The boys check each of the eight adult bodies and confirm that they are all dead. They surmise that the men died because they were all standing in a puddle when the lightning struck, and they were electrocuted. The boys realize that they survived because they were standing up on the stone blocks, out of the water.

One of the boys suggests they call the police. However, Sebastian notes that there is no telephone on the island. While contemplating what they should do next, Jonathan suggests they eat. First Sebastian, then all the boys eventually follow Jonathan’s lead and go to the kitchen, where they prepare and eat all the foods that they were deprived of when the adults were in control.

Later in the day, the boys see a boat headed toward the island, and they know it is Patrick coming to deliver the mail. All the boys seem eager to get off the island and go home, except Jonathan and Sebastian.

Jonathan suggests that they not tell what happened to the adults yet so they can stay on the island: “I’m talking about staying. Without the grown-ups. Without any grown-ups. I’m talking about all of us staying here at Slabhenge. Alone” (60).