The Missing Chums · Chapter
The Boy on the Deck explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Hardy gives permission for Frank and Joe to search for Chet and Biff, overruling Aunt Gertrude's protests. The boys plan to head to Blacksnake Island, with Tony Prito and others to follow in the Napoli the next day. While sailing toward Rock Harbor, they spot a boy resembling Chet Morton on the deck of a schooner named the Persis. They decide to investigate after dark, and Frank climbs aboard while Joe waits in the boat, but Frank is captured upon reaching the deck.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Resourcefulness
Frank and Joe bravely decide to investigate the schooner at night, using stealth and planning to rescue their friend.
Family and Parental Guidance
Mrs. Hardy's trust in her sons and Aunt Gertrude's protective fears highlight family dynamics and parental roles.
Adventure and Detective Work
The boys' deduction about the ransom letter and their plan to search Blacksnake Island exemplify detective work and adventure.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Leads the search expedition, spots Chet on the schooner, and climbs aboard to investigate, only to be captured.
- Joe Hardy
Accompanies Frank, spots Chet on the schooner, and waits in the motorboat while Frank climbs aboard.
- Chet Morton
Believed to be seen on the deck of the schooner Persis, possibly held prisoner.
- Aunt Gertrude
Vigorously opposes the expedition, predicting disaster and snake bites on Blacksnake Island.
- Mrs. Hardy
Gives permission for the boys to go, trusting their judgment and hoping to rescue Chet and Biff.
- Tony Prito
Plans to follow the Hardys with a second expedition in the Napoli the next morning.
Key passages
“Perhaps it was because Mrs. Hardy was determined to show that she was mistress in her own home. At any rate, she gave her consent to the proposed expedition.”
Mrs. Hardy asserted her authority and agreed to the boys' plan.
Highlights Mrs. Hardy's decision-making role in the family.
“They’ll never come back alive, mark my words! ... They’ll be bitten by those snakes on Blacksnake Island, as sure as fate.”
Aunt Gertrude predicts the boys will die from snake bites on the island.
Shows Aunt Gertrude's dramatic and fearful nature.
“If Chet and Biff are held prisoners on that ship they’ll be well guarded. You might be captured yourself.”
Joe warns Frank that boarding the schooner is risky because the prisoners are likely guarded.
Demonstrates the boys' awareness of danger and their planning.