Allan Quatermain · Chapter
VI: The Night Wears On explained
As the Masai surround the mission station, Mr.
What happens
As the Masai surround the mission station, Mr. Mackenzie rallies his people and the white adventurers to rescue his daughter Flossie. After a solemn oath and prayer, they prepare for a desperate night attack, arming themselves and donning chainmail shirts. Umslopogaas is persuaded to wear one, and the plan is set for a predawn assault.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Superstition
Mr. Mackenzie leads a fervent prayer to God for protection and victory, contrasting with Umslopogaas's lack of belief.
Friendship and Loyalty
The mission community swears an oath to rescue Flossie, and the white adventurers stand together in a desperate plan.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The stone-walled mission represents civilization under threat from the 'savage' Masai, with the night attack blurring the line between the two.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Mackenzie
Leads the defense and prayer, swearing his men to rescue his daughter Flossie.
- Umslopogaas
Advises on the plan, initially refuses chainmail but is convinced; sleeps soundly before the attack.
- Captain Good
Assigned to lead the ten men tasked with stampeding the Masai camp, armed with a revolver and short sword.
- Sir Henry Curtis
Lends his spare chainmail shirt to Umslopogaas; stands ready with his axe.
- Allan Quatermain
Arms himself with a Winchester repeater; reflects on his fear and the odds of the mission.
- Alphonse
Present during the gathering, looking exceedingly uncomfortable.
Key passages
“Swear to me that whilst a man of you remains alive ye will strive your uttermost with me and with these brave white men to save the child from a bloody and cruel death.”
Promise me that as long as any of you live, you will do everything possible with me and these brave white men to rescue the child from a violent and cruel death.
Mr. Mackenzie's plea to his men to swear loyalty to the rescue mission.
“I have fought in my own skin for thirty years, and that I am not going to begin now to fight in an iron one.”
I have fought without armor for thirty years, and I will not start wearing iron now.
Umslopogaas's initial refusal to wear chainmail, showing his pride and warrior tradition.
“It was, indeed, a mad undertaking, and what made it even madder was the exceeding improbability of our being able to take up our positions without attracting the notice of the sentries.”
It was truly a crazy plan, and what made it even crazier was how unlikely it was that we could get into position without the sentries noticing us.
Allan Quatermain's reflection on the near-impossible odds of the night attack.