Treasure Island

Mairi Mackinnon has lived in England, Scotland, France, Italy and Spain, and worked as a teacher, translator and tour manager before joining Usborne. Over the years she has written and edited Usborne books in sixteen languages, from Arabic to Welsh. She lives in a house full of teenagers, books and curious musical instruments.

When I woke, it was morning and I was on the other side of the island. The shore was rocky and the sea was rough. It wasnt safe to land, but I was getting very thirsty. Then I saw the Hispaniola through the waves. I couldnt stay in my little boat for much longer. Perhaps I could reach the ship instead? I rowed closer. Suddenly the ship moved sideways. It was going to crash into my boat! I jumped and caught the anchor rope, and started climbing. The first thing I saw was Mr. Hands and the other man, lying on the deck. I guessed the other man was dead. Hands had blood all over his leg, but he opened his eyes and whispered, Water. I found some for him, and bandaged his leg. I suppose you want to get to shore, he said. Well, I cant sail the ship now, but I can tell you what to do. Slowly we sailed towards the north of the island, where I could see a sandy beach. Well land there, he told me.