# VII: By Our Luck! explained — Ralestone Luck

> Chapter companion for Ralestone Luck by Andre Norton.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Legacy and Identity

The discovery of heirlooms and the discussion of the missing Rick Ralestone highlight the family's history and Val's connection to his ancestor.

### Fortune and Adversity

The Ralestones find treasure that is partly worthless (Confederate money) and partly valuable (silver), reflecting their ongoing struggle with luck.

### Adventure and Mystery

The hidden cache, pirate loot, and the unresolved fate of the Luck create an atmosphere of mystery and adventure.

## Character check-ins

### Rupert Ralestone

Discovers the Bride's ring and Confederate money; decides to take the silver to town for safekeeping.

### Val Ralestone

Helps unpack the treasure; notes his resemblance to the portrait of Roderick Ralestone; drops cornbread butter-side down.

### Rick Ralestone

Dangles earrings; refuses the Bride's ring; speculates about the missing Rick's fate.

### Miss Charity

Identifies the silver vessel as church loot; comments on the dining room decor and Val's resemblance to the portrait.

### Satan

Not directly mentioned in this chapter.

## Key lines

> Do you know what this is? Rupert turned the circlet around in his fingers. No. Ricky was still dangling the earrings before her eyes. It is the wedding-ring of the Bride of the Luck.

Rupert shows the ring and explains it is the wedding ring of the Bride of the Luck.

_Reveals the significance of the ring in the family legend._

> This may be worth ten cents to some collector if we're lucky— Rupert! That's real money, began Ricky. But Val, too, had seen the print. Confederate money, child. As useless now as our pretty oil stock.

Rupert and Val realize the money is Confederate currency and essentially worthless.

_Highlights the theme of fortune and adversity._

> If I'm not mistaken, this was stolen from a church. Yes, I'm right; see this cross under the leaves? She pointed out the bit of engraving. Black Dick's work, agreed Ricky complacently.

Charity identifies the silver vessel as church loot, and Ricky attributes it to the pirate Black Dick.

_Connects the treasure to the family's pirate history._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ralestone_luck_se/chapters/vii-by-our-luck
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ralestone_luck_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ralestone_luck_se/chapters