Chapters 5, and 6, pp. 42-57 Summary

The narrator, in chapter five, knows that deserting his ship would be dangerous. The captain can bribe the natives with a reward for capturing sailors who desert their ship. The narrator plans to head for the mountains in the center of the island. There is also the risk of being turned into a meal by cannibal natives that are in the mountains trying to attack other valleys. One night the narrator is on watch with another young man named Toby. The narrator senses that Toby also wishes to escape. Toby is a fine-looking fellow, who is small and limber, and quite passionate about things. The narrator taps Toby on the shoulder and quickly draws Toby into the escape plan. The next day on shore leave in Nukuheva is their chance to escape.

In chapter six, the captain...