Lorna Doone · Chapter
Quo Warranto? explained
John Ridd accompanies his Uncle Reuben Huckaback to Ley Manor to seek a warrant against the Doones for robbery.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Uncle Reuben, though wealthy, is treated dismissively by the justices, highlighting the power of landed gentry over merchants.
Justice and Revenge
The failure to obtain a warrant against the Doones underscores the inadequacy of formal justice, leading to plans for direct action.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
John escorts Uncle Reuben to the justice and later agrees to guide him to the Doone Valley.
- Uncle Reuben Huckaback
Uncle Reuben seeks a warrant against the Doones but is rebuffed; he then plans to scout their dwelling.
- Annie Ridd
Annie is mentioned as being called 'Nanny' by Uncle Reuben, who prefers her company.
- John Fry
John Fry is considered as an escort but deemed insufficient; later John Ridd avoids his prying.
- Marwood de Whichehalse
John had been at school with young Marwood, which makes the Baron kind to him.
- Lorna Doone
John recalls Lorna Doone, the little maid from six years back, during the journey.
Key passages
“A warrant against the Doones, Master Huckaback. Which of the Doones, so please you; and the Christian names, what be they?”
The Baron asks Uncle Reuben to specify which Doone he wants to charge, pointing out the vagueness of the accusation.
The justices use legal technicalities to avoid issuing a warrant.
“Fog! ... Ah, that explains the whole affair. To be sure, now I remember, the weather has been too thick for a man to see the head of his own horse. The Doones (if still there be any Doones) could never have come abroad; that is as sure as simony.”
Colonel Harding and the Baron dismiss the robbery claim by attributing it to fog, suggesting Uncle Reuben imagined the incident.
The fog becomes a convenient excuse to avoid confronting the Doones.