In chapter 13, Stanley is digging his routine hole when he comes across a small golden tube. Initially, Stanley does not know what to make of the golden tube, but Zigzag sees him studying something. Once Zigzag calls out Stanley, he recognizes that it is futile to try to hide the gold tube and ends up giving it X-Ray, the leader of the boys at Camp Green Lake.

X-Ray appreciates Stanley's find but refrains from initially telling the counselors about "his" discovery since the day is almost over. This is any boy who finds something while digging gets the whole day off. The next day, X-Ray begins digging his hole when he suddenly calls for Mr. Pendanski and shows him the gold tube. In return for discovering the object, X-Ray can rest for the day.

The Warden is grateful for X-Ray's discovery and pairs the boys together to begin digging around his hole. Each boy is forced to take turns shoveling while the other sifts through the dirt in hopes of finding something else. While they are digging around X-Ray's hole, Stanley realizes that X-Ray refrained from discussing the gold tube at breakfast because there are hidden cameras throughout the tent. He also recognizes that the Warden is specifically looking for something.

Despite digging around X-Ray's hole, Stanley knows they won't find anything because this is not where he originally found the gold tube. He makes a mental note of where he found the gold tube, which will come in handy later on.