# Master Huckaback Comes In explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

John Ridd rescues his great-uncle Reuben, and the family cares for him despite his grumbling, highlighting familial duty.

### Justice and Revenge

Uncle Reuben is outraged at being robbed by the Doones and insists on seeking redress, reflecting the theme of justice.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

Narrator and rescuer; carries Uncle Reuben home on his back after finding him tied to a wild horse.

### Uncle Reuben Huckaback

Wealthy shopkeeper from Dulverton, robbed and tormented by the Doones; brought to Plover's Barrows and cared for.

### Annie Ridd

Helps mother care for Uncle Reuben after his rescue.

### Mistress Ridd

John's mother; presses Uncle Reuben to visit and tends to him after his ordeal.

### Ruth Huckaback

Uncle Reuben's granddaughter; mentioned as a potential bride for John.

## Key lines

> I cut the thongs that bound him, and set him astride on the little horse; but he was too weak to stay so. Therefore I mounted him on my back, turning the horse into horse-steps, and leading the pony by the cords which I fastened around his nose, set out for Plover's Barrows.

John frees Uncle Reuben and, finding him too weak to ride, carries him home on his back while leading the horses.

_Demonstrates John's strength and compassion in rescuing his relative._

> He shall marry Ruth, he said by-and-by to himself, and not to me; he shall marry Ruth for this, and have my little savings, soon as they be worth the having.

Uncle Reuben mutters to himself that John should marry his granddaughter Ruth and inherit his savings.

_Foreshadows a potential romantic and financial arrangement between John and Ruth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xiii-master-huckaback-comes-in
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters