# A Good Turn for Jeremy explained — Lorna Doone

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

John Ridd's loyalty to his family and to Jeremy Stickles is contrasted with John Fry's betrayal for personal gain.

### Justice and Revenge

The ambush plot against Jeremy Stickles and John's intervention highlight the ongoing conflict between law and the Doones' lawlessness.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

Narrator; works in the copse, keeps watch on Doone Valley, and saves Jeremy Stickles from an ambush.

### Jeremy Stickles

King's messenger; allied with John Fry, but later reconciled with John Ridd after being saved from an ambush.

### John Fry

Laborer who betrays John Ridd's confidence by telling Jeremy Stickles about the Wizard's Slough incident for payment.

### Tom Faggus

Squire and highwayman; visits Plover's Barrows, discusses his plans with Annie, and boasts of his land purchase.

### Annie Ridd

John's sister; listens to Tom Faggus's plans and is romantically involved with him.

### Marwood de Whichehalse

Mentioned as one of the men in the ambush, though John keeps his name hidden from Jeremy.

## Key lines

> Now I did not suspect in my stupid noddle that John Fry would ever tell Jeremy Stickles about the sight at the Wizard's Slough and the man in the white nightcap; because John had sworn on the blade of his knife not to breathe a word to any soul, without my full permission.

John Ridd was naive to think John Fry would keep the secret about the Wizard's Slough, as John had sworn on his knife not to tell anyone without permission.

_John reflects on his misplaced trust in John Fry._

> I have known a great many bigger rogues, and most of themselves in the number.

John Ridd admits he has encountered many worse rogues, including some of John Fry's own descendants.

_John offers a wry commentary on John Fry's character._

> Spoken just in time, John Ridd!

Jeremy Stickles acknowledges that John's warning came at the critical moment to save his life.

_Jeremy's relief at being warned of the ambush._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-good-turn-for-jeremy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters