How did the Man in the Fishing Hut represent what's left in humanity? How was it important to Ishmael?

The man in the fishing hut is the first person not to look at the boys with suspicion and fear. He simply sees them as they are, scared little boys. He gives them food and some type of shelter when most people run away from orphaned boys. Boys of course frequently meant "soldiers". THe man reminds Ishmael of a time when things were not so twisted.