# The Guardian of the Accolade explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Uncle Bushrod, an elderly Black servant devoted to the Weymouth family, discovers the bank president Mr. Robert Weymouth secretly removing a satchel from the bank vault late at night. Believing Mr. Robert is about to abscond with the bank's funds, Uncle Bushrod follows him to the train station and confronts him, invoking the memory of his late wife Miss Lucy, who had knighted Mr. Robert 'pure and fearless and without reproach.' Through a heartfelt plea, Uncle Bushrod persuades Mr. Robert to return the satchel, upholding the family honor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Mr. Robert's secretive midnight actions appear to be robbery, but the truth is left ambiguous; Uncle Bushrod's falsehood about visiting Aunt M'ria Patterson highlights the theme of appearances.

### Honor and Reputation

Uncle Bushrod's primary concern is the Weymouth name and honor, invoking Miss Lucy's knightly charge to prevent disgrace.

## Character check-ins

### Uncle Bushrod

The loyal retainer who risks his life to confront Mr. Robert and preserve the Weymouth honor.

### Robert Walmsley

The bank president, secretly removing a satchel from the vault at night, suspected of absconding.

## Key lines

> I mek you a knight, Suh Robert—rise up, pure and fearless and widout reproach.

I dub you a knight, Sir Robert—rise, pure and fearless and without reproach.

_Uncle Bushrod recalls Miss Lucy's words from the tournament, invoking the family's chivalric ideal._

> Marse Robert, you can kill dis ole nigger ef you will, but don't take away dis 'er' valise.

Mr. Robert, you can kill this old Negro if you want, but don't take away this valise.

_Uncle Bushrod's desperate plea to stop Mr. Robert, risking his life for the family honor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-guardian-of-the-accolade
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters