Kitabı oku: «Остров сокровищ / Treasure Island. Уровень 1», sayfa 5

“You are at the Admiral Benbow,” I said.

“I hear a voice,” said he, “a young voice. Will you give me your hand, my young friend?”

I gave him my hand. He took it.

“Now, boy,” he said, “take me in to the captain, and cry out ‘Here’s a friend for you, Bill.’ If you don’t, I’ll do this.” And he pulled my hand with such force that I nearly fainted.

I was so terrified of the blind beggar that I forgot my terror of the captain.

When I opened the inn door, I cried out the words he ordered.

The poor captain raised his eyes. He made a movement to rise.

“Now, Bill, sit where you are,” said the beggar. “Give me your left hand.”

The blind man gave something to the captain. Then he went out of the inn.

The captain opened his palm. “Ten o’clock!” he cried. “Six hours.”

He jumped to his feet. Then he made a strange sound and fell down on the floor. The captain was dead.

4. The Sea Chest

I told my mother all that I knew. “We’ll open that chest,” she said. “I want to have my money.” On the floor close to the captain’s hand, there was a little piece of paper. This was the black spot – a small round black piece of paper. There was a short message: “You have till ten tonight.⁹”

The news was good, for it was only six. “Now, Jim,” she said, “that key.”

I looked for the key in his pockets. Small coins, some thread and big needles, a pocket compass. I began to despair.

“Perhaps it’s round his neck,” suggested my mother.