The Mystery of Cabin Island · Chapter
X: Stolen Supplies explained
The boys enjoy their first two days on Cabin Island, exploring and iceboating, but return from a mainland excursion to find their food supplies stolen.
What happens
The boys enjoy their first two days on Cabin Island, exploring and iceboating, but return from a mainland excursion to find their food supplies stolen. They suspect Mr. Hanleigh, who had previously ordered them off the island. Chet discovers a forgotten packsack with some food, allowing them a meager supper, and they resolve to stay despite the theft and an approaching storm.
Themes in this chapter
Resourcefulness and Courage
The boys demonstrate resourcefulness by finding leftover food and courage by deciding to remain on the island despite the theft and storm.
Deception and Greed
The theft of supplies is an act of deception and greed, likely motivated by Hanleigh's desire to drive the boys away.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Leads the group, predicts the storm, suspects Hanleigh of stealing supplies, and expresses determination to confront him.
- Joe Hardy
Spots a figure on the island from a distance, jokes about Chet eating his boots, and insists on staying despite the theft.
- Chet Morton
Discovers the stolen supplies, is distraught about the lack of food, but later finds a forgotten packsack with leftover provisions.
- Biff Hooper
Comments on the empty kitchen and teases Chet about his constant hunger.
- Mr. Hanleigh
Suspected by the boys of stealing their supplies to force them off the island.
Key passages
“A complete recital of the boys’ doings on Cabin Island during their first two days would be of small interest to any but themselves.”
The details of the first two days are not worth recounting to outsiders.
Narrative summary of the boys' routine activities.
““I guess you were right, Joe, when you said you saw someone on the island. Some thief has been here while we were away.””
Frank confirms Joe's earlier sighting of a person on the island, concluding a thief stole their food.
Frank connects Joe's observation to the theft.
““Just wait until we meet Mr. Hanleigh again!””
Frank vows to confront Hanleigh about the stolen supplies.
Frank's final thought before sleep, expressing resolve.