# II: Captain Fountain explained — The Blue Lagoon

> Chapter companion for The Blue Lagoon by H. de Vere Stacpoole.

## What happens

Arthur Lestrange, haunted by the disappearance of his daughter Emmeline eight years and five months after the wreck of the Northumberland, receives a lead from advertising agent Wannamaker. He visits Captain Simon J. Fountain, an invalid sailor, who possesses a box of children's toys—including a silver mug and spoons—found in a deserted shanty on a remote island. Lestrange recognizes them as Emmeline's. Fountain provides the island's coordinates and recommends Captain Stannistreet's schooner, the Raratonga, for a rescue voyage. Lestrange resolves to hire the ship immediately.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Connection

Lestrange's relentless search for his daughter, driven by paternal love, and the unexpected aid from strangers like Fountain and Stannistreet.

### Isolation and Survival

The deserted shanty on Palm Tree Island and the mystery of Emmeline's fate, highlighting isolation in a remote setting.

### Knowledge and Intuition

Lestrange's intuitive recognition of the toys and his determination to act on the newfound knowledge despite uncertainty.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Lestrange

Haunted father, eight years searching for his daughter; receives a crucial lead from Wannamaker and visits Captain Fountain.

### Captain Fountain

Invalid sailor living in Rathray Street; possesses the toy box found on Palm Tree Island and provides the coordinates to Lestrange.

### Captain Stannistreet

Young, alert captain of the schooner Raratonga; agrees to show Lestrange the boat for the rescue mission.

### Wannamaker

Advertising agent who contacts Lestrange with news of Captain Fountain's response to the advertisement.

### Emmeline

Lestrange's lost daughter; her silver mug and spoons are identified by Lestrange, confirming she was on the island.

## Key lines

> He had waited eight years, what mattered a few minutes now?

After eight years of waiting, a few more minutes seemed insignificant.

_Lestrange's anxious anticipation before meeting Captain Fountain._

> Strange! It's more than strange.

This is not just odd; it's deeply mysterious.

_Lestrange's reaction to the coincidence of Fountain finding the toys._

> I'll take her, cost what it will.

I will hire the schooner regardless of the expense.

_Lestrange's decisive commitment to the rescue voyage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se/chapters/ii-captain-fountain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se/chapters