# XLVI explained — Robbery Under Arms

> Chapter companion for Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Bush and Outlaw Life

Dick and Starlight navigate the Turon races under disguise, blending into society while planning illicit activities.

### Colonial Australia and the Gold Rush

Vivid depiction of Turon's gold rush society: diggers, speculators, races, and the Mechanics' Institute ball.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Marston

Narrator and protagonist; disguises himself as Mr. Bromford, a Melbourne speculator, to avoid detection at Turon.

### Captain Starlight

Disguises himself as a wealthy English gentleman named Lascelles; befriends the Dawson brothers and wins at the races.

### Warrigal

Leads Rainbow to Jonathan Barnes's to meet Jacob Benton; assists in preparations.

### Aileen Marston

Dick hopes to see her at the race ball; her presence is uncertain.

### Grace Storefield

Dick hopes she might attend the ball; he tries not to expect her to avoid disappointment.

### George Storefield

Mentioned as possibly bringing Aileen to the ball.

## Key lines

> He was like a boy home from school sometimes⁠—mad for any kind of fun with a spice of devilment in it.

Starlight's playful, reckless nature emerges, eager for risky adventures.

_Highlights Starlight's youthful impulsiveness despite his criminal life._

> I hardly knew him at first. His own mother wouldn't, I believe. He'd altered himself that wonderful as I could hardly even now think it was Starlight;

Starlight's disguise is so effective that even Dick barely recognizes him.

_Emphasizes Starlight's skill at transformation and deception._

> The whitest man I ever knew, or ever shall⁠—that I say and stick to⁠—but of course people can't be expected to associate with men that have 'done time.'

Dick insists Starlight is the best man he knows, but acknowledges society shuns ex-convicts.

_Reveals Dick's deep loyalty to Starlight and the stigma of a criminal record._

## Links

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