# The Interest on Ten Shillings explained — Allan Quatermain Stories

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

## 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.'

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_stories_se/chapters/i-the-interest-on-ten-shillings
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/allan_quatermain_stories_se/chapters