Think It Over 1. How did the natives and the missionary in-charge feel when the mission launch or the motorboat was taken over by the military? 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Why did the Allied forces destroy the motorboat before they left the islands? How did they do it? Describe the motorboat after the destruction. How did the natives try to save the launch and its parts? Why did they try to save the boat? After the war, the white man went back to the islands. What great surprise did the natives give hi
Answer (1)
Both the natives and the missionary in-charge felt very sad when the motorboat was taken by the military. For the missionary, it was a valuable boat used for their work, and giving it up felt like losing something important. The natives were also upset because the motorboat had been a familiar and helpful part of their lives. It symbolized light, hope, and connection to the outside world, so its loss felt personal to them.The Allied forces tried to destroy the motorboat to prevent it from being captured and used by the enemy, specifically the Japanese. Since the boat was useful, they didn’t want the enemy to take advantage of it after they left the area.They poured petrol (gasoline) all over the boat and set it on fire. However, a sudden gust of wind blew out the flames, and the boat only became slightly burned or charred. It was not completely destroyed as planned.After the failed attempt to burn it, the motorboat was still mostly intact. It was slightly damaged from the fire but remained usable. It had a few charred parts, but the overall structure of the boat was saved.After the Allied forces left, the natives secretly towed the motorboat far up a small creek. They covered it with bushes and fast-growing vines to hide it from enemy aircraft. Then, they removed the engine and took it apart using tools like a wrench and screwdriver. They scattered the engine parts all around the island. Some parts were buried in the sand, others were hung on tree branches, and the smaller pieces were tied together and worn around their necks like necklaces, pretending they were charms.They saved the boat because it was important to them. It represented more than just transportation — it was a symbol of light and hope in their community. They wanted to protect it and keep it safe until the war was over, in the hope that it could still be used one day for good.When the missionary returned after the war, the natives surprised him by showing that they had preserved the motorboat. They brought him to the hidden location and revealed that they had successfully saved the boat and all its parts. Despite the war and danger, they kept it safe using their clever strategies. This amazed the missionary and showed the loyalty, intelligence, and dedication of the local people.
