Chapter 4, The Hermit of the Island Summary

Will is not a strong swimmer and he begins to tire as he swims against the tide. Beanpole pulls him out of the water, saving his life. As the two boys recover and begin to look around, they realize they are on a small island in the river. They are approached by an un-Capped man. This man is both reluctant and relieved to see the two boys. The man takes them to his home and gives them dry clothes before setting them before a large meal. The boys eat a great deal before asking the man who he is and how he came to be here. The man, Hans, tells them that he has always lived on this island and that his dad died the year he turned fourteen. That year, he remained...