# The Return on Board explained — In Search of the Castaways

> Chapter companion for In Search of the Castaways by Jules Verne.

## What happens

After crossing South America, the expedition reaches the coast and reunites with the Duncan. Glenarvan anxiously awaits the yacht through a stormy night, aided by Paganel's supposed night vision. At dawn, the Duncan is sighted, and a boat brings the party aboard. Thalcave declines to leave the Pampas, refusing payment but accepting a portrait of Lady Helena as a keepsake. The group bids a fond farewell to their Patagonian guide, and they return to the yacht, where Robert embraces his sister Mary.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nobility and Generosity

Thalcave refuses payment for his services, saying 'It was done out of friendship,' and Glenarvan gives a precious medallion as a token of gratitude.

### Courage and Sacrifice

The travelers endured the relentless fury of the elements across South America, testing their 'generous intrepidity to its utmost powers of endurance.'

## Character check-ins

### Lord Glenarvan

Anxiously watches for the Duncan through the night, leads the farewell to Thalcave, and presents his wife's portrait as a gift.

### Jacques Paganel

Roused from sleep by Glenarvan to use his supposed night vision; later gives Thalcave a map of South America as a parting gift.

### Robert Grant

First to spring aboard the Duncan and embrace his sister; lavishes caresses on Thalcave and Thaouka.

### Thalcave

Refuses to leave the Pampas and declines payment; accepts a portrait of Lady Helena and a map; bids a tender farewell to Robert, calling him a man.

### Major MacNabb

Advises patience during the night watch and establishes a camp in the sand-hills.

### Tom Austin

Shouts seaward without response; explains that the Duncan likely keeps to windward due to dangerous banks; fires a carbine to signal the yacht.

## Key lines

> Who knows? replied Thalcave, raising his arms towards heaven.

Thalcave gestures upward, suggesting that the future is uncertain.

_Thalcave's final words to Paganel about the possibility of meeting again._

> Thus had our travelers accomplished the journey across South America on a rigorously straight line. Neither mountains nor rivers had turned them aside from their course; and, although they were not forced to struggle against the evil designs of men, the relentless fury of the elements had often tested their generous intrepidity to its utmost powers of endurance.

The expedition completed a direct crossing of South America, undeterred by natural obstacles, and their courage was tested by harsh weather rather than human malice.

_Summary of the successful crossing and the challenges faced._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxvi-the-return-on-board
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters