Dick Sands, the Boy Captain · Chapter
Accomplices explained
Harris and Negoro meet in the African forest to discuss their scheme.
What happens
Harris and Negoro meet in the African forest to discuss their scheme. Harris recounts how he deceived Dick Sands and the party into believing they were in Bolivia, while Negoro reveals his past escape from a Portuguese penitentiary and his plans to sell the survivors of the Pilgrim into slavery. They plot to lure the group toward the Cuanza River, where a slave caravan under Ibn Hamish awaits. Dingo appears and attacks Negoro, who shoots the dog, but Dingo escapes wounded.
Themes in this chapter
- Deception and Betrayal
Harris and Negoro conspire to deceive Dick Sands and the party, with Harris recounting how he lied about the geography and wildlife to lead them into the interior.
- Slavery and Human Trafficking
The chapter reveals the slave-trade network: Negoro and Harris plan to sell the black survivors at Kazonndé, and discuss the challenges of exporting slaves to Spanish colonies.
- Survival and Self-Reliance
Dick Sands is portrayed as a resourceful young captain who suspects the deception and is a first-rate shot, highlighting his self-reliance in a hostile environment.
Characters to notice
- Negoro
Reveals his escape from the penitentiary at St. Paul de Luanda and his intent to sell the Pilgrim survivors; shoots Dingo when the dog attacks.
- Harris
Describes his deception of Dick Sands and the party, pretending the African forest is the Atacama; coordinates with Negoro to capture the group.
- Dick Sands
Mentioned as the young captain whose suspicions were aroused; Harris fears his shooting skill.
- Dingo
Attacks Negoro, is shot, and escapes wounded; reveals an old grudge against Negoro.
- Alvez
Mentioned as the slave dealer employer of Harris and Negoro, based at Kazonndé.
- Cousin Benedict
Mentioned as the 'old fool of a cousin' who was bent on finding cocuyos.
Key passages
“Couldn’t you manage to get that young fifteen-year-old any farther into the interior?”
Negoro asks Harris why he didn't lead Dick Sands deeper into the country.
Reveals Negoro's desire to capture the entire party further inland.
“I shall put a bullet into that beast’s head before long”
Negoro vows to kill Dingo.
Foreshadows the shooting of Dingo later in the chapter.
“The Portuguese have changed their game: for a long time they carried on the trade themselves, but now they have got wonderfully particular”
Negoro explains that the Portuguese authorities now prosecute slave traders.
Highlights the shifting political climate against the slave trade.
“Divide them into two lots, one for the market, the other...”
Negoro plans to sell the black survivors and do something else with the whites.
Implies a sinister fate for Dick Sands and Mrs. Weldon.
