# Chapter XXI explained — David Harum

> Chapter companion for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott.

## What happens

David Harum explains to John Lenox how he helped Purse, a local storekeeper, by loaning him money and later covering a debt caused by Chet Timson's loose talk. David reveals he hired John on General Wolsey's recommendation, valuing soundness and gumption over experience. He praises John's adaptability and invites him to dinner at his home, noting the poor conditions at the Eagle tavern.

## Themes in this chapter

### Horse Trading and Moral Ambiguity

David's handling of Purse's loan and his hiring of John as an 'experiment' show his pragmatic, morally ambiguous approach to business and trust.

### Character and Reputation

David values discretion and soundness over mere honesty, as seen in his criticism of Timson and his praise of John's character.

### Friendship and Loyalty

David's generosity toward Purse and his growing trust in John reflect the bonds of loyalty and mutual support in the community.

## Character check-ins

### David Harum

Tells John the story of Purse's loan and Timson's indiscretion, explains his hiring philosophy, and invites John to dinner.

### John Lenox

Listens to David's story, expresses gratitude for the Christmas gift, and accepts the dinner invitation.

### Mrs. Cullom

Visits the office and is seen to the door by John; David mentions her matter as paying off an old score.

### Chet Timson

Criticized by David for his loose talk that caused Purse's trouble; described as a 'dum'd chuckle-head' and a 'clackin' ole he-hen'.

### Price

The storekeeper who borrowed money from David and later faced a debt crisis due to Timson's indiscretion.

### General Wolsey

Recommended John to David; David trusted the General's judgment.

## Key lines

> I made up my mind it was all right, an’ I done it.

I decided it was fine, and I went ahead with it.

_David explains his decision to loan Purse money based on his own judgment._

> I’d ruther have somebody that didn’t know nobody, than such a clackin’ ole he-hen as Chet.

I would prefer someone who knows no one over a gossipy old man like Chet.

_David expresses his preference for discretion over familiarity._

> I liked ye all the better for’t, I did fer a fact.

I actually liked you more because of it.

_David tells John that his earlier regret made David think better of him._

## Links

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