In this chapter, the reader is introduced to a new character, Shmoop, who is the protagonist of the story. He is a young man of about twenty-five years old, and he has just returned from a trip to the Galapagos Islands. He has just arrived at the Galapagos, where he has been sent by the Governess of the island to find out what is going on with the rest of the gang. Shmoops is excited to be back, but he is also a little worried about what will happen to his reputation if he is found out. The Governess tells him that he will be punished if he does not leave the island immediately. He also tells him to take care of his health, as he is prone to bouts of dizziness and fatigue. He says he will try to stay away from the island as much as possible, and then he will go back to the mainland.