Chapters 18-21 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 18, "Goodbye Messers," tells of Canada's Centennial, 100 years since the incorporation of the Act of Confederation. The people in Burgeo are confused, believing that the Confederation occurred in 1949. One of the people is quoted as saying, "A cen-teen-ial is supposed to be one hunnert year. 1949 to 1967 be more like eighteen year. Anyway 'tis nowhere nigh a hunnert. They fellows on the mainland must be some short on larnin" (Chapter 18, pg. 195.)

Nonetheless, Expo 67 is supposed to be the biggest celebration ever witnessed in North America and perhaps the world. Claire suggests that the Happy Adventure should sail to the Expo. Mowat takes a while to become convinced. Naturally, she sinks. Remembering Enos' words, Mowat sails in fits and starts until the boat stops leaking. Maybe the boat will agree to go after all or then again, maybe not.

Chapter 19, "The...