History
Where did they meet Gabby?
On the boardwalk at the obstacle course.
Who is the character most crucial to solving the mystery?
One eyed Jack is the character that gave them the most information and was the biggest key to solving the mystery.
Which other book in the series were you reminded of during the two families’ trip to visit the lighthouse at First Landing Park? Why were you reminded of this previous book?
The book where they went to the Jefferson hotel because it’s mentioned.
And/or
The book about about the mystery at the mansion because Sam had to conquer his fear of heights there to climb the tower.
What in the story gave you the first hint of mystery?
The first part of mystery struck me as being in chapter 4 where they found and explored the military tent. However, that didn’t end up having much to do with the mystery.
Why are there two light houses at First Landing Park?
One was built earlier. The newer one was taller and had a slightly different design. I assume the older one wa not sufficient somehow. It needed some refurbishment so they built another one.
Was Gabby a good addition to the DSC team? Why or why not?
I think Gabby was a good addition to the team because she knew the area and had some supplies that were necessary to solve the mystery. She is also a no nonsense type of person, and uses her common sense to balance out Derek’s craziness.
Why do you think One Eyed jack gave the treasure map and information to the children?
Maybe he just took an instant liking to them because they did stick up for him with the kids. Maybe he felt that they really were serious about finding the treasure. Maybe they reminded him a little of himself. He sounded like he was old and sick and couldn’t complete the task and it was imperative to him that someone continue the search.
Why is the place where they are visiting called First Landing Park
First Landing Park is the area on the Virginia coast to which the first English settlers landed temporarily before continuing on to Jamestown.
Were there real pirates back in the day? How do we know?
Yes they did exist. There were people called privateers and Blackbeard was one of those privateers. They operated legally under different governments. The governments would send out the privateers to guard waters from enemy ships. The privateers would attack the enemy ships and keep whatever booty found. That was like their payment because they weren’t paid by the governments.
Being a privateer to becoming an illegal pirate that just attacked and took stuff from others was a thin line that was often crossed by many.
Why did they need to talk to One Eyed Jack? Hint: What was the connection between Blackbeard and pirate treasure and the military tent?
The children think that the military has found a shipwreck and that maybe the treasure on the ship wreck could be one of Blackbeard’s treasure.
Why did the pirates like the Virginia coast?
There was a lot of shipping traffic in the waters. Then when the English government decided not to honor their agreements with privateers in the waters of the Bahamas the privateers became pirates in the Virginia waters. Ships that were in the waters near Virginia had tobacco which was a commodity that was treasured and could be sold for a profit. Virginia was also close to their former area of the Bahamas.
Besides his parents, who’s words and advice does Sam think of in some situations? Why do you say this?
Mr. Haskins…because the book mentions Sam thinking of Mr. Haskins and something that Mr. Haskins had told him in the past at least twice in this book. One was when Sam thought Mr. Haskin’s term “have a few screws loose” might describe One Eyed Jack.
How did Captain Pete progress solving the mystery in the story?
He told them that the island they asked about may be referred to as Devil’s C Atoll (DCA).