Summary

In Chapter 28, “At the Settlement,” Ransom arrived at the settlement. He noticed that the settlement’s “only activity was work” (160). The people were preoccupied “with the sea and its creatures” (161). At the gate, he asked to see Captain Hendry (160). During their meeting, as soon as Ransom revealed his hopes of joining the settlement, Hendry insisted he was not prepared to do so (164). He denied him entry even when Ransom offered him water in exchange.

In Chapter 29, “The Stranded Neptune,” “Hendry’s prompt refusal” of Ransom’s admittance made him believe he had already discussed the matter with “the other captains” (165). Despite this setback, Ransom told himself “he would find a way out of his present purgatory” (165). He had survived thus far.

After leaving Hendry, Ransom sought out Philip. Since his foster-father’s death, Ransom assumed Philip spent his time visiting Mr. Jordan’s...