Jamaica Inn

BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
Jamaica Inn
1: Meet Mary Yellan
NB: This is not a word-for-word transcript
LANGUAGE FOCUS: Present tenses mixed together- revision and extension. Revise
Present simple, present continuous and present perfect, and especially the differences
between them in terms of time indication
Mary narrator
My name is Mary, Mary Yellan. I'm 23 years old. I'm not usually very brave, but I feel
brave today. Here I am … on this long journey to Cornwall … on my own. I've left the
farm where I've lived all my life. I wanted to stay there, but last week I made a promise
to my dear Mother…
Mother
[coughing/weak voice] Mary, my child… listen…I won't be in this world much longer.
Mary
Don't say that, Mother.
Mother
It's true, Mary. But, before I go, I have only one wish ….
Mary
Yes, Mother dear?
Mother
When I die, promise me you will go and live with my sister Patience.
Mary
But why can't I stay here on the farm, here in Helford?
Mother
You can't stay here alone.
Mary
But I haven't seen Patience since I was a child!
Jamaica Inn episode 1 ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

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Mother
I know, but soon she will be the only family you have. [coughing] I have written to her.
She has agreed that you can go and live with her and your uncle Joshua. They live on
Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Here, take her letter.
Mary
Bodmin Moor! But that's so far away!
Mary narrator
Mother died last Tuesday. The funeral was yesterday. We buried her next to Papa. Now,
I'm on my way to my aunt's house. I've got the letter here …
[reading] Joss and I now live in Jamaica Inn, where he is landlord. It's on the road
between Bodmin and Launceston…
This journey is so long! We have been travelling for hours. What a wild and lonely county
Cornwall is. My only consolation is that I will see my aunt again after so many years. Oh
how pretty she was with her golden hair and blue eyes! Always laughing, enjoying
ourselves ….
But I never visited her and I never met her husband either. … Ah, at last, I can see
houses and people – this must be Bodmin town.
There is just me and one other traveller left. It's so cold and grey outside…The rain is
lashing against the window. I wish it would stop! All I can see is mile upon mile of empty
moorland. No trees … no houses … I wonder how many more hours we have to travel?
Mary
Excuse me, sir – is it much further?
Man
Where are you going?
Mary
Jamaica Inn …. Do you know it?
Man
Maybe I do and maybe I don't…and why are you going there?
Mary
I'm going to live there …. with my aunt and uncle.
Man
That will be Joss Merlyn ... People say that queer things go on at Jamaica Inn.
Jamaica Inn episode 1 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Mary
What do you mean – queer?
Man
It's just what they say. But respectable people don't go there any more. It's a lonely
place.
Man
If I were you, Miss, I would go on to Launceston tonight and go back to Bodmin tomorrow.
Mary
But I can't. My aunt and uncle are waiting for me.
Man
Jamaica Inn is no place for a young woman.
Mary
I have nowhere else to go…
Mary narrator
What can he mean by 'queer things'? Why is he looking at me in that curious way?
Driver
Whoa boy…! Slow now.
Mary
Why have we stopped here – it's the middle of nowhere?
Driver
Jamaica Inn! There you go Miss.
Mary
But there's nothing here! Oh – what's that? There up on the moor - a dark building with
tall chimneys. I can see a path to the door. There's a sign twisting in the wind. It says
'Jamaica Inn'.
Mary narrator
Suddenly I feel frightened. I want to climb back in the coach.
Too late – it's already gone... I suppose my only choice now is to enter Jamaica Inn.
Next time we meet – I get to meet my Aunt Patience and Uncle Joss. I discover what a
mean and scary man my uncle is. And I discover a locked room – what is inside?

Vocabulary
inn
pub where people can stay overnight
landlord
person who owns or manages a hotel or an inn
consolation
something that you makes you feel better about a difficult situation
lashing
when rain is lashing, it is falling very heavily, often with a lot of wind
moor(land)
large open area of land with very few trees or plants and very few buildings
queer
(here) strange, unusual
respectable
acceptable to most people in a place
coach
form of transport that is pulled by horses and was used in the past

Quiz
1. What did Mary promise her mother to do?
a) Stay on the farm

b) Get married
c) Go to live with her aunt
2. Who is Joss Merlyn?
a) Mary's father
b) The landlord of Jamaica Inn
c) A man she meets on her journey
3 What does the man in the coach say about Jamaica Inn?
a) Local people like going there

b) Strange things happen there
c) Mary will like it there
Feedback:
1. What did Mary promise her mother to do?
a) Stay on the farm - Wrong – Mary's mother doesn't want her to stay on the farm on her
own. She wants her to go and live with her aunt in Cornwall.
b) Get married - Wrong – Mary's mother says to Mary: '…promise me you will go and live
with my sister Patience.'
c) Go to live with her aunt - Correct – Well done!
2. Who is Joss Merlyn?
a) Mary's father - Wrong – Joss Merlyn is Mary's uncle.

b) The landlord of Jamaica Inn - Correct – Well done!
c) A man she meets on her journey - Wrong – Joss Merlyn is Mary's uncle.
3 What does the man in the coach say about Jamaica Inn?
a) Local people like going there - Wrong – He says 'respectable people don't go there any
more'.
b) Strange things happen there - Correct – Well done!
c) Mary will like it there - Wrong – He says it's 'no place for a young woman'. He advises
her to go back to Bodmin.

Jamaica Inn
2: A cold and lonely place
Language focus: Present perfect continuous tense
Mary narrator
I have arrived at Jamaica Inn to live with my aunt. My uncle is landlord here. It's a cold and
lonely place. I'm at the door and I'm waiting for someone to let me in…
Joss
Who's there?
Mary
It's me. Mary. Mary Yellan.
[Heavy door opening]
Joss
Ah, so, you've arrived at last. Well, say hello to your Uncle Joss.
Mary
Where is my Aunt Patience?
Joss
What's the hurry? Don't you want to give me a big kiss first? Patience! She's here.
[impatiently] Where are you, woman?
Patience! Where in hell is that woman?
Patience
I'm here. Is it the girl?
Joss
See for yourself.
Mary narrating
A woman with grey hair hurries towards me. In the candlelight her face is pale. She looks
afraid.
Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Patience
Mary.
Mary
Aunt Patience - I am so glad to see you.
Mary narrating
But she is unrecognisable. Her curls have gone and her happy smile also. I can see
that she's been crying. This woman is old and anxious. She starts to cry.
Joss
Stop whimpering, woman. Can't you see the girl is hungry! I'll take her things up to her
room. If there's nothing to eat on the table when I come down, you'll soon have something
to cry about.
Mary narrating
He lifts my heavy box as if it's a bag of feathers. He is huge with shoulders like those of a
bear.
Mary narrating
The kitchen is full of smoke from the fire. There are stains on the stone floor and there's a
strong smell of alcohol. On the table there are two empty bottles of brandy.
Patience
You mustn't mind your Uncle Joss. Some people find him strange at first, but he is very
respected here. Just yesterday he told me that a man stopped and told him how much he
admired.
Joss
Are you talking rubbish again woman? Sit down Mary. Eat. Listen, Mary. I'm in charge here
and you'll do as I say. You'll serve the customers in the bar and help in the house. But if you
open your mouth and squawk like a hen, you'll be sorry.
Mary
I'll help you like you say, but if you hurt my aunt, I'll tell and you'll be punished.
Joss
Patience, go and get me another bottle and be quick. Big words – maybe we're not so
different, Mary. Here, drink this.This is my curse, Mary – drink. I've been drinking a
little today but - Oh you'll see how we drink here some Saturdays – they hear the
shouting and singing far away. People are afraid of me but I'm afraid of no one. Go to bed
now.
Mary narrating
He suddenly grabs my wrist.

Joss
Listen carefully. Some nights you'll hear wheels, footsteps and voices outside. You must stay
in your room and put your blanket over your ears. If you ask questions, I'll break every
bone in your body. Do you understand?
Mary narrating
My room is small and bare. Just a bed and a table with a broken mirror. I feel lonely
and trapped like a bird in a cage. But it's not too late to run away. I creep down the dark
passage.
Mary
[to herself] Who's crying? It must be my aunt!
Mary narrating
I turn back. My uncle frightens me but I must stay and protect Aunt Patience.
I did not sleep well last night. My bed is hard and the blanket is thin. The house is quiet this
morning. I'll look for a place to wash downstairs. Here is the bar. Ah, there's a passage here
– maybe it's along here. A door – this must be the washroom.
Mary
How strange – it's locked.
Patience
Mary! What are you doing?
Mary
Why is this room locked, Aunt Patience? What's in it?
Mary narrating
My aunt looks quickly behind her and her eyes are like a frightened rabbit's.
Mary
Is it because of the people who come to the inn at night?
Patience
Mary. Mary. I've been worrying about how to tell you this. I must warn you. Bad
things happen here. Men come at night and they go into that room with Joss. When you
hear them, you must stay in your room. You must never ask me or your uncle about it
again.
Mary narrating
What is in this room and why is my Aunt so scared? I'm not going to like it here but I must
stay to support her and keep her safe. Next time we meet – I have to work in the bar of
Jamaica Inn on Saturday night where I get to meet a group of rough and drunk men. Later

that night there are some strange goings-on in the yard outside. What's going on at Jamaica
Inn?

Vocabulary
stains
dirty marks
brandy
a strong alcoholic drink
respected
admired
squawk
(here) slang for 'complain'
curse
(here) evil influence
bare
(here) basic, with very little equipment
trapped
unable to leave
creep
move very carefully and secretly so that nobody sees you

Quiz
1 Why is Mary surprised when she sees her aunt?

a) Because her aunt is crying.
b) Because her aunt doesn't recognise her.
c) Because her aunt has changed so much.
2 Why does Mary decide to stay at Jamaica Inn?

a) Because she is too frightened to run away.
b) Because she wants to protect her aunt.
c) Because she wants to help her uncle in the bar.
3 What does Mary find when she goes downstairs in the morning?
a) A room where she can wash
b) A room that is locked
c) A room with people in it
Feedback
1 Why is Mary surprised when she sees her aunt?

a) Because her aunt is crying. - Wrong – She doesn't recognise her aunt.
b) Because her aunt doesn't recognise her. - Wrong – She doesn't recognise her aunt.
c) Because her aunt has changed so much. - Correct – Well done!
2 Why does Mary decide to stay at Jamaica Inn?

a) Because she is too frightened to run away. - Wrong – She is frightened, but that is not
why she decides to stay.
b) Because she wants to protect her aunt. - Correct – Well done!
c) Because she wants to help her uncle in the bar. - Wrong – She hears her aunt crying and
wants to stay to protect her.
3 What does Mary find when she goes downstairs in the morning?
a) A room where she can wash - Wrong – She is looking for a washroom, but she doesn't
find one.
b) A room that is locked - Correct – Well done!
c) A room with people in it - Wrong – She finds a room, but she can't open the door to go
in.

Jamaica Inn
3: Strange goings-on
This is not a word-for-word transcript
Language focus: quantifiers: all, each, either, neither, every etc…
Mary narrator
I've not seen my uncle since I arrived. I am glad because he's got a violent temper and treats
my aunt badly. This morning, I've been exploring the country around the inn…
There is nothing but heather and grass for miles. …In the distance I can see the marsh.
It was in this wild and lonely land that my uncle lived as a boy with his two brothers… last
night he told me their story …
Joss
If you had lived here, you would have taken to drink, like I did. It makes you do things. I had
a family once: a father, mother, two brothers, but each one of them disappeared one way
or another… My father was hanged. He killed a man… My brother Jem is clever – but
they'll catch him, too and hang him. My brother Matthew – well, he drowned in the marsh -
they found him one summer when the marsh dried up…
Mary narrator
When I get back to the inn my uncle is there...
Joss
Well, did you miss me?
Mary
Did you have a nice trip?
Joss
Nice, be damned. I've been riding for four days. There was a bit of money involved…
That's all I care about…
Mary
Well, I'll go and help my aunt.
Joss
It's me you'll be helping tonight, in the bar.
Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation

2015
Mary narrator
It's Saturday night – the bar is crowded. The air is full of smoke and the smell of unwashed
bodies. All of them are drunk. Some men are so drunk that they lie on the benches like
dead men.
Harry (man in bar)

Another pint…
Joss
Hurry up there, girl.
Mary
Uncle, I cannot bear this. I'm going upstairs.
Joss
Too good for us are you? Well it's almost midnight now. Go to your room and lock your
door.
Mary
Oww! Let go of my wrist! You're hurting me…
Joss
Hear this. Keep your mouth shut – and you won't get hurt - but if you start to ask …
Mary
Oh! What's that noise? It's coming from under my room…
Mary narrator
The moonlight pours into my room, creating ghostly shadows. I creep over to the window.
My uncle is below and I recognise other men from earlier this evening. There are four or
five wagons. The men have been taking big boxes from them into the inn.
Harry
That's the last of them…
Joss
Good. Get going now. Be quick…
Man
What will you do about… him?

2015
Joss
Don't worry. Harry and I will deal with him later…
Mary narrator
I understand now. They are smuggling! Jamaica Inn is a perfect place for it. But what's my
uncle doing at the moment? I have to go and see…
As I get closer to the bar, I hear voices. I hide in the shadows.
Man
No, and no again - I will not be a part of it - that's murder you are talking about Mr Merlyn
…killing innocent women and children – no!
Joss
Not so fast. By God, you will do as I say! Another man said the same and he was hanging at
the end of a rope a few minutes later! Harry – you go and lock the door behind you. I'll
finish here…
Mary narrator
I feel sick. My heart has been beating so loudly, I am sure they have heard it. I go back to my
room quietly…
Mary
What shall I do? If I had a gun or a knife, I could perhaps hurt my uncle so that the man can
escape… But I have nothing. I must do something, though ….
Mary narrator
I creep downstairs again. The door to the bar is shut. There is silence. I suddenly know I
have to open the door to find out.
Mary
There's no one here! Just the tables and a few empty glasses. The door is open at the
back.
But wait… what's that hanging in the middle of the room? It's swinging… A rope hanging
from a hook in the ceiling! But there's nothing on the end of it. What's happened to that
man? I fear the worst…
Mary narrator
Next time we meet, an interesting visitor arrives at Jamaica Inn. But who is he - and can he
be trusted?

2015
Vocabulary
heather
a wild plant with small purple flowers that grows on hills and in wild places
hanged
to be killed by having a rope put around the neck and then being made to fall
marsh
area of soft, wet land
be damned
slang expression meaning you do not care about something at all
bear
continue to accept a bad or difficult situation
wagons
form of transport, with four wheels, which is pulled by horses
smuggle
to secretly bring things in and out of a place in a way that is not allowed by law
innocent
describes someone who has not done anything wrong

2015
Comprehension questions
1 What happened to Joss's brother Matthew?

a) He drowned in the marsh.
b) He was hanged.
c) He was killed by a man.
2 Why does Mary wake up in the night?

a) Because someone knocks at her door.
b) Because she hears noises below her room.
c) Because the moon is so bright.
3 What or who does Mary find when she opens the door to the bar?
a) A rope hanging from the ceiling.
b) Her uncle and Harry.
c) A dead man.
Feedback
1 a) Correct answer – Well done!

b) Wrong answer – He died in a different way.
c) Wrong answer – He died in a different way.
2 a) Wrong answer – She hears a different sound.

b) Correct answer – Well done!
c) There is a bright moon, but this is not why Mary wakes up.
3 a) Correct answer – Well done!

b) Wrong answer - There is no one in the room when Mary opens the door. She finds
something else.
c) Wrong answer – She finds something else.

2015
Jamaica Inn
4: The horse thief
Language focus: Phrasal verbs
Mary narrator
I now know that my uncle is involved in smuggling. I also suspect that he has murdered a
man. But if I tell, my aunt will suffer, so I can't do anything. Today, I am alone cleaning the
kitchen. But the quiet does not last …
Mary
Who can that be?
Mary narrator
When I go in the bar, there's a man with a glass of beer. He looks familiar.
Mary
What do you think you're doing? You can't help yourself to drink!
Jem
Are you the barmaid? Fill up my glass.
Mary
Fill it up yourself. I'll tell Mr Merlyn you are here.
Jem
Don't bother - he won't want to see me.
Mary
Well, I can't stand here waiting. Pay up and you can go.
Jem
Do you order Joss around like that?
Mary
He's my uncle. Patience was my mother's sister. Now, I have work to do… uncle!
Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Joss
Who the hell are you talking to? I told you to keep your mouth shut! Oh, it's you, Jem.
What do you want? You can get on with your work, Mary.
Mary narrator
So that was Jem, my uncle's brother. He's got the same dark eyes and hair, but drink has
not ruined his face – it's younger and more handsome.
Jem
Excuse me. I didn't expect to see a girl like you at Jamaica Inn.
Mary
My mother died, so I came here. I'm glad she isn't alive to see how my aunt lives now. I try
to help her in the house. What do you do?
Jem
I steal horses.
Mary
Oh! Aren't you afraid of being caught?
Jem
Not really. Listen, I'm being serious now. Jamaica Inn is no place for you with its ugly
business. I can help you go to Bodmin.
Mary
I don't need help. I can look after myself.
Jem
Well…I'm going now. But remember – I live in Trewartha if you ever need me
Mary narrator
How can I trust him? He's a thief - and he's Joss's brother. The loneliness of my situation
grips me again.
The men have returned. From my window, I can see them lifting heavy objects onto the
wagons. These men are desperate and dangerous. And Jem? Did he come to warn his
brother that they were coming?
Mary narrator
This morning, I'm doing the washing. My uncle is away, so I can almost feel the happiness I
used to feel when I worked on the farm.

Patience
Mary!
Mary
What is it?
Patience
Mr Bassat is here - the magistrate, with another man. What are we going to do? He's
never been before: he must know something!
Patience
What am I going to say?
Mary narrator
This is my chance to tell an officer about Joss - but look at my aunt. She is trembling and
terrified…
Mary
Just say Joss is away.
Patience
Mary, you won't tell Mr Bassat about the wagons, will you? If anything happens to Joss, I'll
kill myself.
Mr Bassat
You took your time. Where's the landlord?
Mary
He's not here.
Mr Bassat
When will he be back?
Patience
He went out after breakfast. I don't know when he's getting back.
Mr Bassat
Damn! Listen to me – Your husband is giving this whole area - my land - a bad
reputation.
Patience
I don't know what you mean. We live a quiet life here - my niece will tell you.

Mr Bassat
I'm not a fool. We'll look around now we are here.
Mary narrator
Mr Bassat is having a good look around the inn. He knows there is something hidden here.
Mr Bassat
This place is a disgrace! Call yourself an inn! There isn't one clean room.
Patience
Mary… Mary… the room by the bar!
Mary narrator
We come to the locked room.
Mary
I'm afraid this room is locked.
Mr Bassat
Why?
Mary
I don't know.
Mr Bassat
Have you ever heard wheels and horses at night?
Mary
No, never.
Mr Bassat
Where is the key to the room?
Mary
My uncle has it.
Mr Bassat
Well, we'll have to break down the door, then.
Mary narrator
I'm afraid. I hate lying to save my uncle and part of me will be glad if they find evidence of
his crimes. I remember the rope. But the fear of what might lie behind the door is clear in
my aunt's eyes. For her, it would be the end…

In the next episode, I meet a man who I can talk to and tell him about the awful things I
have seen – but can he be trusted?

Vocabulary
suspect
a person who the police or other people believe to be responsible for a crime
bother
(here) make a effort to do something
desperate
ready to do something dangerous or violent to escape from a very bad situation
magistrate
a person who decides in a law court if someone is guilty of a minor crime
damn!
a swear word that expresses anger
reputation
opinion people have about a person or place
disgrace
(here) in very bad condition
evidence
objects or information that prove that something is true

Jamaica Inn
5: Lost on the moor
Language focus: Zero, 1st, 2nd conditionals
Mary narrator
There was nothing but a few sacks and the rope in the locked room. My uncle has
returned and is very angry about Mr Bassat's visit. He storms out of the house and sets off
across the moor. Suddenly I have a mad plan. I put on my shoes and follow him.
Mary
He's walking too fast. I can't keep up. It's no good - he's disappeared!
It's getting dark. I must go back. Do I go right or left here? I don't remember this stream…
Oh no! I'm totally lost!
Vicar
Hello, what are you doing out on the moor?
Mary
I'm lost,
Vicar
Where are you going?
Mary
Jamaica Inn.
Vicar
That's the other side of the moor, but you're exhausted! Come back with me. You can
rest and I'll take you back.
Mary
You're very kind.
Mary narrator
He looks strange. His hair is white, and his eyes are pale. His voice is young, though.

Vicar
I'm Francis Davey, Vicar of Altarnun. Please, come.
Vicar
Are you feeling better now?
Mary
Yes, thank you.
Mary narrator
He has white hair and his eyes are like a blind man's – and yet his voice is gentle.
Vicar
It was lucky I ran into you. Why were you on the moor tonight?
Mary narrator
Suddenly I want to tell him everything.
Mary
It's terrible! You've probably heard rumours. They come at night, with their wagons. That
first night there were six or seven of them. They brought huge boxes - they put them in a
room by the bar. A man was killed: I saw the rope - Oh! What have I done? I shouldn't have
said anything!
Vicar
Don't worry – I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to.
Mary
But what should I do?
Vicar
Wait. Watch your uncle. When the wagons come, tell me immediately.
Mary
What about the man who was killed? Can't we do something about that?
Vicar
I think not. If there was a body, the police would surely investigate – but that's
unlikely now. Could it be your imagination? All you saw was a piece of rope.
Mary
I heard my uncle threaten him.

Vicar
People threaten others every day. Listen. You can talk to me any time.
Mary narrator
He drives me home. My uncle has been drinking. He stays drunk for five days. Today it's
sunny, so I am out on the moor again.
Mary
Where do these ponies come from?
Jem
Hey! Mary!
Mary
Oh, hello!
Jem
I didn't expect you so soon!
Mary
I didn't plan to come this way.
Jem
So what's been happening at Jamaica Inn?
Mary
We had a visit from Mr Bassat.
Jem
Did you now?, How much do you know Mary?
Mary
I just want to get my aunt away. Your brother can drink himself to death for all I care.
Jem
So the smuggling doesn't shock you? What about murder, though?
Mary
I don't know what you mean.
Jem
Why are you so silent, Mary? Even a child would know something was going on at Jamaica
Inn. 'We're bad, us Merlyns - and Jem is the worst.' Is that what you're thinking?

Mary
Something like that, but I'm not afraid of you. I'd even like you if you didn't remind me
of your brother.
Jem
I'm better looking!
Mary
I must get back.
Jem
Are you coming with me to Launceston on Christmas Eve? I want to sell this pony.
Mary
And if you're caught selling a stolen pony, I'll go to prison like you…
Jem
I won't be caught…Come, don't you like a bit of excitement?
Mary
Well… Where shall we meet?
Mary narrator
It's late when I get back and my uncle is lying drunk in the kitchen – surrounded by empty
bottles. My aunt is in bed.
Joss
Who's there? Put away that knife!
Mary
Uncle Joss, it's me, Mary.
Joss
Mary, where are they?
Mary
There's no one here. What's wrong, Uncle Joss?
Joss
They can't hurt me now. They're all dead. Sit by me, Mary. It's this drink!I've killed men with
my own hands. But when I'm drunk I'm afraid. I see them in my dreams, floating on the
water. The ship. It was on the rocks but the water was flat and they were coming into the
shore alive! We had to kill them all. One woman – she was holding on to some wood with
her child. The water was only up to her shoulder. She cried out to me to help her. I took a

stone and smashed her with it. I watched her and her child drown in four feet of water.
We killed them all with stones and rocks.
Mary narrator
My blood turns cold, and I feel sick. My uncle is a murderer, that I suspected, but what he
has just told me chills me to the bone. What terrible crime will he carry out next?
Join me next time when I go to the horse market with Jem, but things don't go to plan.

Vocabulary
sacks
large strong bags which are used to store things
disturb
to upset badly
storm out
leave a room quickly and angrily
rumour
information or a story that people talk about but that may not be true
threaten
tell someone you will hurt them
ponies (singular: pony)

small horses
drown
die under water because you can't breathe
chills me to the bone

frightens me very much

Jamaica Inn
6: The horse market
Language focus: modals of speculation and deduction in the present
Mary narrating
I've hardly slept since my uncle's shocking confession - how he lures ships onto the rocks
and drowns women and children. Today, however, I have escaped and am on my way with
Jem to the horse market in Launceston.
Jem
It's Christmas Eve, Mary. Why so quiet? What's happened?
Mary
Nothing…
Jem
You look tired.
Mary
My uncle has been drinking… and talking… I know about the wrecks, Jem.
Jem
And you think I must be involved…?
Mary
There are gaps in the story and you fit into them…
Jem
So you think I watch men and women drown and then steal from their dead bodies? … I
may have taken some tobacco sometimes from the inn… but I've never killed a man…
Mary narrating
Can I believe him?
Jem
If you don't believe me, why have you come with me today?
Jamaica Inn – episode 6 ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Mary
I like your bright eyes…
Mrs Bassat
Look, James! That pony looks just like Beauty, except Beauty was grey… How much is she?
Jem
She's not for sale. I promised her to a friend.
Mrs Bassat
How much does your friend want?
Jem
30 guineas.
Mrs Bassatt
Well, I'm Mrs Bassat. I'd like to buy her for my children for Christmas. I'll give you 35.
Jem
OK. She's yours.
Mrs Bassat
Here... My man James will ride her home…
Jem and Mary

[laughing…]
Mary
Jem Merlyn, you should be ashamed!
Jem
Quick Mary, stand under here… I'll keep you warm… We'll get soaked if we go back
tonight. Stay with me in Launceston tonight.
Mary
No, I've been foolish enough today.
Jem
Alright… I'll get the horse… Wait here.
Mary
He is rude, a thief and a liar. He might even be a murderer. And yet, if he wasn't so
much like his brother, I could fall in love with him…

Mary
Where is he? He left over 30 minutes ago… I'll ask that horse seller over there.
Excuse me, have you seen Jem Merlyn?
Man
The man with the black pony? I saw him with another man. They left in a carriage.
Mary
Oh no!
Mary narrating
Did they discover that the pony was stolen? Now I'm sorry I didn't agree to stay in
Launceston with him… He went to get the horse to take me home… and now he's gone.
Mary
What shall I do? Perhaps someone will let me sleep on their floor.
Vicar
Hello Mary. What are you doing here on Christmas Eve?
Mary
Oh, Vicar, it's you…
Vicar
Come, I'll take you home.
Mary narrating
Once again I tell him my story … the market, Jem's disappearance… His glass eyes show no
expression…
Vicar
You are young… don't cry over him…
Am I right that it's quiet at Jamaica Inn…?
Mary
My uncle has been drinking. He talks… Vicar, do you know what wreckers are?
Mary narrating
I tell him what my uncle told me – about using lights to bring ships onto the rocks … the
dead women and children… the stolen cargo…

Vicar
So your uncle talks when he is drunk, does he? … Well there won't be any more wrecks.
The government is putting officers on the coast to keep watch.
I'll get off here. The driver will take you home. Goodnight, Mary.
Mary
What's happening…?
Mary narrating
A gun is pointing at me. I see a face I recognise – the eyes look crazy and mad… it can
only be one person…
Joss
Get out! Ahh, so you've come back! What do you think you're doing at this time of night…
on the road! Been with a man, I suppose.
Mary
Don't touch me! You're a murderer and a thief and I've been to Launceston today to
inform on you.
Joss
Get back, you fools! She's lying… Get the horse Harry. The wind has changed… We'll use
it…
So, Mary, you think you can inform on me so I'll hang…
You're coming with us! We might not get far but we won't stay here waiting to be
caught! Away!
Mary narrating
Where we are going, I don't know. But I can see from the look in my uncle's eyes that
something very bad is going to happen.
Join me next time – and find out exactly how bad things get when I discover what Joss and
his gang of bad men really get up to.

Vocabulary
confession
admitting you have done something wrong
lure
to tempt someone to go to a place they may not wish to go
wreck
a ship that is destroyed at sea
tobacco
substance smoked in cigarettes or pipes
guineas
money used in Britain in the past. A guinea was a pound and five pence
soaked
very wet
foolish
not sensible
carriage
a vehicle used to carry people in the past with four wheels and pulled by horses
wrecker
person who makes a ship crash onto rocks in order to steal the goods it's carrying
cargo
goods
inform
to give information about a person who has done something wrong

Jamaica Inn
7: Shipwreck
Language focus: Past perfect
Mary narrating
It's morning…I have just woken up in my bed in Jamaica Inn. Memories of what I saw on
Christmas Eve haunt me like a nightmare …
My uncle forced me to travel with him and his drunken men on Christmas Eve. I was so
tired on the journey that while they were singing drunken songs, I fell asleep.
When I woke up, they had gone. The carriage doors were locked, but I escaped
through the window.
They had brought me to the coast. It was a cold, misty night, but from where I was
standing on the clifftop, I could see my uncle and his gang below on the shore, silent and
still. They were watching the tide coming in, like a beast waiting to pounce.
The mist began to clear and a light appeared on a nearby cliff. At last! The officers the
vicar had spoken about were coming! … But my hope disappeared quickly. …
Another light appeared out at sea. This one was moving up and down… I realised then with
horror what was happening. The light on the cliff was a trap!
A huge black shape appeared out of the darkness. Like a moth to a candle, the ship was
heading for the rocks…
I remember now how I ran to the shore, how I screamed and shouted… but my uncle
caught me and tied my hands so I couldn't move. I couldn't do anything except watch the
disaster happen.
Mary
The men splashed about in the water grabbing treasures that had fallen from the ship.
Bodies were floating on the water. The men fell on them and took everything of value
…even rings on the fingers. Hours passed. Light was appearing in the sky. My uncle saw it
too.
Joss
Whoah!! … Stop everyone! … Look!

Mary narrating
He pointed to the sky.
Harry
Just… going… to get…
Joss
Leave it! … There's no time! … It's getting light… Get out of here! … before it's too late.
Mary narrating
But no one was listening. They were greedily grabbing what they could.
Mary narrating
My uncle had fired his pistol in the air. The men looked up and saw the sky. Fear struck
them and they ran up the beach, carrying what they could… They knew they had stayed
too long. Morning was their enemy… I was too weak to move, but my uncle picked me up
and carried me… In the panic, the carriage overturned. That meant there was only one
small cart for everyone's escape.
Joss
Stand back! … I say stand back! … Harry, make sure no one moves… Shoot if necessary…
I said…
Mary narrating
There was blood everywhere… two men lay still… I fainted.
Patience
Mary, are you awake?
Mary
How long have I been lying here?
Patience
Two days.
Mary
Why didn't you wake me?
Patience
Mary… I…
Mary
I've got to get up…
Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Patience
Where are you going? Your uncle is downstairs.
Mary
He doesn't frighten me… I must go and find…
Patience
He's never been like this before. He's locked all the doors. He's afraid of someone… I don't
know who…
Patience
Don't go down, Mary, he's got a gun…!
Mary narrating
All the doors and windows are bolted. My uncle is sitting in the kitchen…
Joss
I heard noises outside. Did you hear anything?
He'll come… He warned me but I didn't listen… We didn't plan it this time.
Mary
What do you mean? Who warned you? The officers?
Joss
Them…? They can't touch me. They need proof and all they have is a broken ship and two
bodies. I wasn't there, was I – I was at home with my wife and niece cosy by the fire… No,
it's him… He'll murder us all…
Mary
I don't understand. My uncle planned the wrecks, didn't he… or did he? Was there
someone else who gave the orders? Who is he so afraid of?
Patience
Why don't we get away quickly now?
Joss
You idiot! There are people everywhere who know what I've done. They'd like to see me
hang… we'll stay till night time, when it's dark… We'll leave then!
Mary narrating
I go along with my uncle's plan, but in my mind I'm making other plans – I'll escape
somehow and find the vicar… He's my only hope…
Meet me in the next episode when things get even worse and I make a shocking discovery
that will completely change my life at Jamaica Inn.

Vocabulary
haunt
stay in your mind and make you upset
nightmare
a frightening dream
misty
with a thin fog
gang
a group of people
tide
daily change in the level of the sea which makes the water move higher or lower on the
shore
pounce
jump quickly onto something or someone
trap
a trick to catch someone
moth
an insect like a butterfly that flies at night and is attracted to light
panic
sudden fear that stops you thinking clearly
fainted
became unconscious
bolted
locked with a metal bar across a door or window
proof
information that shows that something is true

Jamaica Inn
8: A shocking discovery
Language focus: Adjectives and adverbs
Mary narrating
My uncle is planning our escape from Jamaica Inn tonight. He's afraid that someone is
coming to kill him – someone who has been giving him the orders to wreck ships. He
thinks I'm resting in my room and he has locked my door. But I climbed out of the window
and am hurrying to the vicar's house before my uncle discovers I've gone. The vicar will
help me, I'm sure…
Ah there's the church and the vicarage. I can't see any lights, though.
Mary
Mr Davey… Mr Davey… It's Mary… Mary Yellan. No one's here…
Excuse me, is the vicar in the church? I've been knocking at the house but there's no
answer.
Woman
No, he left this morning and won't be back until tomorrow.
Mary
Are you sure? Oh… what shall I do? … I've got to find someone to help me…
Woman
Why don't you go to Mr Bassat, the magistrate? He lives at North Hill, but it's four miles
away.
Mary
I'll have to go there… But first… I must… write… a note for Mr Davey. Here… can you
give this to him…?
Woman
But you can't walk! – it's getting dark…
Mary narrating
In my note, I explained about the wreck and my uncle's plan to escape… I'll have to walk
quickly to North Hill. If my uncle discovers I've gone, he'll know I've betrayed him and he'll
kill me.

Mary
I need to see Mr Bassat – it's urgent!
Mrs Bassat
I'm afraid he's not here.
Mary
Oh no! … If I don't see him, something terrible will happen!
Mrs Bassat
It's not about the horses is it? … I know one was quite ill this morning…
Mary
No… When will Mr Bassat be back?
Mrs Bassat
I really don't know. Actually, I'm very worried. He knows a man called Joss Merlyn who's
very dangerous, so he might be in serious danger.
Mary
What do you mean?
Mrs Bassat
My husband has suspected for a long time that's he committed serious crimes and this
morning, he suddenly got proof. He's gone to Launceston to get men and will surround
the Inn this evening… there may be fighting… but do you know this man Merlyn? Wait a
moment… you are the girl my husband told me about, aren't you? Don't move…!
Mary
Don't… I won't hurt you… I came to tell Mr Bassat that my uncle is planning to escape
tonight. But I've ruined your husband's plan. When my uncle sees I'm not in my room, he'll
leave before your husband gets there…
Mrs Bassat
I can see you're telling the truth. How can I help you…?
Mary
I must go back and help my aunt. I'm really worried about her… [puzzled and trying to
work out] But how did Mr Bassat find out the truth so soon?
Mrs Bassat
I've no idea. He left very suddenly… But you can't possibly walk back alone now – it's
dark. Our servant, James, will see you home safely.

Mary
Really… there's no need. I'm used to the roads at night…
Mary narrating
But she insisted… so I am once again on the road to Jamaica Inn. The moor is cold and still
tonight… James has two guns and if I have to… I'll use one… There is the inn…
Mary
It looks like Mr Bassat hasn't got here yet. I must find my aunt… Perhaps they've already
gone. I'll go in alone. Give me a gun James. If you hear a shot, then come.
Strange… the house is dark… but the horses are still here. So they haven't gone yet!
Unless they went on foot, but no… my aunt wouldn't have done that. How odd!
Mary narrating
The kitchen is empty. The fire is dead. Nothing but a deathly silence. I creep to the
hall, terrified of meeting my uncle with a gun. [gasps!]
A terrible sight is there before me… I turn and run as fast as I can…
Let's meet again in the next episode – after the shocking events of today I go to the safety
of the vicar's house – he has something important to tell me, but what can it be?

Vocabulary
wreck
to make a ship sink
vicarage
house where a vicar lives
magistrate
an officer of law
betrayed (to betray)

given information that has put someone in danger
suspected (to suspect)

believe that someone has committed a crime
proof
ruined (to ruin)

spoilt
odd
strange
creep
to move quietly and carefully so no one will see or hear you

Jamaica Inn
9: The Vicar of Altarnum
Language focus: 3rd conditional
Mary narrating
I'm at the Vicar's house. I'm here because last night, when I returned to the inn, I found my
uncle – dead… lying on the floor with a knife in his back. When Mr Bassat arrived with his
men, they found my aunt's body upstairs… she'd also been stabbed.
The vicar suggested I stay with him. He came to the inn as soon as he read my note. He's
not here. He left before I woke up.
While I've been waiting for him, I've been thinking about who the killer could be. Mr Bassat
asked me if I had an idea who it was. I told him I didn't… but that's not true… I remember
how Jem told me that he hated his brother… so they'll catch and hang him… or else he'll
ride away, laughing at me. Either way, I know that I love him.
Strange how this room is so empty… No books, no paintings… Not like the vicar's house
in Helford where I lived with my mother… His living room had pictures of smiling angels
and village scenes… and piles of books on the desk.
There's nothing on this desk. I know… I'll write and ask if I can stay with him. Now, where's
a pen and paper? Ah… in this drawer perhaps. That's odd! Nothing in the drawer, wait,
there is a piece of paper… oh but it's already got something on it… a picture – by the vicar
– his initials are there. What a strange picture.
It makes me shiver. … It's the village church with the vicar and his congregation …but
all the people have got sheep's heads and look stupid. The vicar has drawn himself as a wolf
but not an ordinary wolf, a laughing wolf… What does it mean…? Oh no! He's back…
quick! I shut the drawer quickly and sit by the fire. I'm shaking.
Mary
Oh, Vicar…
Vicar
Did I startle you? I'm sorry I was so long. My horse was lame. You must be hungry?
Mary narrating
I find it difficult to speak… The picture has shocked me. The vicar asks me to get the food
from the kitchen. When I return, there are papers all over the desk. He's been burning
letters.
Jamaica Inn – episode 9 ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Vicar
Don't you want to know what I've been doing today?
Mary
I'm sorry – I haven't thanked you for your kindness last night. If you hadn't taken me in,
I wouldn't have had anywhere to stay.
Vicar
Well… I've been to North Hill. Mr Bassat invited me and others to discuss the murder.
Mary
Does Mr Bassat suspect anyone?
Vicar
They've found the man, Harry… He can't be the murderer though. He would have been
a suspect if he hadn't been locked up in the room by the bar for the last few
days. But he said that someone else gave your uncle orders. This person must be the
murderer. Don't you agree?
Mary
Well… er… Yes, I suppose…
Vicar
It can't be one of the men. This person is clever. He must have come to the inn and he
knows the moor well. He probably lives nearby. Did anyone like this come to the inn?
Mary
Er… no… I can't think…
Vicar
Why do you look so anxious, Mary? But I forgot… I saw a friend of yours today at North
Hill.
Mary
I have no friends except you…
Vicar
But you told me you went to Launceston with your uncle's brother…
Mary narrating
I froze… I didn't know what to say…
Vicar
He gave me a message for you. Tell her that "I'm sorry". I…
Mary
Jem was at North Hill? Why?

Vicar
Well, he's the dead man's brother. He wasn't upset, though…
Mary
Was Mr Bassat asking him questions?
Vicar
They've been talking all day. He's got brains – more than his brother. You told me he lives
nearby, and steals horses?
Mary narrating
I can't look at him, but I feel his eyes studying my face… He knows the truth.
Mary
What will they do to him, Mr Davey?
Vicar
'Do'? What do you mean? I'm sure he won't be punished since he has helped them.
Mary
'Helped'? I don't understand.
Vicar
Mary, it was Jem who informed Mr Bassat about his own brother. They left Launceston
together after the horse market. Mr Bassat told him he could go free if he gave them proof
about his brother and he did.
Mary narrating
I can't believe it… I was so sure…
Mary
Oh, Vicar, I'm such a fool… Where is Jem now?
Vicar
He's gone to find the blacksmith… He found a nail in the field by the inn. It must belong
to the killer's horse. Only one person went to the blacksmith yesterday…
Mary
How do you know?
Vicar
Because I know who that person was.
Mary narrating
His strange eyes are staring at me… I can't breathe! He knows who the murderer is!
Meet me in the next episode when I finally discover the shocking truth about who killed my
aunt and uncle at Jamaica Inn. I am also in danger but who will come to my rescue?

Vocabulary
stabbed (to stab)

hurt with a knife
odd
strange
shiver
to shake from fear
congregation
a group of people who pray in a church or other religious place
startle
to surprise someone
lame
unable to walk properly (animal)
suspect
to think that a person has carried out a crime
informed (to inform)

given information about a person who has done something wrong
proof
blacksmith
a person who makes and repairs horseshoes
nail
a thin pointed piece of metal used to fix something

Jamaica Inn
10: The truth is out
Language focus: Linking devices of cause and effect: due to, owing to, because,
because of, consequently, as a result, result in, as a result of; thus, therefore
Mary narrating
The Vicar of Altarnum has just told me he knows who murdered my uncle and aunt. I look
at him in horror, and slowly, the awful truth becomes clear...
Vicar
Yes, Mary. I planned the wrecks. Your uncle followed my orders but they thought hewas
the leader. He loved that. No one knew about me. But then you came and asked
questions. They had to die because of that... The end was near in any case. The fool got
drunk on Christmas Eve. Well, you saw what happened... the whole country knew what
he'd done. With a rope round his neck, he'd have told them about me.
Mary
At least my uncle didn't lie - he talked and dreamt about his crimes. You... you hid yours
behind the cross and the face of a priest. But why are you telling me all this now?
Vicar
I know you found the picture... I saw it had been moved. It frightened you, didn't it? "Who is
this strange man?" you thought. Yes, Mary I am strange. Oh, but they listened to me in
church and followed me like sheep.
Now, get ready. We've got to leave.
Mary
We?!
Vicar
Yes, you're coming with me - you'll be a good companion. I've admired your courage since
we first met.
Mary
And if I don't come with you?
Vicar
You're no fool, Mary. There are no houses nearby and your screams won't be heard.

Mary
You know that I'll run away at the first village.
Vicar
You won't be able to. There aren't any villages on the Cornish coast because of the
steep cliffs... just birds, and when we're on the ship...
Mary
You're leaving England?
Vicar
Of course - we'll go to Spain, to Africa... Get ready now.
Mary narrating
I think quickly. I look at the clock... Jem will have reached the blacksmith and will know
the truth. He'll realise I'm in serious danger so he will follow us... If I go with the
vicar, at least I'll slow him down a bit, so Jem will have a chance to catch up...
I have no choice in any case.
We cross the dark, empty moor quickly, avoiding the roads. The moon is hidden behind
clouds... The Vicar has luck on his side.
As the ground becomes softer, we slow down... The marshes lie waiting. The Vicar knows,
as I do, that one wrong step will result in a horrible death.
Mary
Oh, where is Jem?
Vicar
Whoah!
Mary narrating
A wall of fog rises in front of us.
Vicar
It's no good. We can't see anything. We'll have to wait until light. We'll sleep here... on
these rocks, out of the wind.
Mary narrating
I drift in and out of sleep.
Vicar
Shhh! Be quiet!

Mary narrating
I'm woken by his cold hand on my mouth.
I can still hear the wind, but there is something else, too...
We leave the horses and he drags me higher and higher...
Mary
I can't go any further.
Vicar
Stay here, then.
Mary narrating
The last I see of him - he's standing on a rock with his arms stretched out...
Vicar
(gunshot) Aaaah!
Mary narrating
I look up. Jem is about 100 metres away behind a rock with a gun.
I haven't seen Jem since he shot the vicar. The Bassat family have been looking after me.
They've asked me to stay and look after their children... but I long for the green fields and
valleys of Helford. I'm walking for the last time on the moor. Tomorrow I'll go back and live
quietly on the farm.
Mary
Someone is coming this way... but I can't see who because the sun is in my eyes...
Jem
Hello Mary. I heard you're going to go and live at North Hill?
Mary
They've asked me, but no... I'm going back to Helford tomorrow... And you, are you leaving
Cornwall?
Jem
Yes, I'm going to start a new life... I've got my whole home with me here. I may go north.
Perhaps I'll breed horses instead of stealing them. Come with me, Mary.
Mary
I miss my home in Helford... I want to see the trees and animals...
Jem
Go then and live on your farm.

Mary
That's not very kind.
Jem
I speak unkindly to my horses when they're obstinate. it doesn't mean I don't love them.
Well, I'll be on my way... Goodbye Mary.
Mary
Wait! Are you saying you love me?
Jem
Maybe... It'll be a hard life.
Mary
I know, I'll take my chance... and we'll be together.
Mary narrating
So, I cross the moor for the last time - and for the first time, it looks beautiful in the
sunshine. Behind me lies Jamaica Inn, empty, no more secrets - they have all been told... my
new life is about to begin.

Vocabulary
horror
great fear or shock
wrecks
ships that are destroyed at sea
orders
instructions given and which you are expected to obey
companion
a person you spend time with
blacksmith
a person who makes and repairs horseshoes
marshes
areas of soft wet land
drift in and out

to move slowly without control of which direction you are going in
drag
pull something along the ground with difficulty
long for
to want something very much
threat
warning of danger or harm
breed
keep animals and produce young from them
obstinate
not wanting to do something even though it may be the right thing to do


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BBC LEARNING ENGLISH

Jamaica Inn episode 1 ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn episode 1 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn episode 1 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn episode 1 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

a) Stay on the farm

2. Who is Joss Merlyn?

a) Local people like going there

2. Who is Joss Merlyn?

a) Mary's father - Wrong – Joss Merlyn is Mary's uncle.

Jamaica Inn episode 1 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Language focus: Present perfect continuous tense

[Heavy door opening]

Patience! Where in hell is that woman?

Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

1 Why is Mary surprised when she sees her aunt?

2 Why does Mary decide to stay at Jamaica Inn?

1 Why is Mary surprised when she sees her aunt?

2 Why does Mary decide to stay at Jamaica Inn?

Jamaica Inn – episode 2 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Language focus: quantifiers: all, each, either, neither, every etc…

Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation

Harry (man in bar)

Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation

As I get closer to the bar, I hear voices. I hide in the shadows.

Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation

Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation

1 What happened to Joss's brother Matthew?

2 Why does Mary wake up in the night?

1 a) Correct answer – Well done!

2 a) Wrong answer – She hears a different sound.

3 a) Correct answer – Well done!

Drama © British Broadcasting Corporation

Language focus: Phrasal verbs

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Language focus: Zero, 1st, 2nd conditionals

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

ponies (singular: pony)

chills me to the bone

Drama ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Language focus: modals of speculation and deduction in the present

Jamaica Inn – episode 6 ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Jem and Mary

Jamaica Inn – episode 6 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Excuse me, have you seen Jem Merlyn?

Am I right that it's quiet at Jamaica Inn…?

Jamaica Inn – episode 6 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

So, Mary, you think you can inform on me so I'll hang…

Jamaica Inn – episode 6 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Jamaica Inn – episode 6 © British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Language focus: Past perfect