The story in one page
Gordon and Bill Hunniwell trade the trout streams of Maine for the tropical air of the Pacific when they fly their plane, the Albatross, to the island of Molokai. Tasked with recovering lost platinum, the boys contend with heavy fog, dense forests, and a mysterious Japanese adversary who isn't afraid to use a gun or painful nerve-grips to get what he wants. After Gordon survives a kidnapping and an interrogation, the trio locates the hidden cells. They make a daring escape while being shot at, eventually flying back to San Francisco to turn their metallic treasure into a massive six-figure payday.
Who's who
- Gordon Hunniwell
A brave teenager who resists interrogation and kidnapping.
- Bill Hunniwell
The pragmatic pilot and brother who manages the expedition.
- Steve Rogers
A companion who assists the brothers during their island search.
- Albatross
The boys' reliable airplane used for transpacific travel.
What it's really about
- Resourcefulness
- Using aviation and outdoor skills to solve mysteries.
- Brotherhood
- Gordon and Bill's mutual reliance during dangerous encounters.
Why it's memorable
- A kidnapper using a painful neck-pinch to interrogate a captive Gordon.
- The Albatross landing in San Francisco with a box of precious platinum.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The Albatross glides to a stop outside San Francisco. After a morning spent with the city's police to identify a reputable buyer, the boys visit a jewelry firm to have their haul assayed. The process takes two days, culminating in a check for $164,000. Bill and Gordon steer the plane back to the old homestead, landing behind the house to trade their aviation exploits for their parents' congratulations. Having dropped Rogers off at Long Island, they are already planning his return visit for the following summer.
For your book club
- The contrast between the boys' leisurely fishing hobby and high-stakes aviation.
- The efficiency of 1920s private aviation for international treasure hunting.