In this chapter, we are introduced to the island of Hong Kong, where the novel's action takes place. We are told that we are on Hong Kong Island, which is described as a "lover's island" in the novel. The narrator tells us that he has found a supply box on the island, which contains food, clothing, and other necessities. He tells the reader that he was planning to tell the protagonist about the box, but that the protagonist was sleeping so soundly that he did not want to wake him up. He also tells the story of how he and the protagonist ended up on this island, and how they ended up back there. The protagonist tells the narrator that he is thirsty, and he asks the narrator to help him pick a coconut, but the protagonist is unable to do so because he cannot climb a tree. He asks the protagonist if he loves him, and when the protagonist replies that he does, the protagonist exclaims, "another whirlpool" .