Summary

In Part III, the governor visited Apple Island for “the second evaluation” of the settlement and its inhabitants (155). Matthew told the governor and councilmen that a well could be drilled, new buildings erected, and a bridge built in order to “help the islanders feel more connected to the town” (155). He insisted the school was doing well, too. The governor congratulated Matthew’s work and ideas. However, the councilmen insisted such initiatives would complicate “matters of hygiene, physical and mental,” and pollute the neighboring populations with “depravity and imbecility and mixed races” (156). They began making plans to destroy the existing settlement and ready the land “for wholesome activities” for visitors and locals (156).

Just as the councilmen were leaving, a clerk raced to Matthew, giving him an urgent telegram. Even before opening it, Matthew knew it was bad. The telegram said Ethan had...