The Professor went out where the Minnow washed ashore. There, of course, was nothing there after the fiasco of trying to glue it together. After three years, the Professor still beat himself up over it.

The Professor thought, tree sap! What was I thinking ?

The science teacher soon found what he was looking for. There, half buried in sand were twin Detroit Diesel marine engines. The professor's plan was out there, but then again it needed to be. It was time to share what he had in mind with the others.

Meal time was the usual gathering time for the castaways. The Professor used lunch as the time to share his plan.

"I was out looking at the Minnow's engines," the Professor started out, "and I think I can repair them."

The Skipper responded with, "Professor, I know you're talented, but its hard to tell where one engine ends and the other begins. Besides, all of the parts are no doubt frozen solid with rust."

The Professor explained, "I propose we take the two diesels and make them into one engine. You wouldn't have as much power, but with a lighter raft, you should be able to compensate. As far as the rust, I think I can make some RHC1 here to take care of that."

The skipper looked thoughtful, "If you can pull this off, each engine has about 230 horses. Red-lining both engines, I once got the Minnow up to 15 knots with no passengers or cargo. A light, but sturdy, raft with one engine should be able do five or six knots. That would be enough to get us out of this current into the shipping lanes."

Mary-Anne said excitedly, "Finally, we are going to get rescued!"

"Yes, thanks to the Hinkley Corporation," grumbled Mr. Howell.

Skipper started giving orders, "First, we'll recover the engines. After we do that Howells and ladies, if you would, assist the professor in making the RHC 1 and fixing the engines."

Mr. Howell replied, "Indeed, what will you be doing besides giving orders, Captain?"

The Skipper looked squarely at Mr. Howell and said, "Gilligan and I will be making a boat for our rescue, unless you would rather do that?"

Gilligan asked the Skipper, "Will everybody be going on the boat?

The Skipper replied for everybody's benefit, "It will be safer on the island, but our chances of reaching somewhere where we can be rescued will be increased the more people we have tending the engine and keeping watch. I can't shanghai anybody on my crew, but do I have any volunteers to sign aboard?"

The Professor piped up, "I would be happy to serve as an engineering officer, captain!"

Ginger replied, "I can spot a critic in a dark, crowded, theater. I can be a look out."

Mary Ann not to be out done by Ginger stated, "I was the best tornado spotter in Kansas. Look-Out Summers volunteering for duty."

Gilligan asked, "Am I still the first mate?"

"No Gilligan," The Skipper paused for effect and continued, "since we have a full compliment, you are my Executive Officer."

Gilligan beamed proudly. Everybody then looked at the Howells.

Finally Mr. Howell said, "Oh all right. I got my start managing one of Daddy's automobile plants. Father believed in working your way up from the bottom. I suppose I could be an engineering officer."

Gilligan said, "OK people, enough gab. Lets finish this lunch and get started on those engines."

Everybody just looked at Gilligan like he finally lost it.

The Professor said, "You all heard the Exec. Lets move it."

The Skipper smiled at his Little Buddy, correction, Executive Officer.