWNEY enters with her own pistol and shoots. PEW drops dead. TRELAWNEY blows the end of her pistol as MRS. HAWKINS shoulders hers. JIM rises and looks at the two women. LADY TRELAWNEY is a lively, slightly insensible woman dressed for riding. She carries herself with grace and confidence.

Trelawney: Evening Marie, Pirate trouble? Mrs. Hawkins: Thank you Lady Trelawney, I think we handled that quite nicely. Enter Miss. Abigail Livesly Miss Livesly: Oh my goodness. Do you need to brandish your pistols everywhere you go? Aubranna, I wished you’d behave more like a lady. Trelawney: Nonsense, why should the boys have all the fun? Livesly: But- Trelawney: Do stop fussing, Abby, the situation is under control. Livesly: Well, it looked under control before we got here. Trelawney: There were pirates Abagail! Real live pirates! Livesly: Well poor Jim and Mrs. Hawkins look white as a sheet.

MRS. HAWKINS goes and pours some ale for everyone. She is gathering her wits and puts down her musket.

Jim: I’m alright ma’am, nothing some fresh air won’t fix. Mrs. Hawkins: Come, sit awhile, son. Trelawney: Now, what were the ol’ pirates after?

MRS. HAWKINS kicks the chest on the ground and nods.

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Trelawney: Treasure? Mrs. Hawkins: More like a treasure map. Jim, do you have that leather packet? Jim: Here it is.

TRELAWNEY, LIVESLY and MRS. HAWKINS look over the cover of the packet. It reads, ‘this here lies Captain James Flint’s keep.’

Jim: (reading) This here lies Captain James Flint’s keep. Livesly: You have heard of this Flint, I suppose? Trelawney: Heard of him! Heard of him, you say! He was the blood-thirstiest buccaneer that ever sailed. Blackbeard was a child to Flint, I tell you, Abby. Jim: Can we open it? Trelawney: Of-course my lad!

The paper has been sealed in several places; LIVESLY opens the seals with great care, and out falls out the map of an island

Jim: It’s an island! Mrs. Hawkins: (Reading) Bulk of treasure here. (Turning the map over and reading) Danger: Skelton Island. Jim: Look m’lady, three red crosses, marking the place of the treasure. Will there be much there? Trelawney: Much there my lad? Ha-ha! This is what treasure stories were made from. Rubies red as blood and big as a turtle shell, purls the size of ostrich eggs. Jade from the Far East, so green and pure that you can see your reflection in it. And gold, more gold then a king has, an emperor!

The THREE just gaze at TRELANWEY as she dances about. Trelawney: Ha ha! Tomorrow I start for Bristol. In three weeks' time—three weeks!— we'll have the best ship, and the choicest

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crew in England. Hawkins shall come as cabin-boy. You'll make a famous cabin-boy, Hawkins. You, Abigail, are ship's doctor; I am admiral. Mrs. Hawkins we could use a lady with your musket skills. Mrs. Hawkins: No, I need to run the Inn. Jim: Can I go, mum? Mrs. Hawkins: I’ll be here waiting for your return.

Jim smiles as TRELWANY continues speaking. The lights fade during this next speech.

Trelawney: We'll take Redruth, Joyce, and Hunter. We'll have favorable winds, a quick passage, and not the least difficulty in finding the spot, and money to eat—to roll in—to play duck and drake with ever after.

Scene 5: I GO TO BRISTOL

Trelawney (voice over): Dear Abigail Livesey: The ship is bought and fitted. She lies at anchor, ready for sea. You never imagined a sweeter schooner—a child might sail her—two hundred tons; name, Hispaniola. I got her through my old friend, Blandly, who has proved himself. The admirable fellow literally slaved in my interest, and so, I may say, did every one in Bristol, as soon as they got wind of the port we sailed for—treasure, I mean.

The lights come up on the town of Bristol, a sea town in England. We are at the Spyglass Tavern, a colorful place, with very colorful patrons. They swarm in from all directions, singing and dancing.

Patrons: (Singing) Haul on the bowlin', the fore and maintop bowlin',

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Haul on the bowlin', the bowlin' haul! Haul on the bowlin', the packet is a-rollin', Haul on the bowlin', the bowlin' haul! JIM, TRELAWNEY and LIVESLY enter the tavern. Jim: Excuse me! Excuse me! Hey! Hello! Please! Patrons: (Singing over JIM) Haul on the bowlin', the skipper he's a-growlin', Haul on the bowlin', the bowlin' haul! Haul on the bowlin', to London we are goin', Haul on the bowlin', the bowlin' haul!

TRELAWNEY pulls out her pistol and shoots it in the air. The PATRONs stop singing and silently look at the THREE. The THREE look back slightly frightened.

Trelawney: Now, then… Jim? Jim: If I could take a moment of your time? Charlotte: Well, lookee here. Israel Hands: What do we have here? Jim: We are in need of a crew. (spots BLACK DOG in the tavern). Black Dog! He’s a pirate!

BLACK DOG jumps up and runs out the tavern as OTHERS block JIM’s view from the escape.

Jim: Don’t let him escape! BLACK DOG is gone and the PATRONs laugh, sitting back down. Enter MEG, the hardy owner of the tavern. She looks like she knows the sea as well, but long since retired.

Meg: A pirate in my tavern? Jim: Yes, ma’am. Meg: Well, I never! Israel, go run out and try to find ‘em.

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HANDS smirks and saunters out of the Tavern. ALL laugh. Meg: Thank heaven you run ‘em off. A pirate in the Spyglass Tavern? Now, what be yer business here? Trelawney: I need a crew. George Merry: You? You need a crew? Trelawney: Ay.

The Tavern erupts in laughter. JIM, TRELAWNEY and LIVESLY all look confused.

Calico Jack: You’re a jokin, ain’t ya? George Merry: A woman in charge of a ship? Israel Hands: Don’t you know that’s unlucky? Calico Jack: There’s not a soul here that’d sign up for a ship with a woman on board. ANNE BONNEY hits CALICO JACK. Israel Hands: If you’ve any sense lad, you won’t serve neither. Calico Jack: Why, women aboard a ship? It’s as unlucky as… as- George Merry: an upside down horse shoe. Calico Jack: Spilling salt. George Merry: Breaking a mirror. Israel Hands: I wouldn’t take a chance. Calico Jack: No offence ma’am. TRELAWNEY laughs. Trelawney: I shall pay handsomely.

The door to the tavern slams open. Enter RACHEL WALL and Gunpoder GERTIE. Behind them is the scariest woman the china seas has ever seen, commanding a fleat of 400 ships, CHING SHIH she is armed to the teeth.

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Israel Hands: More women! Ching Shih: So men think they better sailors then women? Calico Jack: We don’t mean you ma’am. Meg: (to TRELAWYNEY) That’s Ching Shih, she killed her own husband to command the China Seas. No man messes with her and lives to tell the tale. Trelawney: Very admiral I’m sure. Ching Shih: Women beat men any day of the week. Eh girls?

WOMEN agree and the MEN laugh. The WOMEN don’t like this and draw their swords in response. The MEN back down.

Anny Bonney: You’ve had no trouble sailing with Mary and I, Israel! Israel Hands: Yer be women?

ALL laugh and BONNEY and MARY punch ISRAEL HANDS AND CALICO JACK

Meg: See what superstitious babies they are? Jim: We set sail tomorrow on the good ship, Hispaniola.

Silence, everyone knows about the Hispaniola and where they are sailing to. ISRAEL HANDS gets up and goes to the back room, Flint’s old crew all follow him with their eyes, nodding in understanding, he’s going to talk to the new Captain.

Rachel Wall: How much you be paying then? Trelawney: Well, if we find the treasure – Livesly and Jim: My Lady! George Merry: Treasure? Calico Jack: Treasure you say? Jim: (whispering) Lady Trelawney, you promised you wouldn’t

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say anything. Trelawney: But, we must excite these people Jim. I am prepared to offer every crewmember an appropriate share in the treasure if you can overcome this superstitions nonsense about the perils of women on board. Ching Shih: We shall take you up on your offer. Livesly: Men?

The MEN grumble, HANDS appears then at the door. Flint’s old crew all look to him (GEORGE, BONNEY, ANNE, CALICO JACK and GRACE). HANDS nods as the crew smiles.

Hands: Ay, ma’am, we’s all in fer this trip o’ bounty. Trelawney: (delighted) You’re all hired! We set sail for buried treasure tomorrow! BLACKOUT

Scene 6: THE VOYAGE

In the darkness we hear gulls squalling and the clanging of chains on the ship. The Hispaniola creaks and the waves lull the early morning into a peaceful wake. The sunrises on the ship as the SAILORS enter through the house singing.

Sailors: (singing) Now we are ready to head for the Horn, Way, ay, roll an' go! Our boots an' our clothes boys are all in the pawn, Timme rollickin' randy dandy O! Heave a pawl, oh, heave away,

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Way, ay, roll an' go! The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored, Timme rollickin' randy dandy O! Soon we'll be warping her out through the locks, Way, ay, roll an' go! Where the pretty young gals all come down in their flocks, Timme rollickin' randy dandy O! Heave a pawl, oh, heave away, Way, ay, roll an' go! The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored, Timme rollickin' randy dandy O! Come breast the bars, bullies, an' heave her away, Soon we'll be rollin' her 'way down the Bay, Sing goodbye to Sally an' goodbye to Sue, For we are the boy-os who can kick 'er through. Oh, man the stout caps'n an' heave with a will, Soon we'll be drivin' her 'way down the hill. Heave away, bullies, ye parish-rigged bums,

Take yer hands from yer pockets and don't suck yer thumbs. Roust 'er up, bullies, the wind's drawin' free, Let's get the glad-rags on an' drive 'er to sea. We're outward bound for Vallipo Bay, Get crackin', m' lads, 'tis a hell o' a way!

By the time the song ends, the ship is ready for sailing and First Mate MR. ARROW enters, a brown old sailor, with earrings in his ears.

Arrow: All hands on deck! Chop, chop! Look lively!

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Trumpets. Arrow: Move aside! The captain approaches. Make way for the captain. Lolligagers will suffer his wrath! Rachel Wall: Wrath? Jim: Wrath? Is he bad tempered? Arrow: Is he bad tempered? Is he bad tempered? Does the sun rise in the east? Rachel Wall: Ah… yes? ARROW looks at RACHEL with contempt. Trumpets again. Arrow: All hands on deck!

The CREW lines up and tries to look presentable. Everyone looks to the audience for the Captain to enter. CAPTAIN SMOLLETT drops down from the mast behind the crew.

Smollett: Mr. Arrow! The CREW all jumps and scatters to allow SMOLLETT passage. ARROW stands up straighter. JIM stands shaking and TRELAWNEY rolls her eyes.

Smollett: I’ve inspected this dismal ship, from stem to stern, and as usual it’s… spot on. Can you get nothing wrong Mr. Arrow? Arrow: You flatter me Captain. Smollett: (To the CREW) I’m Captain Smollett and you’ve all met my first mate, Mr. Arrow, pure, tough, loyal, honest, brave and true. Arrow: Captain please. Smollett: Oh, shut up Arrow, you know I don’t mean a word of it. SMOLLETT exits into his cabin. Arrow: I knew it, he’s angry about the rigging. Anne Bonney, you were in charge, 30 lashes –

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SMOLLETT peeks out of his cabin with the list of crew in his hand. Smollett: Ah, Mr. Arrow, I did not say that. Arrow: I was anticipating your orders Captain. Smollett: (Hands the list to ARROW) Right…just do role call, Mr. Arrow. Arrow: Right sir! Role call! (Taking out the log with the crew’s name on it). Well what a surprise, so many of you have had to sign with a ‘x’. Let’s start with the readers. Abraham Gray! Abraham: Ay, Sir. Arrow: Richard Joyce? Richard: Here, sir. Arrow: Tom Morgan? Tom: Yes, sir. Here, sir. Arrow: And last, John Hunter. Hunter: Sir, I am here and ready to sail. Arrow: Good. Now… Meg Trueblood? Meg: You have the hardest working crew this side of the cape sir. Livesly: We can’t quarrel with that Captain. SMOLLETT just grumbles. ARROW continues. Smollett: Who’s next Mr. Arrow. Mary: That’d be me sir. Mary Reade sir, all you need is me and Anne here and no one can take this ship. Bonney: Anne Bonney Sir. Calico Jack: And no one be touchin’ me girl here, Anne. Smollett: (sighing) And who might you be? Calico Jack: Calico Jack. I get my name from me colorful like clothing.

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SMOLLET rolls his eyes. Mr. Arrow: Grace O’Malley! Grace: That be me, sir. I bring you a crew o’ women with me. I never sail without ‘em. Rachel: Rachel Wall, sir. From the America’s sir. Livesey: Such a far way from home. Rachel: Aye, ma’am. Gertie: (laughing) That ya be Rachel. Smollett: And who might you be? Gertie: Captain, I’m Gunpowder Gertie, sir. Me name speaks fer itself. Smollett: (pinching the bridge of his nose) Of-course. Mr. Arrow: Enough chatter, George Merry? George: Aye, sir. Mr. Arrow: Israel Hands. Smollett: (to the others) Israel is a choice of mine. Hands: Here Captain and Mr. Arrow. Mr. Arrow: Charlotte de Berry? Charlotte: Aye sir. Smollett: Is that Ching Shih? They say she slit 40 throats in the battle of Biscay. Jim: She’ll be good to have in the event of pirates, sir. Smollett: Humm. Ching Shih. Ching: Aye Captain. Smollett: Your skills precede you. Ching: Many thanks Captain. Mr. Arrow: And last, Long John Silver.

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Hands: He’s below preparin’ the meal fer tonight. Smollet: Good, that is where a cook should be. Dismissed. Let’s get this ship for sail. The crew exits and works. Smollett: (To LIVESLY, TRELAWNEY and JIM). I don’t like this cruise. I was brought on with orders telling me, I’m only to know the barring and how to get to the destination. Now, today, just five minutes on the ship and I find my crew knows more about this cruse then I do. I don’t call that fair now do you? Livesey: I, sir. I don’t. Smollet: Next, I learn we are going after treasure—hear it from my own hands, mind you. Now, treasure is ticklish work; I don't like treasure voyages on any account; and I don't like them, above all, when they are secret, and when the secret has been told to the parrot. Jim: The parrot? Trelawney: Silver's parrot? Smollet: Blabbed, I mean. It's my belief neither of you ladies knows what the hell is going on. But I'll tell you this… ladies it’s life or death. So I’ll have no more treasure talk, or they’ll be mutiny. Livesey: That is true, Captain, we do take a risk, but we are not so ignorant as you believe us. Next, you say you don't like the crew. Are they not good sea folk? Smollett: I don't like them, Miss Livesly. They’re…how did I describe them Arrow? I said something rather clever this morning at breakfast. Arrow: ‘A ludicrous parcel of sniveling, cock-eyed scallywags,’ sir. Smollett: There you go…poetry.

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Trelawney: Now, you see here – Smollett: And that’s not all, I'll tell you what I've heard myself, that you have a map of an island; and that there's crosses on the map to show where treasure is; and that the island lies longitude, 62 degrees 17’ 20’’ West. Latitude 10 degrees, 2’40” north. Trelawney: I never told that, to a soul. Smollett: The crew know it, my Lady. Trelawney: But I never – Smollett: I don't know who has this map, and I don’t care. Mr. Arrow and I shall not know who carries it. Mr. Arrow: In other words, Captain fears a mutiny. Smollett: Mr. Arrow, I deny your right to put words into my mouth.

SMOLLETT turns to leave as TRELAWNEY brews, seething at the man she now hates. LIVESEY stops SMOLLETT.

Livesey: Captain Smollett, when you first spoke to us, I'll stake my skirts you meant more than this. Smollett: Miss Livesly, you are smart. When I came in here I meant to get discharged. I had no thought that Lady Trelawney would hear a word. Trelawney: And I should not have, had good Abby been beside me. I have to act the Lady next to her and hear you out. I will do as you desire, but I think the worse of you. Smollett: That's as you please, my Lady. You'll find I do my duty.

In a huff, TRELAWNEY exits. LIVESEY quickly curtsies to SMOLLETT and exits as well. JIM looks at the LADIES and the CAPTIAN, still scared.

Smollett: Now Jim Hawkins, is that right? Jim: Yes, sir, I am Jim.

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Smollett: You seem to be of sound mind. I hope you get your sea legs this voyage, you have the makings of a fine sailor. Jim: Thank you, Sir.

SMOLLETT smiles, Jim is the son he wishes he had, but he catches himself in this thought and puts on a hard face, ready to bark orders.

Smollett: Now, I’ll have no favorites on this ship, you shall be cabin boy to Mr. Silver. Jim: The cook? Smollett: Yes, the cook. Jim: But, sir – Smollett: This is an order Mr. Hawkins. Now, go and find the good cook, he’ll need your help.

JIM tries to argue back, but sighs and leaves SMOLLETT who climbs the stern to the wheel. TOM sounds his pipe as the CREW begins to set the sails.

Smollett: On deck, men! Man the braces! Tom: Man the braces! Smollett: Let down and haul to run free! Tom: Let down the sails! JIM runs to the side of the ship and looks out. Enter LONG JOHN SILVER. Long John Silver: A ships a beautiful thing lad.

JIM turns and looks at SILVER, a man with his left leg cut off close at his hip. Under his left shoulder he carries a crutch, which he manages with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. He is very tall and strong, with a face as big as a ham – plain and pale, but intelligent and smiling. SILVER is in the most cheerful spirits and he whistles. JIM jumps back suddenly.

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Jim: The man with one leg! Silver: Pardon? Jim: Nothing…nothing sir. Silver: Silver, Long John Silver. And you lad must be Jim Hawkins, my cabin boy. Jim: Yes sir. Silver: Good, now you ever see a ship launch? JIM shakes his head, ‘no.’ Silver: Then stop standing here, the best view is up on the for’c’le. Go, be gone, enjoy yourself. Jim: Thank you sir. JIM runs off as the sunsets.

SILVER goes to sit down and peal potatoes, RACHEL joins him to help. HANDS walks by and makes a signal to SILVER who makes one back. The PIRATES of the ship all smile and nod, going back to their work.

Calico Jack: Let us have a song Anne my girl. The night is upon us. Bonney: And you need a little entertainment? Israel Hands: If we wanted entertainment, we’d have you’s all dance upon the casptan. The MEN all laugh as BONNEY begins her song. Bonney: Don’t ya see the ships a’comin? Don’t ya see them in full sail? Don’t ya see the ships a’comin, With their prizes at their tail? All Women:

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Oh, my little rolling sailor, Oh, my little rolling he, How I love my rolling sailor When he’s on a rollin’ sea. All Men: When he’s on a rollin’, rollin’ When he’s on a rollin’, sea.

As BONNEY and the CREW continue to sing, JIM and MR. ARROW enter. MR. ARROW is teaching JIM how to handle a sword. A duel is started, MR. ARROW wins, and a second time, and third.

Arrow: Loosen up the wrist. It’s all about the opponent’s eyes. Speed is more important (disarms JIM) then force.

SILVER laughs and waves around his cutting knife mocking ARROW.

Arrow: You, sir, you find something amusing in this situation? Silver: Well, with all do respect Mr. Arrow, you seem to find more joy disarming the lad then actually teaching him. Arrow: And what would you suggest I would do differently? Silver: (to JIM) Jim, my boy, he’s instructing you to hold a sword like a

Bonney: Sailors they get all the money, Soldiers they get none but brass, How I love my rolling sailor, Soldiers they can kiss my … All Women: Oh, my little rolling sailor, Oh, my little rolling he, How I love my rolling sailor When he’s on a rollin’ sea. All Men: When he’s on a rollin’, rollin’ When he’s on a rollin’, sea. Bonney: How can I be blithe and merry, With my true love far from me? All those pretty little sailors, They’ve been pressed and ta’en to sea. All Women: Oh, my little rolling sailor, Oh, my little rolling he, How I love my rolling sailor When he’s on a rollin’ sea. All Men: When he’s on a rollin’, rollin’ When he’s on a rollin’, sea. Bonney: How I wish the press were over, And the wars were at an end, Then every sailor laddie, Would be happy with his friend. All Women: Oh, my little rolling sailor, Oh, my little rolling he, How I love my rolling sailor When he’s on a rollin’ sea. All Men: When he’s on a rollin’, rollin’ When he’s on a rollin’, sea. Bonney: When the wars they are all over, Peace and plenty come again, E’ry bonny sailor laddie Will come sailing on the main. All Women: Oh, my little rolling sailor, Oh, my little rolling he, How I love my rolling sailor When he’s on a rollin’ sea. All Men: When he’s on a rollin’, rollin’ When he’s on a rollin’, sea. Bonney: Hope the wars will soon be over, And the sailors, once come home, Every lass will get a laddie. She won’t have to sleep alone. All Women: Oh, my little rolling sailor, Oh, my little rolling he, How I love my rolling sailor

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dandy man. In a real fight, speed be nothing to force. That wins the day. Arrow: And what would a ships cook know of swordsmanship? Silver: Well, I’ve held a sword or two in my youth sir. I served with Admiral Hawke. That’s how I lost me leg.

ARROW huffs away and exits. JIM sits next to MARY and JANE, as far away from SILVER as possible.

Mary Reade: He's no common man, Barbecue. Jim: Barbecue?

HANDS passes by and shouts out. HE doesn’t like the boy. Hands: Silver, boy. Your cook. Jim: Oh. Rachel: Barbecue had good schooling in his young days, and can quote Shakespeare. George Merry: And brave—a lion's nothing alongside of Long John! I seen him fight four men and knock their heads together—him unarmed. Silver: (Calls over to JIM) Come away, Hawkins, come and have a yarn with ol’ John. Nobody more welcome than yourself, my son.

JIM hesitates before he stands and walks toward SILVER, but stops five feet from SILVER and speaks.

Jim: Um, I met this old guy before I left who was… um…he was looking for someone. Silver: Oh? Jim: A one legged mate. Silver: Is that so? Jim: Yeah. Silver: What was that old lubbers name?

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Jim: Bones, Captain Billy Bones. Pause, SILVER looks to the sky and thinks a second. There is tension in the air as the crew listens in.

Silver: Mmmmmm, T’ain’t ringing any bells. I not the only man who’s lost a leg in the name of the King. Now sit you down and hear the news. Here's Cap'n Flint—I calls my parrot Cap'n Flint, after the famous buccaneer—here's Cap'n Flint predicting success to our v'yage. Wasn't you, Cap'n? PARROT climbs onto SILVERS shoulder, squawking. Parrot: Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight. RACHEL takes the PARROT off. Silver: Now, that bird, is, may be, two hundred years old, Jim me boy—they live forever mostly, and if anybody's seen more wickedness it must be the devil himself. She's sailed with the great Cap'n England, the pirate. She's been at Madagascar, and Tortuga, and Providence with Blackbeard. It's there she learned 'Pieces of eight,' and little wonder: three hundred and fifty thousand of 'em, Jim!

SMOLLETT enters from his cabin and looks at JIM and SILVER SILVER sees the pointed look and changes his demeanor.

Silver: Ah… what I mean is, Jim, (stands up and grabs a mop and bucket) Meet Mr. Mop and Mrs. Bucket. I want the ship spotless!

JIM looks up at SMOLLETT and grumbles, but sets to work. SILVER salutes SMOLLETT who nods.

Scene 7: HEARD IN THE APPLE BARREL

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During the next, the sunrises and the CREW lines up for LIVESLY’s medicine. It’s an amusing sight to see seafarers line up and whimper at the sight of medicine. But all take the red syrup without trouble. Once done with the medicine they go about their duty. TRELAWNEY and SMOLLETT argue as SILVER claps JIM on the back and smiles.

Jim (voice over): All the crew respected Long John Silver and even obeyed him. He had a way of talking to everyone. To me he was unweariedly kind; and always glad to see me in the galley. The crew was content, spoiled more like it. When Lady Trelawney found out there was a birthday, she’d have a cake made. There has been a birthday every night this week. And there is always a barrel of apples standing on deck for anyone that had a fancy for one. The Captain likes it not, but Lady Trelawney takes no heed of the man.

TRELAWNEY and SMOLLETT storm out of the Captains cabin in an argument. LIVESEY goes to her friend, trying to smooth things over.

Smollett: (Angry) I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, you are spoiling the crew! Trelawney: I am not, Sir. Smollett: Ma’am, what ship ever celebrates birthdays? Livesey: We do have quite a lot of birthdays, my Lady. Smollett: It’s a birthday a day! Old Joe has had three birthdays this week. Trelawney: He doesn’t know when his birthday is, the poor thing. Smollett: (stomping off into his cabin) I give up!

Climbing down the ladder, TRELAWNEY paces the deck. JIM and SILVER are pealing potatoes below and watch.

Trelawney: A trifle more of that man and I shall explode!

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ISERAL HANDS enters. Hands: The captain wants to speak to you. Silver: Do you know what e’s after? Hands: Not a clue, I think it’s alright. SILVER rises and winks at Jim. Jim: Will you be alright? Silver: Just make me proud, lad. Don’t peal all those potatoes before I get back.

SILVER exits. HANDS fishes an apple out of a barrel and sits down next to JIM.

Jim: He seems happy. Hands: ‘Course he’s happy, he’s lookin’ forward to getting the – Jim: Getting the what? Hands: Nothing. Gettin’ to the island, that’s all. (HANDs laughs uncomfortably, then gets an idea) Tell me sometin’. Give it to me straight, is it you’s whose gots the map?

ANNE, CHING SHIH, GEORGE MERRY and TOM MORGAN come around the two sitting.

Jim: Map? Chin Shih: Ti map o’ ti island. George: The one that shows the treasure. Jim: (Rising) I-I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. Hands: (Backing JIM against the rail) O’course ya do. All FIVE start ganging up on JIM. Anne: Where is it? Calico Jack: Do ya got it in yer pocket? Jim: I-I don’t know what you mean.

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CALICO JACK, GEORGE, CHING SHIH and ANNE hold JIM to the rail as HANDs searches for it.

Hands: I jest want to gander at it wit me own eyes. Jim: Please, stop it. Hands: I want to touch it, so I can start a-dreaming and planning. JIM wrestles away. Jim: STOP! Anne: Now give it o’er! Calico Jack: We just want to touch it. Jim: Get back! SILVER appears and throws them all off JIM. Silver: Israel Hands! What the blazes are ye doin’? Hands: Silver…we… Silver: Tat’s what I thought. Back to work all o’ ya!

ALL scatter. JIM brushes himself off as SILVER goes back to work.

Silver: You all right Jim? Jim: Yes, sir. Silver: You should pick yer fights better. Jim: But I – never mind. (JIM sits and starts peeling the potatoes) Silver: What’s all this? Jim: I never seem to do anything right. Captain Smollett doesn’t like the way act around the crew, Lady Trelawney won’t talk to me because of the Captain and now the crew – Silver: Now James Hawkins, you listen here. You’ve got greatness in ya. You gotta take the helm and chart yer own course, not anyone else’s. Stick to it, no matter the beatin’s you get and when the time comes to cast off and really test your sails, well I hope I’m there catching some of the light coming off ya that day.

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JIM sighs, shakes his head and walks off. SILVER looks after the lad and turns to his PARRIOT.

Silver: Getting in too deep here Flint, next thing ya know, the crew will be a callin’ me soft.

SILVER exits as the sun sets and the moon rises. The man at the helm is watching the luff of the sail and whistling away gently to himself, and that is the only sound excepting the swish of the sea against the bows and around the sides of the ship. TRELAWNEY and LIVESEY enter with candles.

Trelawney: Abby, I pay that man to sail my ship, nothing more. Livesey: He is just trying to help my lady, you should listen to him. Trelawney: The man’s the Blackbeard of the Royal Navy. Livesey: Abbruanna, how many times have you sailed a ship?

TRELAWNEY turns to counter that statement, but can’t and huffs. Livesey: That is what I thought my Lady. I’m sorry to scold, but the Captain knows what he is doing.

JIM enters with a mop and bucket. ARROW walks up to the man at the helm, dismissing him.

Livesey: Ah, Jim. What are you doing about? Jim: Just finished my duties ma’am. Trelawney: (Walking over the JIM) Is it secret, is it safe? Jim: Pardon, ma’am? Trelawney: The map, lad, the map! Jim and Livesey: (Lunge at TRELAWNEY and cover her mouth) Shhhh! Silence. ALL three look around.

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Jim: Yes ma’am it’s safe. Trelawney: Wonderful. We should see the island by the morrow. Jim: Really? What do you think it will look like? Trelawney: A jungle, trees as tall as mountains, monkeys and spices- Livesey: You two are acting like children in a candy store. Jim: It is awfully exciting Ms. Livesey. Livesey: It’s dangerous, that’s what it is. And you two talking out in the open doesn’t help anything. Trelawney: Oh tush Abby. Let us retire; the island will have to wait.

TRELAWNEY and LIVESLEY exit. JIM continues mopping, looks to the moon. Silence. HANDS appears from a hiding place with a sinister look. HANDS, unseen by JIM, creeps out to slit his throat. ARROW sees this and draws his sword to stop HANDS. JIM exits with mop and bucket. HANDS goes toward JIM to kill him, but ARROW stops him. A small silent skirmish happens, ending with HANDS slitting ARROW’s throat and tossing him overboard. SILVER enters and sees the end of the fight. SILVER goes to stop HANDS. JIM enters without his mop and bucket and sees SILVER and HANDS looking over board. SILVER notices.

Silver: Man overboard! MAN OVERBOARD! ALL enter, SMOLLETT runs down and over to SILVER. Smollett: What’s happened? Silver: (Taking his hat off and hanging his head) It’s Mr. Arrow sir… I watched him go over. Smollett: Mr. Arrow was a fine sailor, how did this occur? Silver: (looking at HANDS) He was on the sauce.

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Trelawney: Mr. Arrow was drinking? Silver: Israel and I tried to help ‘em, but he jist flew o’er. SILVER nudges HANDS to say something. HANDS rolls his eyes. Hands: (Taking his hat off) He was ta daintiest first mate I ever sail wit’. Smollett: (Taking his hat off as well) Mr. Arrow was a good man…a good man. ALL take off hats and bow their heads, mumbling words of praise. Smollett: Let this be a lesson to you. Rum and sailing does not mix. This is a dangerous voyage, keep your heads sailors.

SMOLLETT stalks off with rest of the sailor crew. PIRATES stay. Unnoticed by all, JIM tries to get an apple from the apple barrel on deck, but can’t reach, so he falls all the way in. Once the stage is clear of only PIRATES, SILVER backhands HANDS, throwing him to the ground.

Hands: Arrow was a thorn in my side. Silver: That little stunt might ‘ave just cost us ta map. The Captain’s already weary. Hands: I say we kill ‘em all! Silver: (Draws sword) Disobey my orders again like that stunt you pulled with Jim and so help me you’ll be joinin’ ‘em. Calico Jack: Strong talk. Silver: What’s that? Calico Jack: You’ve gone soft. Meg: We’ve seen you wit ta boy –

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Silver: Now see ‘er the lot o’ you, the only ting I cares about is Flints treasure. You’d think I’d risk all for the likes of that nose-whipping little whop? Gertie: What I say is, when by thunder? That's what I say. Silver: When! by the powers! Well, now, if you want to know, I'll tell you when. The last moment I can manage; and that's when. If I was sure of you all, sons of double Dutchmen, I'd have Cap'n Smollett navigate us halfway back again before I struck. Ching Shin: But, when we do lay 'em athwart, what are we to do with 'em, anyhow? Anna Bonney: Damn my buttons! There's the woman for me! That's what I call business. Well, what would you think? Cut 'em down like pork? That would have been Flint's or Billy Bones's way. Hands: Billy was the man for that. Dead men don't bite,' says he. Silver: Right you are, rough and ready. But, dooty is dooty, mates. I give my vote—death. Wait is what I say; but when the time comes, why let her rip! Hands: We could overpower ‘em in a minute – then kill ‘em all! But I wants the cap’n fer meself. I’m a gonna wring ‘is little head off his body. Silver: You can wring all ya like, after we set sail wit ta treasure. Only one thing I claim – I claim Trelawney, that little lass has got her death coming. Pirates: Cut ‘em down, says I/ And I!/ And wring their necks!/ etc. Mary Reade: Psssssst! Fire and Thunder! There’s Tom Morgan a comin’. TOM MORGAN enters. He’s a young sailor and clearly nervous. Rachel: Is he with us? Did you ask him?

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Bonney: I did and he ain’t decided yet. Gertie: Tom, over here! Pirates: Hello, Tom/ There he is/ And welcome/ etc. Silver: (Claps hand on TOM’s shoulder) Well how’s old Tom, eh? Tom: I’m all right. Grace: We’re havin’ a meetin’. Charlotte: About you know what. Tom: That’s what I thought. Mary Reade: So, have you come to join us? Silver: We share the loot equals see, and you could be a part o’ tis. Tom: Right… well… I’ve given it some thought and …I think I’d rather…what I mean to say is…I’m going to remain where I am. I like the Captain and Lady Trelawney. The Lady Doctor is good too. I’m not sure I’m meant to be a… a… Calico Jack: Gentlemen o’ Fortune? Tom: Right… at least for now. So… Silver: Understood. We can respect that, can’t we? PIRATES murmur and agree, though they are not very convincing. Mary Reade: So, Tom… good night and god speed.

As TOM turns away to leave, SILVER, BONNEY and HANDS exchange a look. All the pirates know that look. TOM gets part way across the deck, when SILVER takes his crutch and hurls it with stunning force at TOM’s back. TOM lets out a horrible cry and crumples to the deck ground in a sickeningly awkward lump.

Tom: Ahhhhhhhh!

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All PIRATES, save SILVER, HANDS and BONNEY run to look at the body.

Rachel: He’s Dead. Ching Shin: His back is broken. The PIRATES are in awe of Silver, not respecting his lead as captain. Hands: T’row him over board. We’ll say we was on the sauce like Arrow. Charlotte: Wait! Gertie: Look! George Merry: (Runs downstage to look over railing) The island! There in the moonlight! Grace: Call the Captain! Silver: No! Let the lookout in the crows nest spot it. Get to yer bunks, if they see as grouped here, the Captain will be suspicious. Hands: You heard the man! Charlotte: Quick! Double time!

The PIRATES scatter. SILVER starts to walk away when he stops and remembers he’s hungry.

Silver: Apple. SILVER hobbles over to the barrel JIM is in and reaches his hand in. We see JIM try to avoid SILVER’s hand, but the apples are nearly gone. JIM grabs an apple and hands it to SILVER. SILVER clutches the apple, not noticing JIM in the barrel.

Jim: (Sighs). SILVER hears this and starts to go back to the barrel, but- Abraham: (off) Land ho!

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SILVER shakes his head and leaves. There is a great rush of feet across the deck. The moment Silver leaves, JIM emerges from the barrel and runs to the captains quarters.

Scene 8: COUNCEL OF WAR Enter TRELAWNEY and LIVESY. ABRAHAM GRAY, RICHARD JOYCE and JOHN HUNTER all enter to look at the island. TRELAWNEY calls her men over and ALL go into the cabin as the PIRATES emerge.

George Merry: I tell ya, it’s now or never! We have the island, let us strike now! Grace: But Silver said to wait, lay lo. George: Hang Silver. They won’t suspect us, not now. Ching Shin: But what of the map? George: We grab the boy, and threaten to kill him.

Light up on TRELAWNEY, LIVSEY, SMOLLETT, ABRAHAM, RICHARD, JOHN HUNTER and JIM in the cabin.

Smollett: I knew it! John Hunter: The scoundrels! Livesy: And Silver is behind it all? Jim: Yes, ma’am. Livesy: Remarkable. Lights up on PIRATES. George: Get the weapons! Charlotte: Grab the boy! Grace: But what of Long Jone?

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George: Silver will be thanking us. Grace: What the devil do you mean? Barbecue does not give thanks, you’ll be a dead man by the morrow. Lights up on cabin. Trelawney: Let us load the muskets and mow ‘em all down! Smollett: Let’s not be rash. We’ll wait it out, bide our time. Trelawney: But why? Smollett: Because we are out numbered. Three to one at least. Trelawney: Damn the Villians! I’ll take three or four down myself. My men will do the same. Richard: She speaks true Captain, she is a dead shot. John: Aye ma’am. Abraham: Always true ma’am. BANG! All hear a musket shot from the Pirates side of the ship. John: What was that? Livesy: A gun shot! Smollett: Quick! Start loading the muskets!

As THEY start pulling down the muskets and loading them, the action shifts to the PIRATES. SILVER, HANDS and BONNEY rush in.

Silver: What’s going on? Ya arrant lobster headed baboons! Ya shinerin’ bone-eared kites! Did I tell ya to stand back and hold yer ground, did I? Hanh? BANG! A bullet wizzs by HANDS head shattering a lamp on the deck. Bonney: Now look what yer done! Hands: That could have killed me!

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SMOLLETT appears from the cabin, backed by the others, but unseen by the pirates. SILVER turns to the captain…accepting the fact that there is no backing out now.

Silver: Captain Smollett, time to pay the Piper. Smollett: I’ll have your head for this disobedience, Silver. Kill him! No one moves. Smollett: Kill them, the bunch of mutinous scurvy dogs. Kill em or face death yourselves. Silver: (Bites a coin and laughs) No one to help ya? Ah, it must be the size of my pistol or my charming disposition.

The PIRATES laugh. But Abraham, Richard and John all aim and shoot. The PIRATES curse and duck, shooting back. SMOLLETT ducks back into the cabin. Action shifts back to Captains quarters. The PIRATES have opened fire on the cabin; bullets are flying and shattering windows as the HEROS load their muskets.

Jim: Captain, I have an idea. I’ll go out and talk to them, while you all make your escape through the longboats and to shore. Livesey: What?! Jim: I got you into this, and now I’ll get out. They want my map. I’ll distract them while you get away. Trelawney: But what about you Jim? Jim: Don’t worry about me, I’ll get away just fine. Richard: But how? Jim: Trust me. Livesey: Don’t be ridiculous, we’ll face this together… Jim!

Before they can stop him, JIM kicks open the door and rushes out onto the deck. He carries two loaded pistols, and two

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more in his belt. He looks a regular Buccaneer, spitting image of Blackbeard as a lad.

John: Stop! Abraham: Jim, No! JIM appears on deck, pistols in hand. SILVER sees him and stands up. Silver: Hold yer fire! (The firing stops) Jim- Jim: Talk all you want Silver, but these pistols are loaded and I know how to use them. Silver: Jim- my boy – Jim: Don’t ‘my boy’ me. I can’t believe I actually believed all that spindle-shanked talk of yours. Silver: I meant it – Jim: Shut up! Now, it’s the map you want, and I’ve got it right here! See!

JIM pulls the map out of his jacket and brandishes it. When GEORGE and CHING SHIN see the map, they rush at JIM, but JIM lets off both of the pistols- BANG!-BANG! Dropping the pistols, JIM takes up the other two loaded pistols.

George: Why you little punk! The PIRATES (except SILVER) chase JIM. Jim runs to the ship railing and holds onto a rope, holding the map over the water at arms length. It flaps in the wind, holding the ship in suspense. Who would have thought a small piece of paper with lines on it would cause this much trouble.

Jim: I’LL DROP IT! I swear to God I’ll drop it over the side and you’ll never see it again! (GEORGE grabs a musket) GO AHEAD AND SHOOT ME! I’LL FALL INTO THE SEA AND MAP’LL GO WITH ME AND THEN WHERE’LL YOU BE?!!

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Silver: Tis a foul tongue, yours. By the saints, lad, what is it you want? In exchange for the map? A whistle is heard off, signaling Jim that all is safe. Jim: I have everything I want. Be damned to you with all my heart! Go meet Captain Flint in Davy Jones locker!

JIM takes the rope and soars through the air like a bird, with the map in hand, pistol in the other. As he comes down and disappears from sight we hear the splash of his body as it hits the sea. He’s made his escape. The PIRATES rush to the railing to see JIM in the water, SILVER smiles despite himself.

Silver: Well done, lad.

END OF ACT ONE