Ralestone Luck · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Ralestone Luck by Andre Norton.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to D. B. N., acknowledging their diligent reading of proofs over many miles.
Chapter 2
Epigraph
The epigraph presents a poetic call-and-response about holding Lorne, referencing the oak leaf, sea wave, and broadsword, ultimately affirming that the Luck is what now holds Lorne.
Chapter 3
Ralestone Luck
The Ralestone family, having lost their fortune, arrives at their ancestral home, Pirate's Haven, in Louisiana. They are greeted by the eccentric caretaker, Jeems, and his family. The chapter introduces the main characters—Val, Rupert, and Ricky—and establishes the theme of family legacy and the mysterious 'Ralestone Luck' that seems to follow them.
Chapter 4
The Ralestones Come Home
Val, Ricky, and Rupert Ralestone arrive at their ancestral Louisiana home, Pirate's Haven, after financial ruin. They explore the house, reflect on their family's legacy, and discuss the lost Luck of Lorne, a family talisman they hope to recover. Val, recovering from a plane crash, struggles with his injured leg as they settle in.
Chapter 5
The Luck of the Lords of Lorne
The Ralestones settle into Pirate's Haven, naming a stray cat Satan, and Rupert recounts the family history: the legendary Luck of Lorne, a sword forged from tomb blades under an Arab astrologer's direction, which brought fortune until Miles Ralestone lost it gambling. The tale continues through pirate ancestors, the duel between twins Rick and Richard, and the Luck's disappearance with Rick. The chapter ends with the family discussing chores and feeling the chill of the old hall.
Chapter 6
III: The Ralestones Entertain an Unobtrusive Visitor
Val wakes from a nightmare to find Satan the cat on his chest. He explores Pirate's Haven, encountering a hostile boy in the garden who claims equal right to the land. Sam, the Ralestones' farmer, arrives and identifies the boy as Jeems, a local troublemaker. Later, at breakfast, the family discusses Sam and his wife Lucy, and finds a mysterious oil-stained handkerchief on the hearthstone, hinting at an unseen visitor.
Chapter 7
Pistols for Two—Coffee for One
Val and Ricky meet with lawyer René LeFleur in his New Orleans office to deliver family papers. LeFleur reveals that a man claiming to be a descendant of the missing Roderick Ralestone has appeared, demanding a share of Pirate's Haven. With no clear birth record to prove which twin brother was the elder, the estate is at risk. Ricky suddenly remembers that the names of the heirs are engraved on the Luck of Lorne, but Val points out that Roderick took the Luck with him. Ricky's odd behavior hints that she noticed an eavesdropper on the balcony. After leaving, she confirms that someone was listening and now knows about the Luck. The siblings resolve to fight for their home, joking about dueling and voodoo as old remedies.
Chapter 8
Their Tenant Discovers the Ralestones
Val and Ricky explore the overgrown grounds of Pirate's Haven, discovering the old slave quarters and bake oven. They meet their tenant, Charity Biglow, a Boston artist renting the overseer's house. She tells them about Jeems, a swamp boy who poses for her paintings, and mentions strange lights and a ghostly figure in the garden. The Ralestones discuss their financial troubles and the rival claimant to the estate. Charity suggests searching for hidden family papers, and they plan to meet later for coffee.
Chapter 9
VI: Satan Goes A-Hunting and Finds Work for Idle Hands
Ricky and Val discover a hidden room behind a sliding panel in the Jackson room, led by the cat Satan. They find old furniture, a Bible box, and a portfolio of Audubon sketches, sparking excitement and tension with Rupert over the family's uncertain future at Pirate's Haven.
Chapter 10
VII: By Our Luck!
The Ralestones uncover a hidden cache of family heirlooms, including the Bride of the Luck's wedding ring, Confederate money, and silverware possibly looted by the pirate Black Dick. They discuss the legend of the Luck and the fate of the missing Rick Ralestone, while Val's resemblance to a portrait of the young Roderick Ralestone is noted.
Chapter 11
VIII: Great-Uncle Rick Walks the Hall
Val, bored with Louisiana, rides Sam's horse along the swamp and encounters a strange prospecting engine. Later, the rival Ralestone visits with his lawyer, threatening legal action, but Rupert stands firm. Ricky refuses to leave despite Rupert's urging, and Lucy arrives to help. Val meets Jeems by the bayou, and Ricky joins them briefly before Jeems departs. That evening, Ricky insists on going into the garden, and they hear Satan meowing inside the kitchen.
Chapter 12
IX: Portrait of a Lady and a Gentleman
Val is troubled by the apparition he saw in the Long Hall and suspects it may be connected to the rival's threat. At breakfast, Lucy exerts her authority over the household. Charity arrives to paint a portrait using Val and Ricky as models for an illustration, dressing them in period costumes. During the painting session, Judson Holmes and Mr. Creighton arrive; Creighton is a publisher's scout interested in Charity's work. Holmes mentions Creighton is tracking a mysterious new writer, and the chapter ends with hints of lingering mysteries about Jeems and the swamp.
Chapter 13
Into the Swamp
Val and Ricky Ralestone continue their stay in New Orleans with Holmes and Creighton lingering nearby. Charity struggles with her painting and expresses a desire to use Jeems as a model, but Jeems avoids Creighton. Ricky receives a mysterious gift from Jeems, including a bracelet and a purse, and reveals that Jeems shared knowledge about the swamp and voodoo. Despite Charity's warnings about the dangers of the swamp, Ricky is determined to find Jeems. Val follows her trail and discovers her at Jeems' cabin.
Chapter 14
XI: Ralestones to the Rescue!
Val follows Ricky into the swamp to a hidden cabin, where they overhear two men—Red and the Boss—plotting to extract information from Jeems about a secret way into Pirate's Haven. The Ralestones decide to stay hidden and come to Jeems' aid if needed.
Chapter 15
The Ralestones Bring Home a Reluctant Guest
Val and Ricky rescue Jeems after he is knocked unconscious by assailants. They bring him back to Pirate's Haven, where Jeems confesses to being the faceless ghost but refuses to stay. Rupert takes charge, calls Dr. LeFrode, and tends to Val's injuries. Jeems is persuaded to remain in bed for recovery.
Chapter 16
On Such a Night as This—
Val and Ricky navigate a tense evening at Pirate's Haven as Rupert reports strangers camping on their land. Val is drawn into Jeems' urgent plea to retrieve a chest from his cabin before rising floodwaters destroy it. Meanwhile, Mr. Creighton reveals he is searching for the author of a historically accurate manuscript about a duel between twin brothers, a story that strikes too close to home for the Ralestones. Ricky's secretive behavior and a wink at Charity deepen Val's suspicion.
Chapter 17
XIV: Pirate Ways Are Hidden Ways
During a violent storm and rising flood, Val retrieves a chest from Jeems' cabin, narrowly escaping the rising waters. He rescues a raccoon during his return. Ricky meets him at the landing, revealing that four men from a mysterious cruiser have landed and are planning to break into the house through a hidden passage. They overhear the Boss and his men discussing their plan, but Ricky's stumble alerts the intruders, forcing them to flee.
Chapter 18
XV: Pieces of Eight—Ralestones’ Fate!
Val and Ricky are trapped underground after a cave-in. Val is pinned and injured, but Ricky stays with him. They discover a bundle containing pieces of eight, recalling the old saying 'Pieces of eight—Ralestones’ fate.' They hear digging and signal their rescuers, who break through just as another slide threatens.
Chapter 19
XVI: Ralestones Stand Together
Val, recovering from injuries, is visited by family and friends. A black notebook of Val's drawings is discovered, leading to revelations about Rupert's secret writing. The group plans a trip to town, leaving Val with Jeems. Val manages to move from his cot to the terrace, enjoying the garden and the company of Jeems and the cat Satan.
Chapter 20
XVII: The Return of Rick Ralestone
The chapter reveals the true identity of Jeems as Roderick St. Jean Ralestone, the only living descendant of the pirate Roderick Ralestone, through documents and a family seal. The rival claimant and his gang are defeated when LeFleur presents legal proof of Jeems' lineage and Rupert Ralestone's guardianship. The Boss admits defeat and leaves. Creighton explains the full family history, and Jeems shows Val the crest and miniature that confirm their kinship. The chapter ends with Val inviting Creighton to meet Rupert, who is revealed as the missing author.
Chapter 21
Rupert Brings Home His Marchioness
The Ralestones prepare for their first party at Pirate's Haven. Ricky, Val, and Rod discuss party details and future plans. Holmes visits to return Val's notebook and offer an opportunity in animation. Rupert returns with Charity, and Ricky announces that Rupert has brought home his Marchioness, revealing their engagement.
