Summary

Chapter Thirteen, “Too Soon, Too Late,” consists of a conversation between Kerans and Colonel Riggs. Riggs explains that he had surmised Strangman’s presence in the lagoon from aerial footage of his hydroplane. His men heard gunfire when they arrived and intervened in time to rescue Kerans and Beatrice. Riggs asks about Hardman, and Kerans answers that he has not seen him. Kerans wants to know how Strangman will be punished, and Riggs makes clear that Strangman has not done anything illegal, and that in fact he is likely to receive accolades for his successful draining of the lagoon. When Kerans insists that Riggs must re-flood the lagoon, Riggs responds irritably, and informs Kerans that he has no intention of doing such a thing.

Chapter Fourteen, “Grand Slam,” begins at a going-away party that Strangman is hosting aboard the ship. Strangman and Riggs...