# XVI explained — Robbery Under Arms

> Chapter companion for Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

Dick's arrest and the family's dread of legal consequences dominate the chapter, illustrating the harsh realities of outlaw life.

### Family and Loyalty

Despite the danger, Jim and Dick choose to honor their promise to spend Christmas with their mother and Aileen, showing deep family bonds.

### Fate and Free Will

Dick reflects on the inevitability of his downfall, while the family debates whether to flee or stay, weighing fate against their choices.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Marston

Arrested and led away by troopers; reflects on his downfall and the pain it causes his family.

### Jim Marston

Also under threat of arrest; insists on keeping his promise to stay for Christmas despite the risk.

### Aileen Marston

Grieves silently as her brothers are taken; tends to her mother after she collapses.

### Mother Marston

Collapses in distress upon seeing Dick led away; later learns of Starlight's arrest.

### Dad Marston

Brings news of Starlight's arrest; advises his sons to flee to the Hollow immediately.

### George Storefield

Arrives at the Marston home just as Dick is taken; rushes to help Aileen and Mother Marston.

## Key lines

> If the troopers had shot the pair of us there and then, same as bushmen told us the black police did their prisoners when they gave ’em any trouble, it would have been better for everybody.

Dick wishes the troopers had executed him and Jim on the spot, believing it would have spared everyone further suffering.

_Reflects Dick's despair and the brutal reputation of colonial police._

> It's not a hanging matter, and as it's the first time you've been fitted, Dick, the judge, as like as not, will let you off with a light sentence.

Sergeant Goring reassures Dick that his crime isn't capital and that a first offense might result in a lenient sentence.

_Highlights the legal system's treatment of first-time offenders._

> Starlight's as close as a spring-lock; but that chap Warrigal don't cotton to either of you, and he's likely to give you away if he's pinched himself.

Dad Marston warns that while Starlight is trustworthy, Warrigal might betray them if arrested.

_Shows the fragility of trust among the outlaw gang._

## Links

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