# V: Umslopogaas Makes a Promise explained — Allan Quatermain

> Chapter companion for Allan Quatermain by H. Rider Haggard.

## 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.'

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_se/chapters/v-umslopogaas-makes-a-promise
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_se/chapters