Jibby Jones · Chapter
XVIII: Pirate’s Treasure explained
The boys discover a hollow spot in the cellar floor of the old house and dig up an 1804 silver dollar, which they believe is worth a thousand dollars.
What happens
The boys discover a hollow spot in the cellar floor of the old house and dig up an 1804 silver dollar, which they believe is worth a thousand dollars. Jibby Jones, however, remains fixated on thinking out the location of John A. Murrell's hidden treasure, bumping his head against a pine tree until he claims to have figured it out. He insists they must first collect a grain of green sand before digging for the treasure, prioritizing his collection over potential wealth.
Themes in this chapter
Perseverance and Problem Solving
Jibby persists in thinking out the treasure's location despite initial failure, using physical actions like bumping his head to stimulate his mind.
Imagination and Ingenuity
Jibby's method of 'thinking out' the treasure by leaning against the signal tree and his creative problem-solving approach highlight imaginative thinking.
Adventure and Exploration
The boys explore the old house and cellar, digging for treasure, embodying the spirit of adventure.
Characters to notice
- Jibby Jones
Stays by the signal tree to think out the treasure's location, rubs his nose, bumps his head on the tree, and finally declares he knows where the treasure is. He insists on getting the green sand before the treasure.
- Wampus Smale
Discovers the hollow-sounding spot in the cellar floor and is excited about the find.
- Tad Willing
Fetches Jibby when the hollow spot is found, helps dig, and is part of the group that finds the 1804 dollar.
- Skippy Root
Helps dig in the cellar and is excited about the discovery of the dollar.
- Rover
Not mentioned in this chapter.
Key passages
“Treasure is nothing but money, and I may have plenty of chances to get money in my life, but this may be the only green sand I ever have a chance to get. We’ll get the sand first.”
Jibby values the unique green sand over potential treasure money, prioritizing a rare collectible over wealth.
Highlights Jibby's unconventional priorities and his focus on the green sand.
“I can’t think it out! ... That John A. Murrell treasure ought to be somewhere, but I can’t think where it is.”
Jibby is frustrated that he cannot deduce the hiding place of Murrell's treasure despite his efforts.
Shows Jibby's determination and his reliance on mental reasoning.
“I’ve found it! ... In my head. I won’t tell you where else it is, because we’ll need a spade to dig for it, and it is too dark now, and we can’t come tomorrow, because it is Sunday.”
Jibby claims to have figured out the treasure's location mentally but delays revealing it due to darkness and the Sabbath.
Demonstrates Jibby's confidence in his thinking and his practical planning.