Who Is Long John Silver?
Silver is introduced into Treasure Island as a “retired” ex-pirate. He used to sail with the infamous Captain Flint, for whom he served as ship’s quatermaster. It was apparently said that Silver was the only person of whom Flint was afraid. Given Flint’s reputation as “the bloodthirstiest buccaneer that sailed” that tells you a lot about Silver! Long John Silver has a peg leg which he claimed he “lost it in his country’s service, under the immortal Hawke”. In reality he lost the leg on board Flint’s ship, during the same battle in which “old Pew lost his deadlights”. This is one of the lies that Silver uses to trick his way onto the Treasure Island expedition as ship’s cook. Silver wants Flint’s treasure for himself and attempts to organise a mutiny on board the ship – which is only foiled by Jim who overhears his scheming.
