Allan Quatermain Stories · Chapter
The Interest on Ten Shillings explained
Allan Quatermain, having returned to England after discovering King Solomon's mines, finds civilization stifling and longs for the wilderness.
What happens
Allan Quatermain, having returned to England after discovering King Solomon's mines, finds civilization stifling and longs for the wilderness. He recounts a past adventure at Pilgrims' Rest in the Transvaal, where he invested his savings in a gold claim that turned out to be nearly worked out. After months of fruitless labor, he and his son Harry are down to their last fourteen shillings and ninepence. In a moment of frustration, Quatermain drops a half-sovereign into the claim; while searching for it, they discover a large gold nugget, changing their fortunes.
Themes in this chapter
Wilderness vs. Civilization
Quatermain contrasts the loneliness of crowded cities with the companionship of the wilderness, asserting that nature brings one closer to God.
Greed and Its Consequences
Quatermain is 'bitten by the gold bug' and invests his entire savings in a claim that proves nearly worthless, leading to financial ruin before the accidental discovery of a nugget.
Fate and Mortality
The loss of the half-sovereign and the subsequent discovery of gold suggest a twist of fate; Quatermain also reflects on the death of his son Harry, who is 'since dead.'
Characters to notice
- Allan Quatermain
The narrator and protagonist, an old elephant-hunter who returns to England but feels out of place in civilization. He recounts his gold-mining experience at Pilgrims' Rest.
- Sir Henry Curtis
Quatermain's friend in England, mentioned as the host of the Yorkshire home where the story is told.
- Master Harry
Quatermain's son, about fourteen years old, who accompanies him to Pilgrims' Rest and helps discover the gold nugget.
Key passages
“There is no loneliness like the loneliness of crowds, especially to those who are unaccustomed to them.”
The feeling of isolation is greatest in a crowd, particularly for those not used to it.
Quatermain reflects on the alienation of city life versus the wilderness.
“The further you get from man, the nearer you grow to God.”
The more you distance yourself from human society, the closer you come to the divine.
Quatermain's philosophy about the spiritual value of the wilderness.
“I guess she's about worked out!”
I think the claim is nearly exhausted of gold.
The American seller admits the claim is depleted after Quatermain buys it.
“It's gold, lad, it's gold, or I'm a Dutchman!”
This is gold, boy, or I'm not who I say I am.
Quatermain's exclamation upon discovering the nugget.