On the beach, Ralph, Piggy and Samneric gathered around the remains of the signal fire. They tried to rekindle the fire but it was impossible without Piggy's glasses. Ralph called an assembly of the boys left in his company. He condemned the action of stealing fire by Jack and his boys. He said,
"We would have given them fire if they had asked. But they stole it and the signal is out and we can't ever be rescued".
It was decided that they should go to the Castle Rock and demand for the return of Piggy's glasses as it was required to light the fire for their rescue. They also decided to dress up like civilized English boys and not as savages. All except Piggy, thought that they should take the spears with them.
They set off along the beach in formation. Ralph went first, limping a little, his spear carried over one shoulder. Behind him came the twins. They said a little but trailed the butts of their wooden spears; Piggy walked between the trailing butts, therefore the conch held between his two hands. There was a tiny smudge of smoke wavering into the air on the other side of the rock.
Ralph turned,
"You two follow behind. I'll go first, then Piggy, a pace behind me. Keep your spears ready." Ralph moved forward on to the neck. He kicked a stone and it bounded into the water.
"Am I safe?", quavered Piggy, "I feel awful."
Question 1: How do Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric attempt to address the issue of the signal fire?
Answer: They gather around the remains of the signal fire and try to rekindle it, but they realize it's impossible without Piggy's glasses.
Question 2: What does Ralph condemn during the assembly of the boys?
Answer: Ralph condemns the action of stealing fire by Jack and his boys, emphasizing that they would have given them fire if they had asked, but stealing it has put out the signal, making rescue impossible.
Question 3: What decision do they make regarding their approach to Castle Rock?
Answer: They decide to go to Castle Rock to demand the return of Piggy's glasses, necessary for lighting the fire for their rescue. They also decide to dress up like civilized English boys, not savages.
Question 4: How do Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric proceed along the beach?
Answer: Ralph leads, followed by the twins who trail the butts of their wooden spears, while Piggy walks between the trailing butts, holding the conch between his hands.
Question 5: What concern does Piggy express as they approach the neck?
Answer: Piggy quavers, asking if he is safe and expressing that he feels awful.
Question 6: What does the smudge of smoke on the other side of the rock signify?
Answer: The smudge of smoke indicates the presence of Jack and his boys, who likely have Piggy's glasses and are using fire for their own purposes.