Part 2, The Quest: Chapters 17-19, Raleigh's Confession; How Mingo Fared Alone at Myrtle Beach; In Which the Hero Finds Himself at Sea Summary

Chapter 17 gives backstory for Raleigh and Gates. Raleigh tries to always think things through as a child, whereas Gates acts impulsively and sometimes illegally. Then their parents divorce and Roxanne, who is Gates' mother but not Raleigh's, takes the five-year-old Gates away from Thermopylae. Raleigh has not seen his half brother since.

Raleigh and Mingo arrive at the rental cabin where Gates is supposed to be. Loud jazz music issues from the cabin, so Raleigh pounds on the door, it opens and he sees Gates pretending to play a trumpet belonging to their father. Raleigh takes the trumpet and adds it...