Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
XIX: One Hero and Another explained
At Gibraltar, Monty receives a cable from Jones about a free silver agitation that could double his spending money, and he responds with characteristic extravagance.
What happens
At Gibraltar, Monty receives a cable from Jones about a free silver agitation that could double his spending money, and he responds with characteristic extravagance. The Flitter hosts a brilliant dinner for garrison officers and ladies. Later, Monty has a revealing conversation with Mrs. Dan DeMille, who confesses her deep love for her husband, challenging Monty's earlier assumptions. Crossing the Bay of Lyons, Reggy Vanderpool nonchalantly reports a sailor falling overboard but admits he did nothing to help. Monty, however, dives in and rescues the sailor, earning everyone's admiration and revealing his true heroic nature.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty's response to Jones's cable—'Defeat the measure at any cost. The more the merrier, and charge it to me'—and the lavish dinner at Gibraltar exemplify his unrestrained spending.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Mrs. Dan's confession reveals her enduring loyalty and love for Dan, while Monty's rescue of the sailor demonstrates a selfless act of heroism toward a stranger.
- Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions
Reggy Vanderpool's inaction when a sailor falls overboard—justifying his choice by not knowing the man—contrasts sharply with Monty's immediate, heroic response, highlighting a moral divide.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Receives a cable from Jones about free silver; hosts a lavish dinner at Gibraltar; rescues a sailor who fell overboard, showing his heroic side.
- Swearengen Jones
Sends a cablegram to Monty about the free silver agitation, suggesting Monty may have twice as much to spend.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Has a heartfelt conversation with Monty, revealing her deep love for Dan and her realization that he is the only thing desirable to her.
- Mr. DeMille
Enjoys a tête-à-tête with his wife on the stern; Monty teases them about their romantic behavior.
- Reggy Vanderpool
Nonchalantly reports a sailor falling overboard but admits he did nothing to help, despite being the best swimmer in college.
- Peggy Gray
Present on the Flitter; Monty greets her after the rescue, warning her not to get wet.
Key passages
“To Montgomery Brewster , Private Yacht Flitter , Gibraltar. There is an agitation to declare for free silver. You may have twice as much to spend. Hooray. Jones.”
Jones cables Monty that a political movement for free silver might double his spending money.
This cable sets up Monty's continued financial extravagance and ties the story to contemporary political events.
“I have played many games, but I have always come back to Dan. Through them all I have known that he was the only thing possible to me—the only thing in the least desirable.”
Mrs. Dan confesses that despite her flirtations, she has always loved Dan and considers him the only truly desirable person.
This revelation deepens Mrs. Dan's character and challenges Monty's (and the reader's) earlier perceptions of her marriage.
“Funny predicament I was just in. I want to ask what a fellow should have done under the circumstances. ... Fellow fell overboard a little while ago.”
Reggy Vanderpool casually mentions that a sailor fell overboard and asks what he should have done, revealing he did nothing to help.
Reggy's indifference contrasts sharply with Monty's subsequent heroic rescue, highlighting themes of moral responsibility.
“Monty Brewster, drenched but smiling, sat in one of the boats, and leaning limply against him, his head on his chest, was the sailor who had fallen overboard.”
Monty is found in a rescue boat, exhausted but smiling, with the unconscious sailor leaning against him.
This moment cements Monty's heroism and marks a turning point in how the other characters perceive him.
