The Young Man and the Sea

Skiff assumes Tyler will cut the lobster traps closest to his house next. He heads toward Tyler’s house, which is in a more expensive part of town. He is especially offended that Tyler cut his traps because he probably doesn’t understand how valuable they are. Tyler pulls out of his dock on a Boston Whaler boat called the Boy Toy; Skiff follows. He sees Tyler doing something in the dark, so he crashes their boats. He demands Tyler pay for his lost traps. Tyler says Skiff can’t prove anything, that nobody will believe his claim anyway. This infuriates Skiff because he thinks Tyler is correct. He asks Tyler why he cut the traps, but Tyler calls him a loser and leaves. Skiff’s motor won’t start, so he rows home all night.

Skiff’s father is waiting for him, so Skiff tells him about Tyler cutting the lobster traps. He asks his father to call Tyler’s father Jack and report the theft, but Skiff Sr. says he’ll think about it—which means he’s not going to do it. An angry Skiff checks on the Mary Rose, but worries his efforts are for naught. He fixes his skiff’s motor and visits Mr.