Chapter 23 Summary

Floating down the river, Jerry begins to question Father's talent as an inventor. Charlie thinks his father is driven to invent hydraulic chairs and water wheels because he craves comfort. Mother suggests that Father is a perfectionist, compelled to improve upon every machine he sees.

After several days, the group arrives in Brewer's Lagoon. It's a soggy patch of ground near the ocean, covered with green algae. Father insists Haddy leave them, returning to Santa Rosa on foot. Father gives Haddy his watch in return for his demolished boat. The family takes the pipanto up the nearest creek. When they reach a spot Father declares is suitably untouched, they upend the pipanto on shore and camp under it. Soon, Father is planning a new settlement complete with house, chicken coop and garden.

The labor is even harder now, without any tools. Charlie, Father...