17. From the details in this passage, what can you conclude about the captain and the company he represents?
a. They place little value on ships and sailing.
b. They place little value on trading goods.
C. They place great importance on property ownership.
d. They place great importance on the spiritual beauty of nature.

The correct answer is C. They place great importance on property ownership

Explanation:

The purpose of the captain and the company was to buy or own the island; this idea is expressed in "its mission to purchase from the natives a base from which to conduct company trade." This shows the captain and its people believed owning the island was important, as well as, using the resources and location of this for trade.

According to this, it can be concluded the captain and the company place great importance on property ownership. Moreover, this belief contrasts the ones of the natives in the excerpt because they accept that the company and the captain establish on the island but do not understand the company is now the owner of the island.

the answer is the speaker views both as possessions that reflect his importance.