Allan Quatermain · Chapter
V: Umslopogaas Makes a Promise explained
Flossie goes missing after leaving to find a lily for Mr.
What happens
Flossie goes missing after leaving to find a lily for Mr. Quatermain, and the group discovers she has been captured by the Masai. A threatening message from the Masai Lygonani demands an exchange, but Flossie's brave note urges them to attack instead. Umslopogaas devises a daring night assault plan to rescue her, which the group adopts despite the odds.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The group's unwavering commitment to rescue Flossie, with Curtis and Good vowing to die back to back with Quatermain.
Adventure and Exploration
The perilous mission to save Flossie from the Masai, involving a daring night attack in the African wilderness.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The contrast between the civilized mission station and the wild, threatening Masai encampment, with Flossie as a 'child of the wilderness.'
Characters to notice
- Umslopogaas
Devises a battle plan to rescue Flossie from the Masai, sharpens his axe Inkosi-Kaas, and promises to hew the Masai Lygonani limb from limb.
- Flossie
Captured by the Masai while gathering a lily; writes a brave note urging attack and vowing to shoot herself if no help comes.
- Mr. Mackenzie
Flossie's father, initially grave about her disappearance, later participates in planning the rescue.
- Allan Quatermain
Weeps upon reading Flossie's note, vows to save her, and helps evaluate Umslopogaas's plan.
- Sir Henry Curtis
Vows to go with Quatermain and die back to back with him; supports the attack plan.
- Captain Good
Climbs the tree to search for Flossie and agrees to the rescue plan.
- Alphonse
Observes Umslopogaas sharpening his axe with fear and fascination, calls him a monster.
- The Masai
The Lygonani delivers an ultimatum and threatens the group; they hold Flossie captive.
Key passages
“Thou Masai dog, thou boasting windbag, thou capturer of little girls, with this 'toy' will I hew thee limb from limb.”
Umslopogaas threatens the Masai herald, calling him a boastful captor of children and vowing to dismember him with his axe.
Umslopogaas's fierce response to the Masai Lygonani's arrogance.
“I have my pistol, and if no help comes by dawn I will shoot myself. They shall not kill me.”
Flossie writes that she will use her pistol to take her own life rather than be killed by the Masai.
Flossie's desperate resolve in her note to her parents.
“I smell blood—I tell thee, I smell blood.”
Umslopogaas repeatedly says he senses impending violence and death.
Umslopogaas's ominous foreboding of the coming battle.