# LVII explained — Robbery Under Arms

> Chapter companion for Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

Dick's twelve-year imprisonment, the pardon controversy, and the public debate over leniency for bushrangers highlight the theme of justice and retribution.

### Family and Loyalty

Gracey's steadfast visits, Aileen's prayers, and George's support contrast with the betrayal and deaths of Ben Marston and Warrigal.

### Fate and Free Will

Dick's struggle with despair and hope, the Governor's firm decision, and the discovery of the bodies in the Hollow underscore the interplay of chance and choice.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Marston

Narrates his release from prison after twelve years, reflecting on the Governor's decision and his own emotional turmoil.

### Jim Marston

Mentioned as having worked with Dick at the Turon diggings and as being gone.

### Captain Starlight

Mentioned as having worked at the diggings and as being gone; his death is referenced indirectly.

### Grace Storefield

Dick's hope and anchor; she visits him twice a year and promises to meet him when he is free.

### George Storefield

Mentioned as supportive of Dick's reformation and as Grace's husband.

### Aileen Marston

Mentioned as praying for Dick and being dead to the world.

### Ben Marston

His body is discovered in the Hollow, apparently having killed Warrigal and then shot himself.

### Warrigal

Found dead in the Hollow with a fractured skull, possibly killed by Ben Marston for treachery.

### Crib

The dog found dead at Ben Marston's feet, having pined away.

## Key lines

> The words went into my ears and out again. I hardly heard them, only the last word, free⁠—free⁠—free! What a blessed word it is!

Dick is so overwhelmed by the news of his pardon that he only registers the word 'free,' which feels like a blessing.

_Captures Dick's emotional release after twelve years in prison._

> That one thing's the thought of Gracey Storefield. She couldn't come to me, she wrote, just yet, but she'd come within the month, and I wasn't to fret about her, because whether it was ten years or twenty years if she was alive she'd meet me the day after I was free, let who will see her.

Dick's only reason to endure prison is Gracey's promise to visit and be with him as soon as he is released, no matter how long it takes.

_Highlights Gracey's loyalty as Dick's emotional anchor._

> Faithful unto the end, with the deep, uncalculating love which shames so often that of man, the dumb follower had apparently refused to procure food for himself, and pined to death at the feet of his dead master.

The dog Crib died of grief at his master's side, showing a loyalty that puts human behavior to shame.

_Reflects on the theme of loyalty through the dog's devotion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/lvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robbery_under_arms_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters