Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
XVIII: The Prodigal at Sea explained
Monty Brewster, after Harrison's departure, takes stock of his finances and realizes he has spent over $450,000 but still has a large sum to dispose of before September 23rd.
What happens
Monty Brewster, after Harrison's departure, takes stock of his finances and realizes he has spent over $450,000 but still has a large sum to dispose of before September 23rd. He plans a systematic campaign of extravagance, including a yachting cruise. A chance meeting with Colonel Drew reveals lingering tensions over Barbara, but the Colonel expresses faith in Monty. The chapter ends with the departure of the yacht Flitter, carrying Monty and his friends, including Peggy Gray, and a tender moment between Monty and Peggy.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty's systematic campaign to spend his fortune, including the lavish yachting cruise, exemplifies the theme of extravagant wealth.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Monty reflects on the loyalty of his companions aboard the Flitter, recognizing them as his 'best and truest friendships.'
- Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions
Monty is tempted to tell Colonel Drew the truth about his inheritance challenge but restrains himself, highlighting his moral dilemma.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Monty reviews his finances, plans his yachting cruise, meets Colonel Drew, and departs on the Flitter with his friends.
- Peggy Gray
Peggy is aboard the Flitter, shares a tender moment with Monty, and gently warns him about the future.
- Colonel Drew
Colonel Drew meets Monty in the elevator, expresses concern about his spending, and offers his faith and support.
- Nopper Harrison
Harrison's departure leaves Monty in 'sore straits' and forces him to manage his own affairs.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Mrs. Dan DeMille is among the guests aboard the Flitter.
- Joe Bragdon
Joe Bragdon (Rip Van Winkle) is listed among the guests on the yacht.
- Reginald Brown
Reginald Vanderpool is listed among the guests on the yacht.
- Subway Smith
Subway Smith is listed among the guests on the yacht.
Key passages
“With infinite pains he had managed to rise to something over $450,000 in six months. But to his original million it had been necessary to add $58,550 which he had realized from Lumber and Fuel and some of his other 'unfortunate' operations.”
After six months of careful effort, Monty had spent over $450,000, but he had to supplement his original million with $58,550 from failed investments like Lumber and Fuel.
Monty's financial reckoning reveals his progress and the need to add money from failed ventures.
“On deck, watching the rugged silhouette of the city disappear into the mists, were Dan DeMille and Mrs. Dan, Peggy Gray, 'Rip' Van Winkle, Reginald Vanderpool, Joe Bragdon, Dr. Lotless and his sister Isabel, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine—the official chaperon—and their daughter Mary, 'Subway' Smith, Paul Pettingill, and some others hardly less distinguished.”
As the yacht sailed away, the deck was filled with Monty's guests, including Dan and Mrs. DeMille, Peggy Gray, and many others, watching New York fade into the mist.
The list of guests emphasizes the social circle Monty has gathered for his extravagant cruise.
