How does Phillip treat Timothy?

The answer to this question changes depending on what part of the story you are reading because Phillip's opinion of Timothy most definitely changes as the story progresses. When the story begins, Phillip doesn't like Timothy.  All that Phillip sees is an old, dumb, black man, and Phillip treats him with extreme racial prejudice. In the earlier chapters, readers are given hints about Phillip's negative views of black people and Timothy, but in Chapter 9 Phillip actually verbally abuses Timothy.  

"You ugly black man! I won't do it! You're stupid, you can't even spell."

Of course over the course of their forced dependence on one another, Phillip's attitude toward Timothy begins to change.  Phillip's blindness makes him extremely dependent on Timothy, and Phillip slowly begins to realize that Timothy is only trying to help keep the two of them alive. Phillip also realizes that Timothy is not stupid. He is incredibly smart when it comes to knowing how to survive. Phillip's attitude changes from disgust and hatred to acceptance and then friendship.  

Something happened to me that day on the cay. I'm not quite sure what it was even now, but I had begun to change.I said to Timothy, "I want to be your friend."He said softly, "Young bahss, you'ave always been my friend."I said, "Can you call me Phillip instead of young boss?""Phill-eep," he said warmly.