# XII explained — David Harum

> Chapter companion for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott.

## What happens

John Lenox arrives in Homeville on a rainy November evening, taking a carryall driven by the local liveryman Mr. Robinson, who gossips about David Harum and the displaced bank clerk Chet Timson. John checks into the Eagle Hotel, where the landlord Amos Elright provides a meager supper, and John spends an uncomfortable first night. Meanwhile, local men Bill and Dick speculate about John's identity and predict he will not fit in.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rural vs. Urban Life

John's arrival from New York highlights the contrast between urban expectations and rural simplicity, as seen in the poor accommodations and local gossip.

### Character and Reputation

John is immediately judged as 'stuck up' by Robinson and the locals, setting the stage for how reputation is formed in a small community.

## Character check-ins

### John Lenox

Arrives in Homeville by train, takes a carryall to the Eagle Hotel, and has a disappointing first evening.

### David Harum

Mentioned as the bank owner who hired John and sold horses to Robinson; also referenced as having let Chet Timson go.

### Chet Timson

The displaced bank clerk who warns that John will find David Harum's work difficult.

### Mr. Robinson

The liveryman who drives John to the village and gossips about David Harum and Chet Timson.

### Mr. Amos Elright

The landlord of the Eagle Hotel who provides John with a poor supper and a room.

## Key lines

> Goin’ t’ the village? ... Carry ye over fer ten cents.

The driver offers to take John to the village for ten cents.

_Mr. Robinson's initial offer to transport John._

> I heard Chet Timson tellin’ that the’ was a feller comin’ f’m N’York to work in Dave Harum’s bank. Guess you’re him, ain’t ye?

Robinson guesses that John is the man from New York coming to work at David Harum's bank.

_Robinson identifies John based on local gossip._

> If any feller thinks he c’n come up here f’m N’York or anywheres else ... an’ do Dave Harum’s work to suit him, he’ll find he’s bit off a dum sight more’n he c’n chaw.

Chet Timson warns that anyone coming from New York to work for David Harum will find the job too difficult.

_Chet Timson's warning relayed by Robinson._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters