Summary

In Chapter 17, “X Marks the Spot,” the weather clears up the following day. Maisie studies the surrounding landscape when she and her family leave the motel. In the car, Maisie thinks about her conversation with Jack the night before. She feels “guilty for reacting the way” she did (93). She knows she should apologize, but is unsure how.

Jack gives Maisie his ancestors’ treaty and asks her to read it aloud. He has turned the treaty into a treasure hunt for Connor to keep him engaged. While Maisie reads, the family drives to “the Strait of Juan de Fuca” (97).

In Chapter 18, “Dig Deep,” on the beach, Jack shows Maisie and Connor how to dig for razor clams. Maisie remembers going on Jack’s boat “for Take Our Daughters to Work Day” (99). Meanwhile, Jack talks about the history of eating clams to survive. He tells...