Lorna Doone · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.
Chapter 1
I: Elements of Education
John Ridd introduces himself as a plain yeoman and churchwarden of Oare, Somerset, who writes to clear his parish's reputation. He recounts his schooling at Tiverton's Blundell's School, describing his modest academic progress, the school's customs such as the 'winkey' prank and the flood tradition when waters cover the founder's initials, and his eventual departure from learning.
Chapter 2
An Important Item
John Ridd recounts the events leading to his leaving Tiverton School, beginning on his twelfth birthday, November 29, 1673. After a day of distributing sweets, he and other boarders drive the day-boys out, then wait at the gate hoping to see a packhorse convoy pursued by his cousin Tom Faggus. A quarrel with Robin Snell leads to a challenge to fight on the 'Ironing-box.' John Fry arrives with a message from home, but the fight proceeds anyway. John reflects on his many school battles and the honor of the Ridd family.
Chapter 3
The Warpath of the Doones
John Ridd recounts his journey home from Tiverton school with John Fry, crossing Exmoor in fog and fear. They pass the gibbet of Red Jem Hannaford and narrowly avoid a band of Doone outlaws riding under Dunkery Beacon's light, one carrying a child.
Chapter 4
A Very Rash Visit
John Ridd recounts the murder of his father by the Doones and describes his mother's brave but futile visit to the Doone stronghold to seek justice. Sir Ensor Doone and Counsellor Doone twist the story to claim self-defense, leaving Mistress Ridd heartbroken and without redress.
Chapter 5
An Illegal Settlement
John Ridd explains the origins of the Doone family's outlaw settlement in Exmoor, tracing back to the dispossession of Sir Ensor Doone in 1640 and the family's descent into robbery and violence. He describes how the Doones grew in strength and terrorized the neighborhood, culminating in the murder of his father, which was met with inaction by local authorities.
Chapter 6
Necessary Practice
John Ridd, still grieving his father's murder by the Doones, procures gunpowder from Mr. Pooke in Porlock to practice shooting against his father's enemies. He returns home, frightened at the site of the murder, and later shows Annie a secret project involving melting lead.
Chapter 7
Hard It Is to Climb
John Ridd recalls a cold St. Valentine's Day in 1675/6 when he went loach-fishing alone along the Lynn and Bagworthy streams. Despite the bitter cold, he forded the waters with a three-pronged fork and bag, catching fish and reflecting on his boyhood. The chapter interweaves memories of winter evenings at Plover's Barrows farm with Annie, his schooling at Blundell's (including the rough 'sheep-washing' swimming lessons), and his growing courage as he ventures up the Bagworthy water, a place even grown men feared. The moment marks a turning point in his life, as he obeys his father's command never to be a coward.
Chapter 8
A Boy and a Girl
John Ridd meets Lorna Doone in the Doone Valley after falling through a waterfall. Despite their different social stations, they form a bond. When Doone men come searching for Lorna, John hides in the water while Lorna pretends to be asleep. She is carried away by one of the men, but waves goodbye to John. He escapes through a hidden niche in the cliff, nearly falling into a dark pool, but is saved by the sound of a robin.
Chapter 9
IX: There Is No Place Like Home
John Ridd recounts his harrowing escape from the Doone Valley, his subsequent fear and reluctance to venture out alone, and his growing obsession with practicing marksmanship. He reflects on his sister Annie's gentle nature and his own boyish disdain for girls, contrasting her with the memory of Lorna Doone. The chapter also depicts his return home, where he keeps his adventure secret, and his determination to master the gun.
Chapter 10
A Brave Rescue and a Rough Ride
John Ridd, at about fifteen years old, rescues the old white drake from a flooded brook on the family farm. Later, his mother's cousin, the famous highwayman Tom Faggus, arrives with his mare Winnie. Despite warnings, John insists on riding Winnie, who bolts and gives him a wild, terrifying ride across the countryside.
Chapter 11
Tom Deserves His Supper
John Ridd attempts to ride Tom Faggus's mare, Winnie, but is thrown off. Tom Faggus praises John's riding ability, while Mistress Ridd scolds Tom for endangering her son. After a tense exchange, Mistress Ridd relents and invites Tom to stay for supper, offering a lavish meal. Tom regales the family with tales, and John reflects on Tom's reputation as a highwayman, contrasting it with the King's legalized robbery.
Chapter 12
A Man Justly Popular
John Ridd reflects on his cousin Tom Faggus, a notorious highwayman, and the mixed feelings of pride and shame his family feels about him. He recounts Tom's backstory: a skilled blacksmith ruined by a lawsuit with Sir Robert Bampfylde, which led to his life of crime. Despite his outlaw status, Tom is generous, never robs the poor, and is beloved by common folk. John also describes the ongoing impunity of the Doones and his own reluctance to seek revenge for his father's murder. The chapter ends with a strange, dark winter and Tom's return, bringing John a new carbine.
Chapter 13
Master Huckaback Comes In
John Ridd rescues his great-uncle, Mr. Reuben Huckaback, a wealthy Dulverton shopkeeper, after he is robbed and tormented by the Doones on New Year's Eve. Uncle Reuben is brought to Plover's Barrows, where he is cared for by the Ridd family, and he hints at a future marriage between John and his granddaughter Ruth Huckaback.
Chapter 14
A Motion Which Ends in a Mull
Uncle Reuben Huckaback, still furious over his robbery, demands action against the Doones. The Ridd family and Farmer Nicholas Snowe try to calm him, but he insults the parish and John Ridd. After mulled wine and conversation, the expedition against the Doones is abandoned, and the household settles back into comfort.
Chapter 15
Quo Warranto?
John Ridd accompanies his Uncle Reuben Huckaback to Ley Manor to seek a warrant against the Doones for robbery. The Baron de Whichehalse and Colonel Harding, however, dismiss the case, citing the fog as an excuse and questioning the evidence. Later, Uncle Reuben asks John to guide him to the Doone Valley to scout the stronghold.
Chapter 16
Lorna Growing Formidable
John Ridd returns to the Doone Valley on St. Valentine's Day, seven years after his first encounter with Lorna. He finds the stream shallower and climbs the rocky slide more easily. He hears Lorna singing an ancient love song and sees her among the primroses. Overcome by her beauty, he reveals himself and she recognizes him. They speak briefly, with Lorna warning him of the danger, but John promises to bring her eggs. Afterward, Uncle Reuben Huckaback cross-examines John about his visit, but John manages to keep the truth hidden.
Chapter 17
John Is Bewitched
John Ridd, deeply lovesick for Lorna Doone, finds his daily life and work disrupted by his obsessive thoughts. His distracted state leads to gossip among the farmhands, particularly John Fry, whom he thrashes for spreading a rumor that a mad dog bit him. Seeking a remedy for his chapped hands and hoping to find a pretext to see Lorna, John decides to consult the local wise woman, Mother Melldrum, who lives in the Valley of Rocks near Linton. The chapter also describes the harsh east wind that blights the spring growth, mirroring John's own emotional turmoil.
Chapter 18
XVIII: Witchery Leads to Witchcraft
John Ridd visits Mother Melldrum, a wise woman, seeking guidance about Lorna Doone. She warns him against any involvement with the Doones, but John defends his love. The chapter ends with a symbolic fight between a sheep and a goat, which John interrupts by throwing the goat off a cliff.
Chapter 19
XIX: Another Dangerous Interview
John Ridd returns to the Doone Valley to visit Lorna, bringing her eggs as a gift. He finds her in a natural rock chamber and is moved by her tears and vulnerability. They share a tender conversation, and John resolves to treat her with utmost respect and restraint.
Chapter 20
Lorna Begins Her Story
Lorna Doone shares her personal history and inner turmoil with John Ridd, describing her isolated life in the Doone Valley, her longing for understanding and purpose, and her complex relationships with her grandfather Sir Ensor Doone, the Counsellor, and the violent Carver Doone. She recounts finding and saving the orphaned Cornish girl Gwenny Carfax, and reveals her struggles with the lawless world around her, her vague memories of her parents, and her sense of being the heiress to a 'mad domain' of outlaws.
Chapter 21
Lorna Ends Her Story
Lorna recounts her childhood in the Doone valley, the protection of Sir Ensor Doone, and a fateful encounter with her self-proclaimed guardian, Lord Alan Brandir, who reveals their kinship and attempts to persuade her to leave the Doones.
Chapter 22
A Long Spring Month
John Ridd returns home troubled after Lorna's story, fearing their class difference. He finds young Squire Marwood de Whichehalse flirting with his sister Annie, and knocks him down. Marwood later apologizes and seeks reconciliation, but John resolves to keep him from Annie. The chapter also describes the beauty of spring and the hard farm work of hoeing.
Chapter 23
A Royal Invitation
John Ridd receives a royal summons to London to testify before the King's Bench, likely concerning the Doones. He struggles with the timing, as it prevents him from seeing Lorna before he leaves. Jeremy Stickles delays their departure until Saturday, and John tries in vain to signal Lorna from the cliffs. His mother is initially distressed but is reassured by Stickles that the King simply wants to meet John.
Chapter 24
A Safe Pass for King's Messenger
John Ridd recounts his difficult journey to London as a King's messenger, his struggles with legal delays, and his observations of the city's political turmoil in 1683. He reflects on the dangers of travel, his homesickness, and his encounters with highwaymen and city folk, while maintaining his honor to both the King and Lorna.
Chapter 25
A Great Man Attends to Business
John Ridd, having witnessed the execution of Lord Russell, seeks to resolve his legal summons in London. He encounters a kindly lawyer who sympathizes with his plight, then finally appears before the fearsome Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys. Jeffreys berates the corrupt officer Spank, orders John to be compensated, and promises to see justice done. John receives money from the frightened lawyer Kitch and is left awaiting further proceedings.
Chapter 26
John Is Drained and Cast Aside
John Ridd is dismissed by Lord Jeffreys, who warns him to stay clear of political troubles and the Doones. After being cut off from payment and left without funds, John is rescued by Jeremy Stickles, who lends him five pounds out of trust and friendship. John reflects on his foolish spending on gifts for family and Lorna, and prepares to return home.
Chapter 27
Home Again at Last
John Ridd returns home to Exmoor after walking from London, stopping at Dunster where his mother's cousin, the tanner, provides him with a horse. He reflects on his journey and the warmth of his family, especially his sister Annie, who eagerly awaits him. The chapter emphasizes his deep emotional connection to home and his family's mixed feelings about his lack of promotion.
Chapter 28
John Has Hope of Lorna
John Ridd returns home from London, feeling renewed appreciation for rural life and his family. He goes to the Doone Valley to see Lorna, and after a tense reunion, they confess their love for one another, though Lorna is hesitant to admit the depth of her feelings. John resolves to win her heart fully.
Chapter 29
Reaping Leads to Revelling
John Ridd, though under a two-month separation from Lorna, feels light-hearted knowing she is safe and watched over by Gwenny. The chapter describes the traditional harvest reaping on Exmoor, led by John wielding his father's sickle, with the whole parish participating. John's thoughts drift to Lorna as he works, and after a day of reaping, the harvest-supper brings the community together.
Chapter 30
Annie Gets the Best of It
John Ridd discovers his sister Annie in the churchyard at night, dressed in her best clothes, and after a tense exchange, she confesses her secret romance with Tom Faggus. Annie cleverly turns the tables on John, tricking him into revealing his own love for Lorna Doone. The chapter ends with John smoking his first pipe and reconciling with Annie, though both now hold secrets over each other.
Chapter 31
John Fry's Errand
John Ridd returns home to find his mother in high spirits, hosting a dance with Squire Marwood, Annie, and Ruth Huckaback. Suspicious of Uncle Reuben Huckaback's unexpected visit, John and the women conspire to have John Fry secretly follow him. John Fry tracks Uncle Reuben across Black Barrow Down, a desolate and supposedly enchanted moor, but is interrupted before revealing what he saw.
Chapter 32
Feeding of the Pigs
John Ridd grows increasingly anxious about Lorna's safety and the political unrest in the region, including rumors of rebellion against King Charles II. Betty Muxworthy cryptically hints at Lorna's whereabouts and tests John's strength by having him carry a heavy bucket of pig's wash. Uncle Reuben Huckaback departs suddenly, leaving his granddaughter Ruth at the Ridd farm. John attempts to visit Lorna after eight weeks but fails to see her, and his gift of trout and eggs is stolen by Carver Doone.
Chapter 33
An Early Morning Call
John Ridd rises early and makes his way to the Bagworthy water, where he witnesses a beautiful sunrise. He meets Lorna Doone, and they confess their love for each other. Lorna accepts John's ring but then expresses doubt that their love can ever be realized.
Chapter 34
Two Negatives Make an Affirmative
John Ridd, elated by Lorna Doone's love, resolves to tell his mother about their relationship despite knowing she will be disappointed. He returns home to find Tom Faggus has proposed to Annie, causing family turmoil. John consoles Annie and then reveals his own news, leading to a tense but ultimately reconciliatory conversation with his mother, who begins to accept both matches.
Chapter 35
Ruth Is Not Like Lorna
John Ridd's mother, Mistress Ridd, begins to devise plans to rescue Lorna from the Doones, but John explains the dangers. Meanwhile, Ruth Huckaback overhears Mistress Ridd's unkind words about her and leaves hurt. John visits Lorna, who gives him an ancient ring as a love token, and they discuss their hopes and fears for the future.
Chapter 36
John Returns to Business
John Ridd returns to his farm in November, where he finds Master Jeremy Stickles stationed as a royal agent. Stickles confides in John about his secret mission concerning the Duke of Monmouth and the political unrest. Meanwhile, John becomes increasingly anxious as Lorna's signals cease, leading him to venture into the Doone valley to investigate. He surveys Carver Doone's dwelling and resolves to rescue Lorna, despite the growing tensions with Stickles and the chaos around him.
Chapter 37
A Very Desperate Venture
John Ridd makes a will before venturing into the Doone valley to find Lorna. He sneaks past the Doone guards, meets Gwenny Carfax, and arranges a signal with Lorna using rooks' nests to warn him of danger. He narrowly avoids detection by the drunken guards Charleworth Doone and Phelps.
Chapter 38
A Good Turn for Jeremy
John Ridd learns that John Fry has betrayed his confidence by telling Jeremy Stickles about the mysterious man at the Wizard's Slough. Meanwhile, Tom Faggus visits and discusses his plans with Annie. John works in the copse while keeping watch on the Doone Valley. Later, he discovers an ambush set for Jeremy Stickles by three armed men, likely Doones. John races to intercept Jeremy and warns him just in time, saving his life. Jeremy forgives John for their earlier quarrel and promises friendship.
Chapter 39
A Troubled State and a Foolish Joke
Jeremy Stickles reveals his plan to attack the Doones, but John Ridd refuses to participate due to his love for Lorna and his moral qualms. Stickles also discusses the political unrest in England, the threat of rebellion, and the King's efforts to suppress dissent. Meanwhile, John Fry recounts a comical and exaggerated story about a gathering of local gentry and militia waiting to capture the highwayman Tom Faggus, which causes Annie to faint.
Chapter 40
XL: Two Fools Together
John Ridd confronts Sir Ensor Doone to declare his love for Lorna, and the old man, though scornful, ultimately blesses their union. Meanwhile, news of Tom Faggus's reckless behavior causes concern among the Ridd family, as John worries about the consequences for Tom and Annie.
Chapter 41
XLI: Cold Comfort
John Ridd reflects on the death of Sir Ensor Doone, who dies peacefully with John and Lorna at his bedside. Despite his past evils, Sir Ensor is mourned by many, though not by his own kin. After the funeral, a severe frost and snowstorm strike Exmoor, forcing John and his men to dig out the sheep. Meanwhile, Annie Ridd cares for frozen birds, showing her compassion.
Chapter 42
The Great Winter
During a severe and prolonged winter, John Ridd and his men struggle to rescue their sheep buried under massive snowdrifts. Despite the harsh conditions, John demonstrates his strength and determination by carrying the sheep home two at a time. Later, his sister Lizzie shares knowledge about Arctic survival, which John will later apply to his own circumstances.
Chapter 43
Not Too Soon
John Ridd braves a treacherous snowstorm to reach Lorna in the Doone Valley, where he finds her and Gwenny starving. He shares a mince-pie with them and resolves to rescue Lorna from the Doones, planning to take her back to Plover's Barrows farm despite the deep snow.
Chapter 44
Brought Home at Last
John Ridd successfully rescues Lorna Doone from the Doone valley by using the frozen waterslide as an escape route, sledding her home to the Ridd farm. Despite her unconscious state from cold and exhaustion, Lorna is welcomed by John's mother and the household, and she gradually revives in the warmth and care of her new home.
Chapter 45
A Change Long Needed
John Ridd describes the transformative effect of Lorna's presence in his home during a harsh winter, her joyful adaptation to rural life, and the practical challenges of thaw and flooding that threaten the farm.
Chapter 46
Squire Faggus Makes Some Lucky Hits
Tom Faggus visits the Ridd household, where he meets Lorna for the first time and astounds everyone by recognizing her necklace as a fortune in brilliants. John defends Lorna's worth beyond material value, while Tom's past as a highwayman causes tension. The chapter explores themes of honesty, social standing, and the value of a person versus their possessions.
Chapter 47
Jeremy in Danger
John Ridd recounts domestic scenes at Plover's Barrows, including Tom Faggus examining Lorna's valuable diamond necklace and Lorna's generous offer to give it to Mistress Ridd. John reflects on a book he acquired in London, which he credits for his literary style. Jeremy Stickles returns, having narrowly escaped an attack by three Doones at Landacre Bridge, and tells his story.
Chapter 48
XLVIII: Every Man Must Defend Himself
John Ridd prepares for an attack by the Doones, hoping to confront Carver Doone man-to-man. Jeremy Stickles returns from his journey without an army due to county disputes and bad weather, leaving the Ridd family to defend themselves. Lorna is terrorized by Carver Doone, who spares her but threatens her life if she does not return. John vows to kill Carver. The household fortifies and prepares for the night.
Chapter 49
XLIX: Maiden Sentinels Are Best
John Ridd, having repelled a Doone attack on the farm, reflects on the violence and his reluctance to kill. Lorna and Gwenny Carfax act as vigilant sentinels, with Gwenny perched in a tree to watch for the outlaws. After the skirmish, John is tended to by his mother, Annie, and Lorna, while Jeremy Stickles cynically discusses women, prompting John to defend their virtue.
Chapter 50
L: A Merry Meeting a Sad One
John Ridd reflects on his desire to marry Lorna and the practical concerns of farming and family. He visits Ruth Huckaback to mend relations and inquire about Uncle Reuben's strange behavior, while also contemplating Lorna's Catholic faith and the community's reaction to her attending church.
Chapter 51
A Visit from the Counsellor
John Ridd returns home to learn that the Counsellor Doone has come to visit. The Counsellor reveals to Lorna and John that Lorna's father killed John's father and John's father killed Lorna's father, a mutual slaying. Despite this revelation, the Counsellor gives his consent to their marriage, though his motives are suspect.
Chapter 52
LII: The Way to Make the Cream Rise
The Counsellor Doone visits the Ridd farm and uses a trick involving Lorna's necklace to deceive Annie into thinking he is performing a charm to make cream rise. He steals the necklace, causing great distress. Meanwhile, Jeremy Stickles returns with plans for an attack on the Doones, and John worries about the loss of the valuable jewels.
Chapter 53
Jeremy Finds Out Something
Jeremy Stickles shares his investigation into the Doones and the local populace, revealing his discovery of Benita, a foreign woman who tells him the tragic story of a noble Englishman and his family, including a young lady who may be Lorna Doone.
Chapter 54
Mutual Discomfiture
John Ridd reflects on his slow-witted reputation and his growing belief that Lorna is the child of the ill-fated lady in the coach. Jeremy Stickles reveals his discovery of Lorna's parentage but insists on secrecy. The chapter then describes the failed military assault on the Doone stronghold, marred by jealousy between the Devon and Somerset forces, leading to a disastrous defeat.
Chapter 55
Getting Into Chancery
John Ridd reflects on the aftermath of the failed attack on the Doones, the suffering of the wounded, and Jeremy Stickles's slow recovery. Two officers from the Court of Chancery arrive, having been stripped and driven out by the Doones, bearing writs summoning Lorna Doone to appear before the court due to her inheritance. John must decide how to handle the legal documents and inform Lorna, while also dealing with the growing tension between his mother and Lorna over his relationship with her.
Chapter 56
John Becomes Too Popular
John Ridd recounts his journey to Watchett to find the grave of Lorna's mother, the Countess of Dugal, but is hindered by his own fame as a wrestler. He reflects on Lorna's tragic family history and the Doones' motives for raising her. Meanwhile, Jeremy Stickles recovers from his wound, and John contemplates the dangers posed by Carver Doone.
Chapter 57
Lorna Knows Her Nurse
John Ridd travels to Watchett to find Benita Odam, Lorna's old nurse, and brings her back to Plover's Barrows. Benita's arrival confirms Lorna's noble lineage and rights, as she recognizes Lorna and provides evidence of her birth. Meanwhile, the family prepares for Annie's marriage to Tom Faggus, though John and his mother have misgivings about Tom's steadiness. Lorna asks John for money to buy a wedding gift for Annie, and John agrees to help.
Chapter 58
Master Huckaback's Secret
Uncle Reuben Huckaback leads John Ridd to a hidden mine on Exmoor, revealing a secret mining operation. John helps break a large boulder containing gold, and Uncle Reuben shows him a crushing engine, hinting at the family's hidden wealth and the mysterious wizard legend of the moor.
Chapter 59
Lorna Gone Away
John Ridd returns from Cornwall to find that Lorna has been taken to London by her noble relatives, leaving him a letter. He also investigates the mining operation on Exmoor, where he confronts Simon Carfax about his abandoned daughter Gwenny. The chapter explores John's feelings of loss and his determination to uncover the truth about Lorna's departure.
Chapter 60
LX: Annie Luckier Than John
John Ridd visits his sister Annie to seek comfort and counsel after Lorna's departure. He confides in her about his sorrow and the strange history of Lorna's parentage, but Annie insists on consulting her husband Tom Faggus before giving advice. John also reflects on his strained relationships with his mother and sister Lizzie, and finds solace in riding his horse Kickums. The chapter explores John's loneliness and his reliance on Annie's understanding.
Chapter 61
LXI: Therefore He Seeks Comfort
John Ridd, after a tense visit with Tom Faggus and Annie, seeks comfort by visiting Dulverton. There he encounters his cousin Ruth Huckaback, who is injured when his horse Kickums bites her. John rescues her and takes her to her grandfather's house. He later confides in Ruth about his troubles with Lorna, and she advises him to pursue her. John returns home to find his family worried about him.
Chapter 62
LXII: The King Must Not Be Prayed For
News of King Charles II's death reaches the parish, causing confusion and a halt in prayers. John Ridd reflects on Lorna's silence since her departure, and the Doones' inactivity is explained by their preparation for a government assault. Annie returns home with her baby, distressed by household neglect and personal troubles.
Chapter 63
John Is Worsted by the Women
Annie persuades John to go find Tom Faggus by securing a formal promise from the Doones not to attack Plover's Barrows farm during his absence. John reluctantly agrees, prepares for his journey, and sets off, planning to stop at Dulverton to see Uncle Reuben and Ruth for news and maps.
Chapter 64
Slaughter in the Marshes
John Ridd travels through Somerset towns seeking Tom Faggus, arrives in Bridgwater during the Monmouth Rebellion, is reluctantly roused to witness the battle, and observes the brutal slaughter of the countrymen by the King's cavalry.
Chapter 65
Falling Among Lambs
John Ridd falls in with a group of soldiers, the 'lambs,' and is captured by Colonel Kirke as a suspected rebel. He is nearly executed but is saved by the timely intervention of Jeremy Stickles, who claims him as his own prisoner.
Chapter 66
Suitable Devotion
John Ridd, having been taken prisoner after the Battle of Sedgemoor, refuses to flee and instead seeks an audience with Lord Churchill to secure his passage to London for trial. Meanwhile, he receives a letter from Lorna Doone, confirming her love for him, and learns from Master Ramsack about her noble lineage and her connection to Earl Brandir of Lochawe. John attends a Catholic mass at Whitehall in hopes of seeing Lorna, but is relegated to a dark corner. The chapter explores themes of social class, devotion, and the tension between love and societal expectations.
Chapter 67
LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna
John Ridd visits Lorna Doone in Kensington after a year of separation caused by intercepted letters. They reunite joyfully, clear up misunderstandings, and discuss their future together despite social obstacles. Lorna affirms her love and commitment to John, dismissing concerns of rank and wealth.
Chapter 68
John Is John No Longer
John Ridd describes his blissful state of mind after rescuing Lorna and living in London. He receives a letter from home with news of the farm, the Doones, and Tom Faggus. Lorna and John discuss whether to tell Earl Brandir about his lost son Alan. John defends the Earl from three robbers, capturing them. The robbers are revealed to be disreputable Protestant witnesses, earning John public acclaim and royal favor.
Chapter 69
Not to Be Put Up with
John Ridd reflects on English justice and the ongoing outrages of the Doones, including the abduction of two barmaids and the brutal kidnapping of Mistress Margery Badcock, during which her baby is tossed and killed by the Doones. Meanwhile, John enjoys his newfound fame in London, receives a knighthood, and longs to return to Exmoor with Lorna.
Chapter 70
Compelled to Volunteer
John Ridd returns from London to find his community rallying against the Doones after a series of outrages, including the murder of a child. Despite the Doones having spared his family during his absence, John is pressured to lead an expedition against them. He agrees on condition that the Doones first refuse a fair demand to surrender the culprits. A clever stratagem is devised—using Simon Carfax to lure a score of Doones into an ambush by promising them a gold convoy—while the main force prepares to assault the valley.
Chapter 71
A Long Account Settled
John Ridd and his band of yeomen, miners, and farmers launch a night assault on the Doone stronghold. Using the waterslide to enter from the rear, they set fire to Doone-town and ambush the returning warriors. In the ensuing slaughter, nearly all Doones are killed, including Charleworth Doone, who dies in a mutual killing with Kit Badcock. Only Counsellor Doone and Carver Doone survive. John reflects on the violence and questions divine judgment.
Chapter 72
The Counsellor and the Carver
After the attack on the Doone stronghold, John Ridd and the miners return to find Carver Doone has escaped. John deals with the aftermath, including the distribution of spoils and the capture of the Counsellor, from whom he recovers Lorna's diamond necklace. The Counsellor reveals that Carver killed John's father and escapes with a single diamond.
Chapter 73
How to Get Out of Chancery
Lorna returns to Exmoor in high spirits, having secured permission from Lord Chancellor Jeffreys and King James II to marry John Ridd, though the agreement is later invalidated after James is deposed. Lorna declares she will give up her wealth to marry John as a farmer's wife, while Mistress Ridd worries about financial prudence and suggests buying Farmer Snowe's farm. John wrestles with his unworthiness and ultimately places his faith in God.
Chapter 74
Blood Upon the Altar
John Ridd prepares for his wedding to Lorna Doone, but the celebration is shattered when Carver Doone shoots Lorna at the altar. In a fury, John pursues Carver across the moors, and after a violent struggle, Carver sinks into the Wizard's Slough and dies.
Chapter 75
Give Away the Grandeur
John Ridd reflects on the peaceful life that follows the defeat of the Doones, detailing the fates of his friends and family: Tom Faggus's continued adventures and eventual pardon, Ruth Huckaback's inheritance and unmarried state, and the upbringing of Ensie Doone. He also recounts the aftermath of Carver Doone's death, his own grief over Lorna's apparent death, and Ruth's crucial role in saving Lorna's life.
Chapter 76
Endnotes
The endnotes provide editorial clarifications, historical annotations, and traditional explanations for various references and events in the narrative, including notes on local customs, natural phenomena, and the veracity of certain stories.
