Pearlhandled Knife

Alec's Uncle Ralph, the missionary in Indida, gives him this knife telling him that it might be useful one day. Alec later uses this knife to cut the rope that he tied attaching himself and the Black in order to survive the storm. Rather than being dragged to death by the horse when they come to land, with Uncle Ralph's present, Alec cuts the rope. The knife represents Alec's ability to use what he is given and adapt to his situation. With the correct tools, Alec can overcome difficulties.

The Drake's Driftwood

When the Drake sinks, some of its driftwood makes it to the deserted island upon which Alec and the Black live. When Alec walks the shore looking for shelter-building materials, he finds wood with Drake written upon it. When Alec uses the wood to build his shelter, he symbolically overcomes the tragedy that...