Pirate Math

Justin I think that Havarti was from Boo Radley!  And think that Asiago came from my fannypack…if I’ve told you once I’ve told you a million times “Hands outta my pouch!”

I like your goal…goals are important.  February 29 it is…this book, done.  I’ll actually one better you and I’ll have the book finished by February 28th (because I don’t want to have this book hanging over my head as I begin my 32nd year).

I’m well on my way, but I’ve hit a snag as I find myself perplexed by the new pirate math.  Here’s what Stevenson gives us:

“Have they run?” asked Mr. Smollett.

“All that could, you may be bound,” returned the doctor; “but there’s five of them will never run again.”

“Five!” cried the captain.  “Come, that’s better. Five against three leaves us four to nine. That’s better odds than we had at starting.  We were seven to nineteen then, or thought we were, and that’s as bad to bear.” [my emphasis]

Is Stevenson just writing numbers here?  What does this mean?  Are they still on the island?  Have they found the treasure yet?

Less unclear is the fact that you do not mess with Dr. Livesey.  It was not that long ago that the Captain was shaming the entire crew for their lax window watching.  And then he finds himself under Dr. Livesey’s “care” and is treated for said a gunshot wound to the shoulder with these care instructions:

He was sure to recover the doctor said, but, in the meantime and for weeks to come, he must not walk nor move his arm, nor so much as speak when he could help it. [Once again by emphasis.]

I guess the shamings are over for the foreseeable future.  I believe that would be Livesey 1, Hippocratic Oath 0.

I left Jim getting ready to hatch what seemed to the be the most ill-conceived of plots to defeat the mutineers, but I have a feeling it will “unexpectedly” work.

The 28th is getting closer and closer!

Jon