Jibby Jones · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Jibby Jones by Ellis Parker Butler.

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Chapter 1
I: Oliver Parmenter Jones
The narrator introduces the Riverbank boys and their pride in the Mississippi River. A new boy, Jibby Jones, arrives at Birch Island and impresses Tad, Skippy, Wampus, and the narrator with his unusual stories and mechanical skill, eventually winning acceptance into their group.
Chapter 2
II: The Pearl-Diggers
The boys try to fool Jibby Jones with tall tales about pearl diving in the Mississippi, claiming that pearl mussels burrow deep in the mud and must be 'nosed out' by divers. Jibby takes them seriously, dives into the shallow water, and emerges with a mussel shell containing a large, valuable pearl. The boys feel ashamed of their deception, while Jibby calmly plans to use the money to let his father stay on Birch Island.
Chapter 3
The Climbing Rabbit
On a rainy day, the boys gather under a cottage and discuss various topics, including the possibility of rabbits climbing trees, which Wampus insists is true based on his Uncle Oscar's claim. Jibby Jones joins them and shares stories about a land pirate named M'rell (Murrell) and a hidden treasure map that mentions 'Riverbank,' sparking the boys' interest in treasure hunting.
Chapter 4
IV: Do Fish Climb Trees?
The boys attempt to fish in a muddy slough on Birch Island but struggle to reach deep water. Jibby Jones devises an ingenious method using a bent elm sapling as a giant fishing rod. When a large carp bites, the sapling snaps upright, flinging the fish high into the air. The carp lands in a maple tree near Orpheus Cadwallader's cottage, leading Orph to claim that carp climb trees. The boys know the truth but keep it to themselves, and Jibby uses the incident to rekindle Skippy's interest in the land pirate's treasure.
Chapter 5
The Fishing Prize
The boys form the Land Pirate's Treasure-Hunting and Exploration Company after Jibby shares more details about Murrell's treasure, including the key word 'Riverbank' and the significance of a lone pine tree. The next day, Rover returns, and the boys prepare for Uncle Oscar's annual fishing prize, though they expect Wampus to win again. Jibby demonstrates his unusual nose exercises and claims he can identify a bee's home tree by smell, leaving the boys uncertain whether he is joking or serious.

I: Oliver Parmenter Jones

II: The Pearl-Diggers

The Climbing Rabbit

IV: Do Fish Climb Trees?

The Fishing Prize