NOTES
PART I
CHAPTER I
The fact that most of this story is told as by the boy Jim Hawkins will not diminish its interest for young readers.
29, 1. The bearings of the island are not given. But all indications are that Stevenson was thinking of the Spanish Main, that is, the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Spanish America, or the West Indies. This was the great region for piracy and treasure. See the Introduction.
2. Admiral Benbow. In the early days, before the ability to read became general, inns were designated by signs bearing pictures of objects. An inn by the sea-shore might naturally be named for Admiral Benbow (1653-1702), one of England's famous naval heroes.
3. Hand-barrow. That is, a wheel-barrow.
4. Pig-tail. The hair, or wig, plaited and hanging down behind.
30, 1. Cove. A hollow curve in the sea-shore.
2. Capstan. A heavy cylinder of wood or iron, fixed upright on the deck of a vessel. It is revolved by levers, and the heavy anchors raised or lowered by ropes, or cables, wound around the capstan.
3. Handspike. A heavy bar or lever of wood, such as were used in revolving the capstan.
4. Mought. Dialect form of might.
31, 1. Had sailed before the mast. That is, had been a common sailor. The quarters of the officers of a ship were back of the mast.
2. Skipper, captain; mate, second officer.
3. Royal George. a common name for English inns.
33, 1. Walking the plank. Pirates frequently compelled the unfortunate people on a captured ship to jump off in the sea. For this the cant name was to walk the plank.
2. Dry Tortugas. A group of small coral islands in the Gulf 'of Mexico, southwest of Florida.
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