Billy Bones and Long-John Silver appeared in the Robert Louis Stevenson novel Treasure Island.

Billy Bones

Billy Bones is an old pirate that stays at an inn which is owned by Jim Hawkin’s father. He is quite an obnoxious character who refuses to settle his debts and is always causing trouble.

He employs Jim Hawkins as a scout, looking out for a man with a peg leg. However, Billy Bones receives the black spot, a pirate curse which says he will soon die. Shortly afterwards he goes into shock and does indeed die.

After his death Jim Hawkins finds the treasure map which leads into the main part of the story.

Long-John Silver

Long-John Silver is perhaps the most famous character in Treasure Island. Indeed, he may be the most well known fictional pirate of all time.

His story begins with him searching for his old shipmate, Billy Bones, who has in his posession a treasure map. The hunt leads Long-John to the inn where Jim Hawkins lives. When he discovers that Jim has the map he befriends him and becomes a member of the crew that sets out to seek the booty.

Acting as cook, he is actually the ringleader of the pirates who take over the ship in order to attempt to get to the treasure first. The use of a peg leg with Long-John’s character is something that has become synonimous with pirates ever since.

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