He saw some creatures stepping from mirage on the clear sand. It was a group of boys whose bodies, from throat to ankle, were hidden by black cloaks which bore a silver Cross on the left breast. The boy who controlled them was dressed in the same way though his cap badge was golden. When his party was about 10 yards from the platform, he shouted an order and they halted, gasping, sweating, swaying in the fierce light. The boy himself came forward with his cloak flying about him.
"Where is the man with the trumpet?"
Ralph answered him, "There is no man with the trumpet. Only me."
"Isn't there a man here?"
Ralph spoke to his back,
"No, we are having a meeting. Come and join in".
The group began to scatter from close lines.
The tall boy shouted, "Choir, stand still!"
Wearily obedient, the choir huddled into line and stood there swaying in the Sun. Jack Merridew turned to Ralph,
"Are not there any grown ups?"
"No."
"Then we'll have to look after ourselves"
Jack continued, "We've got to decide about being rescued."
Question 1: Describe the appearance of the boys who approach the platform?
Answer: The boys are wearing black cloaks with a silver cross on the left breast, and the one leading them has a golden cap badge. They are gasping, sweating, and swaying in the fierce light.
Question 2: How does the boy leading the group address Ralph, and what does Ralph respond?
Answer: The boy leading the group asks about the man with the trumpet, but Ralph informs him that there is no man with the trumpet, only him.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the group's arrival at the platform, and how does Ralph invite them to join?
Answer: The purpose of the group's arrival is unclear, but Ralph invites them to join their meeting.
Question 4: How does the tall boy assert control over his group?
Answer: The tall boy, identified as Jack Merridew, shouts orders to his group, commanding the choir to stand still, and they obediently comply.
Question 5: What realization does Jack come to about their situation?
Answer: Jack realizes that there are no grown-ups present, so they will have to look after themselves.
Question 6: What decision does Jack propose the group should make?
Answer: Jack proposes that the group should decide about being rescued, indicating their need to take control of their own fate.