Robbery Under Arms · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.
Chapter 1
Preface to New Edition
Rolf Boldrewood dedicates the novel to his old comrade R. Murray Smith, thanks the proprietors of the Sydney Mail for their support, and asserts the truthfulness of the narrative, based on official records and his lifelong residence in Australia.
Chapter 2
Robbery Under Arms
The opening of the novel introduces the Marston family and their life on Rocky Creek, setting the stage for the themes of bush life, crime, and family loyalty that will define the story.
Chapter 3
I
Dick Marston, awaiting execution, begins his memoir by describing his childhood on a remote Australian farm. He recalls his father's bush skills, the family's humble hut, and early memories of riding the pony Possum. He reflects on his parents' convict and emigrant past, and the slow drift from hard work into cattle duffing. The chapter establishes his regret and fatalistic acceptance of his impending death.
Chapter 4
II
Dick Marston reflects on his childhood education under the eccentric schoolmaster Mr. Howard, who taught him and his brother Jim alongside other local children. After Mr. Howard's death, Dick begins to understand his father's cattle duffing operations, recalling the first time he helped brand stolen calves. His mother protests against this criminal life, but his father overpowers her, forcing Dick and Jim to participate in the branding and butchering of stolen cattle.
Chapter 5
III
Dick Marston recounts his sister Aileen's desperate pleas for him and Jim to abandon their father's criminal path and take up honest work. He also recalls saving young Gracey Storefield from drowning, which earned him the lifelong gratitude of her family, and his internal conflict between the allure of an outlaw's freedom and the security of a steady life.
Chapter 6
IV
Dick and Jim Marston join their father in a large-scale cattle duffing operation, driving unbranded calves from Hunter's and Falkland's stations into the Broken Creek ranges. Despite Dick's moral qualms, the thrill of danger and family pressure lead him to participate. They brand the calves in a hidden gully, and Dick reflects on the legal consequences of cattle-stealing, which he later learned in Berrima Gaol.
Chapter 7
Terrible Hollow
Dick Marston, Jim, and their father drive a mob of newly branded cattle through treacherous scrub and rocky terrain to a hidden valley known as Terrible Hollow. Father reveals a secret track down a precipice, leading to a natural fortress of a paddock walled by sandstone cliffs. There they find a cave stocked with provisions, and father explains the operation of altering brands and earmarks to disguise stolen cattle, crediting the scheme to an educated gentleman named Starlight. Jim expresses moral unease, but Dick is increasingly curious about this mysterious mastermind.
Chapter 8
VI
Jim and Dick Marston spend nearly a week at the Hollow with their father, enjoying fishing and shooting, until Starlight arrives wounded. Starlight is tended to, and despite his rough life, he advises the young Marstons to abandon the outlaw path. The chapter explores the temptations of the bush, the influence of drought on crime, and the complex dynamics between the characters.
Chapter 9
VII
Dick Marston reflects on his sister Aileen's strength, beauty, and moral influence, describing a period of hard work and domestic peace at the family home after a return from the bush. The chapter contrasts the quiet, honest life with the lingering memory of the 'Terrible Hollow' and the criminal past, as George Storefield visits and the family discusses the threat of drought.
Chapter 10
VIII
Dick Marston reflects on the inevitability of his criminal fate, as old M'Intyre warns that the Marstons are born to be outlaws. The chapter describes the shearers' Saturday trip to town, Jim Marston's impressive appearance and horsemanship, and Mr. Falkland's character as a gentleman squatter who tries to uplift his workers. Dick and Jim engage in card games, accumulating debt, until a letter from home with money—likely from Starlight—allows them to win back their losses. Dick feels the pull of fate and the corrupting influence of easy money.
Chapter 11
IX
Jim Marston's hand is injured while shearing, and Miss Falkland tends to his wound with her handkerchief. Later, the men witness Miss Falkland's horse bolting across the plain toward a dangerous cliff called the Trooper's Downfall. Jim and the others ride to intercept the runaway mare before she plunges over the edge.
Chapter 12
The Rescue and Its Aftermath
Jim Marston heroically saves Miss Falkland from a runaway horse, preventing a fatal plunge over a cliff. He refuses any reward or position from Mr. Falkland, insisting any man would have done the same. Later, while working on a contract with Dick, Jim expresses anxiety about their past and the looming threat of Warrigal, who arrives with a message from Starlight.
Chapter 13
The Toss of a Coin
Jim and Dick Marston are living a relatively stable life working cattle when Warrigal arrives with a summons from Starlight and their father to join a new, large-scale cattle duffing operation. Despite Jim's reluctance and Dick's hesitation, they decide by a coin toss to go, a choice that foreshadows ruin and death.
Chapter 14
XII
After the sale of the stolen cattle in Adelaide, the gang divides the proceeds—four thousand pounds split eight ways, five hundred pounds each. Jim and Dick Marston experience the city for the first time, marveling at the sea and the German farms. Starlight, posing as a gentleman squatter, orchestrates a successful auction, even selling the stolen imported bull 'Duke of Brunswick' at a high price. The chapter ends with the brothers preparing to leave for Melbourne by steamer, while Starlight's risky double life continues.
Chapter 15
XIII
Dick and Jim Marston, hiding in Melbourne after the great cattle robbery, enjoy a brief respite but are forced to flee when news of warrants for their arrest appears in the papers. They leave behind their lovers, Kate Morrison and Jeanie Morrison, promising to return. The chapter explores Dick's reflections on Kate's dangerous ambition and Jim's simple affection for Jeanie, as the brothers head toward Sale and Omeo to find work and evade capture.
Chapter 16
Homecoming and Family Tension
Jim and Dick Marston return home to Rocky Creek for Christmas, reuniting with their mother and sister Aileen. The family discusses the risk of police attention, the fate of Starlight in New Zealand, and the contrasting success of George Storefield. Aileen expresses concern about their criminal lifestyle, while Jim deflects with humor. The chapter highlights the tension between the Marstons' outlaw existence and the desire for a peaceful home life.
Chapter 17
XV
Jim and Dick visit George Storefield's prosperous farm, where they reunite with Gracey Storefield. The chapter explores romantic tensions, George's unrequited love for Aileen, Dick's conflicted feelings for Gracey, and Jim's despair over their criminal lives. The group plans a Christmas Eve gathering.
Chapter 18
XVI
Dick Marston is arrested and taken away by troopers, witnessing his mother's collapse and Aileen's grief. Later, he and Jim learn from their father that Starlight and Warrigal have been arrested in New Zealand by Detective Stillbrook. Despite the danger, they decide to stay for Christmas with their mother and Aileen before planning to flee to the Hollow.
Chapter 19
XVII
Dick Marston is formally charged with cattle theft and imprisoned in Bargo. He reflects on the misery and disgrace brought upon his family, while Starlight remains defiant and cheerful. The chapter includes testimony from witnesses and Mr. Falkland, who speaks well of Dick and Jim. Dick suspects Warrigal may have informed on them.
Chapter 20
The Trial and Sentencing
Dick Marston and Starlight are sentenced to five and seven years respectively in Berrima Gaol for cattle theft. The chapter details the trial proceedings, including Detective Stillbrook's testimony about tracking Starlight to New Zealand, the defense's speech criticizing squatters, and the judge's stern address. Dick reflects on the agony of waiting for the verdict and the varied reactions of condemned men.
Chapter 21
XIX
Dick Marston describes the arduous journey to Berrima Gaol, the grim reality of imprisonment, and the daring escape orchestrated with Starlight and Jim Marston. The chapter captures the despair of prison life, the tension of the escape plan, and the exhilaration of freedom.
Chapter 22
XX
After escaping from Berrima Gaol, Dick Marston, Jim Marston, and Captain Starlight ride through the night to evade capture. They stop at a roadside hut to retrieve a horse, then gallop across rough terrain, navigating by the stars. Starlight promises his horse Rainbow to Maddie Barnes and a watch and chain to Bella Barnes. The group plans to hide at the Hollow, with Jim's father providing fresh horses and intelligence on police movements.
Chapter 23
Homecoming and Resolve
After escaping Berrima Gaol, Dick, Jim, and Starlight return home to the Marston family. Starlight declares his intent to pursue a short, famous, and reckless life as a bushranger, urging the brothers to leave him. Aileen confronts Starlight about his choices but shows concern when he collapses from weakness. Billy the Boy arrives with news that police are coming at dawn. The family shares a tense meal, and Dick reveals to Aileen that they plan to 'turn out' as bushrangers, leading to a painful farewell.
Chapter 24
XXII
Dick Marston receives a bitter letter from Kate Mullockson (formerly Morrison), who mocks his downfall and announces her marriage to a wealthy man. Jim Marston shares his longing to reunite with Jeanie but feels trapped by his outlaw life. The brothers explore the Hollow, a hidden valley that serves as their refuge, and reflect on their past and uncertain future.
Chapter 25
XXIII
Dick Marston reflects on the transformative impact of the 1850s gold rush on New South Wales, describing the influx of fortune-seekers, the chaos in Sydney, and the opportunities for outlaws like himself and Starlight. They decide to lay low in the Hollow, engaging in hunting and fishing. Starlight reveals the story of a hermit who lived and died in a nearby hut. A tense family debate ensues about whether to surrender or continue their outlaw life, with Dad Marston fiercely opposing surrender and Jim torn between family loyalty and concern for his mother and sister.
Chapter 26
XXIV
After the mail robbery, the gang lies low at the Hollow while the police face public criticism and a massive reward is offered. Dick reflects on the gold rush and the missed opportunity for an honest life. The chapter describes the gang's careful planning and execution of their first coach robbery on the Goulburn mail at Bargo Brush, including their use of the haunted 'Murdering Hut' as a staging point.
Chapter 27
XXV
Jim returns from a successful hunting trip, and the group discovers a buried wooden box containing the scientific treasures of the Honourable Dominick Wharton. Starlight reads Wharton's tragic account of his wife Estelle's death from snakebite and his subsequent vow to complete their scientific work. The group votes to honor Wharton's dying wishes and send the collection to his family and a scientific institution in England. The chapter also reflects on Jim's simple contentment and Mother Marston's quiet suffering upon discovering her husband's criminal activities.
Chapter 28
XXVI
Dick Marston visits his sister Aileen at Rocky Flat, where they share a heartfelt reunion. Aileen updates him on George Storefield's success and her own hard work, while Dick discusses his life at the Hollow with Starlight and the gang. They talk about Gracey Storefield's kindness, the discovery of Mr. Wharton's remains, and Starlight's plan to send the gold to England. The chapter ends with a tense argument between Dick and Jim about violence, after which Dick faints from pain.
Chapter 29
The Ballabri Bank Robbery
Dick Marston recounts the daring daylight robbery of the Ballabri bank, where he, Jim, and Starlight, with help from their father, made off with thousands of pounds in gold and cash. The chapter details their careful planning, the execution of the heist, and the aftermath, including the widespread public outcry and the gang's safe return to the Hollow. It also explores the gang's ongoing discussions about escaping to a foreign port via a stolen ship, contrasting with their father's desire to remain hidden in the bush.
Chapter 30
XXVIII
Jim and Dick work a gold claim on the Turon diggings, living openly and enjoying the bustling town life. They encounter Kate Mullockson, who recognizes them but offers reconciliation. Meanwhile, back at the Hollow, Ben Marston grows restless and recruits Dan Moran and Pat Burke for highway robbery, against Starlight's warnings. The chapter also depicts a social evening at Jonathan Barnes's inn, where the outlaws mingle with travelers, including two English gentlemen, and flirt with Maddie and Bella.
Chapter 31
XXIX
Jim and Dick Marston encounter Kate Morrison at the Turon goldfields, putting their safety at risk. Despite the danger, they continue working and saving money, planning to escape to America with Starlight. Jim looks forward to Jeanie's arrival for their marriage, while Dick dreams of a new life with Gracey. The chapter depicts the bustling, multicultural goldfields society and the precarious balance between their criminal past and present prosperity.
Chapter 32
Jim's Marriage and the New Inspector
Jim Marston marries Jeanie Morrison, who has come to the Turon diggings despite his warnings about the dangers of his life. Jeanie insists on a quiet cottage life away from the goldfield's chaos. Meanwhile, George Storefield is seen prospering as a respectable businessman, and the arrival of the new police inspector, Sir Ferdinand Morringer, a baronet and former Guards officer, stirs talk on the field. Maddie Barnes watches the wedding with hidden sorrow, revealing her unrequited love for Jim.
Chapter 33
XXXI
Jim and his wife settle into their cottage in Specimen Gully as life on the Turon goldfields continues with its daily dramas. Dick reflects on the immense wealth being dug up, the mixed character of the miners, and the growing lawlessness. He receives a letter from Gracey Storefield via Aileen, renewing his resolve to go straight. He and Arizona Bill frequent the Prospectors' Arms, where Kate Mullockson becomes increasingly confiding and manipulative after learning of their plan to leave for Melbourne. Dick and Jim spot Warrigal and Moran observing the gold escort, suspecting they are planning a robbery.
Chapter 34
The Betrayal of Kate Morrison
Dick Marston's attempt to pacify Kate Morrison backfires when she discovers a letter from Gracey Storefield, revealing his deception. Enraged, Kate threatens revenge, forcing Dick and Jim to plan a hasty escape from the Turon diggings. Jim struggles with leaving his wife Jeanie, while Dick seeks advice from Arizona Bill and prepares to flee to the Hollow.
Chapter 35
XXXIII
Dick Marston orchestrates a daring rescue of his brother Jim from police custody with the help of Billy the Boy. After learning of Jim's capture, Dick secures a horse and provisions, meets with Billy, and ambushes the police escort at Bargo Brush. They free Jim, wound a trooper, and escape toward the Hollow. Jim laments his separation from his wife Jeanie, while Dick reflects on the bush telegraph network and the loyalty of friends like Maddie and Bella Barnes.
Chapter 36
XXXIV
Starlight and Dick Marston reunite at the Hollow after narrowly escaping capture on the Turon goldfields. Starlight recounts how Warrigal warned him of the police raid, orchestrated by a jealous Kate Mullockson who betrayed their location to Sir Ferdinand Morringer. Dick reads a newspaper article detailing the gang's exposure and Jim Marston's arrest and subsequent escape. Starlight reflects on his parting from his gentlemanly tent-mates Clifford and Hastings, who were shocked to learn his true identity.
Chapter 37
XXXV
The gang, restless and idle in the Hollow, plans a gold escort robbery at Eugowra Rocks. Starlight is elected captain over Moran, and the men finalize the details of the heist. Jim Marston is deeply melancholic, missing his wife Jeanie, while Starlight reflects on his past and his fate.
Chapter 38
XXXVI
The chapter details the meticulous preparations for the Eugowra Rocks gold escort robbery, including horse training, equipment checks, and the final gathering of the gang. The robbery itself is executed successfully, with the gang overpowering the troopers, seizing fourteen boxes of gold, and dividing the loot before scattering to their hideouts.
Chapter 39
XXXVII
The gang remains trapped in the Hollow with £20,000 in gold and money, unable to escape due to the intense police search. Dad Marston ventures out to retrieve newspapers and letters, and takes Dick to a remote shepherd's hut belonging to Mr. Falkland's station. There they encounter a religious old man who warns them of woe and death. The chapter explores the gang's frustration and Starlight's conviction that escape is impossible for at least a year or two. They ultimately decide to bury the gold in the same spot where old Mr. Devereux's treasure was found.
Chapter 40
XXXVIII
Dick Marston reflects on the bushrangers' tactics of confusing the public by appearing in multiple places at once, the varying responses of settlers and gentlemen to the outlaws, and the escalating violence of Dan Moran. The chapter also touches on the legal declaration of outlawry and the precarious life of the gang.
Chapter 41
XXXIX
Jim, Dick, and Starlight ride to Darjallook to protect Mrs. Whitman and her daughters from Dan Moran's gang, who intend to terrorize the household. They arrive to find Moran already there, but Jim subdues him. Miss Falkland, a guest, expresses deep gratitude to the outlaws, especially Jim, and promises to help his wife Jeanie in Melbourne. Later, at Jonathan Barnes's house, the group celebrates, and Maddie Barnes kisses Jim in admiration.
Chapter 42
Chapter XL
Tensions escalate between the Marston gang and Moran's mob, leading to a split. The gang returns to the Hollow, only to learn that Ben Marston has been ambushed by amateur bounty hunters posing as surveyors. A violent confrontation ensues, leaving Ben wounded and the family in turmoil.
Chapter 43
XLI
After the massacre at Black Gully, the gang returns to the Hollow to find Dad Marston severely wounded. Aileen arrives and is confronted with the brutal reality of her family's life. Starlight tends to the old man's wounds while the gang grapples with the moral weight of the killings.
Chapter 44
XLII
Dick Marston narrates the tense yet tender atmosphere at the Hollow as father recovers from his wound under Aileen's devoted care. Starlight's mysterious presence deepens Aileen's fascination, while Dick reflects on George Storefield's rising fortune and the widening gap between their families. The chapter explores the fragile hope of escape to America, the weight of past mistakes, and the unspoken bond between Aileen and Starlight.
Chapter 45
XLIII
Aileen leaves the Hollow, sharing a heartfelt farewell with her family and confessing her love for Starlight. Dick reveals the fate of the men who attacked their father. Meanwhile, a plan is hatched for Jim to escape disguised as a coachman, facilitated by Maddie Barnes, allowing him to reunite with Jeanie.
Chapter 46
Chapter XLIV
Dick Marston reflects on the injustices that turn men into criminals, recalling how Moran became a 'wild beast' after being wrongly convicted. Starlight defuses a family argument over Jim's escape, and Dick ruminates on the hardships of illiteracy. The chapter also describes the widespread bushranging activity across New South Wales, including Moran's humiliation of a squatter named Matson and a failed ambush of a well-armed station owner, Mr. M'Crae.
Chapter 47
XLVI
Dick Marston and Starlight prepare for the Turon races, with Starlight adopting a new disguise as a wealthy English gentleman. Dick disguises himself as a Melbourne speculator. Starlight befriends the Dawson brothers and wins at the races. The chapter culminates in the race ball, where Dick hopes to see Aileen and Gracey.
Chapter 48
XLVII
At a grand ball and wedding in the diggings town, Starlight, disguised as Lieutenant Lascelles, mingles with high society. He dances with Maddie Barnes, secretly meets Aileen Marston, and later attends Bella Barnes's wedding, where he kisses the bride and gifts her a diamond ring before slipping away into the crowd.
Chapter 49
XLVIII
After Rainbow's victory at the Turon races, the Marston family celebrates at the Hollow. Starlight reads aloud the sensational newspaper accounts of his exploits at the races, including his appearance at the ball, his gift of a diamond ring at the wedding, and his betting with the editor. The chapter highlights the public's fascination with Starlight and the media's conflicted tone of admiration and condemnation.
Chapter 50
XLIX
The gang reads a newspaper article mocking their exploits and Sir Ferdinand's failed pursuit. Ben Marston erupts in a bitter tirade about his brutal past as a convict, blaming the system for his life of crime. The gang then plans and executes a raid on Mr. Knightley's house for gold, but faces fierce resistance. After a long siege, Knightley surrenders due to lack of ammunition, and Starlight treats Mrs. Knightley with unexpected courtesy.
Chapter 51
Chapter L
Mr. Knightley faces the outlaws after a deadly confrontation. Starlight and Jim Marston argue for accepting a ransom instead of killing Knightley, while Dan Moran demands blood for Patsey Daly's death. A tense standoff ensues, but Wall and Hulbert side with Starlight, forcing Moran to back down. Mrs. Knightley and Dr. Schiller are allowed to ride to Bathurst for the money, and Knightley's life is spared.
Chapter 52
LI
After a hearty lunch, the group rides to the Black Stump for a rendezvous. Starlight's horse goes lame, but Mr. Knightley lends him a fine black horse. They later encounter a cattle drive and attempt to rob the owner, only to discover it is George Storefield. George laughs off the incident and offers Starlight and Dick a chance to start anew at Willaroon, but Starlight laments that their past prevents them from an honest life in the colony.
Chapter 53
LII
Dick Marston plans an escape to San Francisco with Jim and Starlight, aiming to bring Aileen and mother along later. He visits the old cottage to persuade them, but encounters Sir Ferdinand Morringer and a trooper, forcing him to hide in the barn. Later, he speaks with Aileen about the escape plan, and they ride to George Storefield's new stone house, reflecting on George's success and the past.
Chapter 54
LIII
Dick Marston returns to the Hollow and finalizes escape plans with Starlight and his father. They divide gold and cash, with Ben Marston refusing to leave. Starlight insists on paying his debts. Dick outlines the escape route to Queensland and beyond, while Aileen expresses foreboding. Starlight bids farewell, promising to meet at Cunnamulla.
Chapter 55
LIV
Dick Marston and Jim Marston are exposed as bushrangers by Kate Mullockson at a roadside inn, forcing them to flee. Dick reflects on their plan to escape to Queensland, the family's farewell to Captain Starlight, and his final parting from his father, Ben Marston, at the Hollow.
Chapter 56
The Condemned Cell
Dick Marston, sentenced to death for bushranging and murder, reflects on his trial, his impending execution, and the fates of his companions Jim and Starlight. He recalls the final confrontation, Warrigal's escape, and the grief of his mother and sister Aileen.
Chapter 57
LVI
Dick Marston receives a visit from his sister Aileen in his condemned cell. She mourns their mother's death and Jim's death, and speaks of Jeanie's grief and the disappearance of their father. Aileen urges Dick to pray and seek redemption. After her visit, the gaoler informs Dick that his sentence has been commuted to twelve years' imprisonment. Dick resolves to serve his time, takes up carpentry, and hears news of the fates of other bushrangers: Dan Moran is shot and killed, Billy the Boy narrowly escapes death after a failed robbery, and the narrative reflects on the nature of bushrangers and those who aid them.
Chapter 58
LVII
Dick Marston learns of his impending pardon after twelve years of imprisonment, thanks to the Governor's steadfastness despite public outcry. He reflects on the deaths of his father Ben Marston and Warrigal, discovered in the hidden Hollow, and finds solace in Gracey Storefield's faithful visits.
Chapter 59
Endnotes
The author's preface to the abridged one-volume edition published in 1889, with brief editorial notes defining terms such as 'Gibbers' (boulders) and 'Gin' (a black woman).
