The Mosquito Coast

Now that he has successfully brought ice to several settlements in Jeronimo’s vicinity, Allie sets his sights on reaching communities farther into the jungles of Honduras. He creates two enormous blocks for a first trip across land into the wilderness. Two sleds have been constructed for transport; Francis Lungley, John Dixon, and Bucky Smart become solely responsible for the laborious undertaking. With the sleds strapped to their bodies, the three men drag the two heavy masses up several hills, each steeper and increasingly treacherous to navigate.

Charlie and Jerry accompany Allie. The journey takes far longer than expected, and the ice begins to melt. Allie alternates between his characteristic raving about the problems he perceives in the world at large and directly criticizing those around him. Darkness forces the party to stop for the night, and though Francis, John, and Bucky have performed all the physical labor, Allie berates them, and his sons, for needing to eat and rest. He sits awake, fuming until the morning. “You’re melting my ice,” he accuses (213).

By the time the group departs in the morning, there is only enough ice left to be transported in their backpacks. Though the remaining distance to their destination is still yet unknown, Allie insists that they continue.