Robbery Under Arms · Chapter
LII explained
Dick Marston plans an escape to San Francisco with Jim and Starlight, aiming to bring Aileen and mother along later.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
Dick's determination to bring Aileen and mother to safety, and Aileen's emotional support for the escape, highlight family bonds.
Class and Social Mobility
George Storefield's rise from a cottage to a stone mansion exemplifies upward mobility through hard work and shrewd investment.
Fate and Free Will
Dick reflects on his choices and the possibility of a fresh start, while Aileen prays for divine intervention in their escape.
Characters to notice
- Dick Marston
Narrator and planner of the escape; visits family and reflects on his past.
- Aileen Marston
Dick's sister; emotional about the escape plan and prays for their success.
- Mother Marston
Quietly present during Dick's visit; looks at him without much talk.
- George Storefield
Successful landowner; married a lady and built a grand stone house.
- Grace Storefield
Old Mrs. Storefield's daughter; still fond of Dick despite his wild ways.
- Mrs. Storefield
Old Mrs. Storefield; kind to Dick and remembers him as a child.
- Sir Ferdinand Morringer
Seen near the cottage with a trooper; forces Dick to hide.
- Captain Starlight
Part of the escape plan; discussed by Aileen with admiration.
Key passages
“I remember the day as well as yesterday, because I took notice of it at the time, and had better cause to remember it before all was over.”
Dick recalls the day vividly because it later proved significant.
Foreshadows upcoming events.
“A man must have very little sense if he don't see as he gets older that character and money are the two things he's got to be carefullest of in this world.”
Dick reflects that character and money are the most important assets to guard.
Moral reflection on success and integrity.