Robbery Under Arms · Chapter
XXIV explained
After the mail robbery, the gang lies low at the Hollow while the police face public criticism and a massive reward is offered.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
The gang plans and executes a coach robbery, while the police face public criticism and offer rewards for their capture.
Class and Social Mobility
Dick and Jim regret missing the chance to make honest money on the goldfields, contrasting their outlaw life with the opportunities available to others.
Colonial Australia and the Gold Rush
Detailed depiction of the Turon diggings, the licence system, and the diverse population of miners.
Characters to notice
- Captain Starlight
Leads the gang, reads the newspaper report, plans the next move, and expresses regret about their outlaw life.
- Jim Marston
Dick's brother; shares regret about missing the gold rush opportunities.
- Dick Marston
Narrator; reflects on the gold rush and participates in the coach robbery.
- Aileen Marston
Sends word from home about police visits and family matters.
- Warrigal
Helps with the horses and acts as a messenger for the gang.
- Dad Marston
Assists by taking horses to the staging point ahead of the robbery.
- Billy the Boy
Gave the tip that allowed the gang to escape before the police raid.
- Sergeant Goring
Leads a police party with a black tracker to search for the gang after the mail robbery.
Key passages
“So they think they have found us out,” says Starlight, throwing down the paper. “It wasn’t much use being masked after all. They can’t be sure, though, and that’s the great point.”
Starlight dismisses the newspaper report, noting that while the police suspect them, they lack proof.
Starlight's calm reaction to the police pursuit.
“Many and many’s the time Jim and I repented in our hearts that we had not been ready to take advantage of it, like other men that we knew that were making their hundreds and hundreds of pounds at the Turon—all honest and on the square.”
Dick and Jim often regretted not being able to join the gold rush and earn money honestly like others.
Dick's reflection on missed opportunities.
“The first night put the stuns on us. Long rows of tents, with big roaring log fires in front hot enough to roast you if you went too near; mobs of men talking, singing, chaffing, dealing—all as jolly as a lot of schoolboys.”
The lively, chaotic scene at the Turon diggings amazed Dick and Jim.
Description of the goldfields atmosphere.