The Lady of the Barge · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Lady of the Barge by W. W. Jacobs.
Chapter 1
The Lady of the Barge
The master of the barge Arabella, Captain Gibbs, argues with a schooner mate about religion before his own mate, Ted, arrives late. Ted reveals he has invited a young woman, Miss Harris, to join them for a trip, much to Captain Gibbs's dismay. When they arrive at Coalsham, Captain Gibbs's wife, Louisa, discovers Miss Harris hidden aboard and assumes the worst. After a tense confrontation, Miss Harris explains she is Ted's intended, but Ted denies it, leading to further conflict. The chapter explores themes of deception, jealousy, and strained relationships as the barge continues its journey.
Chapter 2
The Monkey's Paw
The White family receives a visit from Sergeant-Major Morris, who tells them about a magical monkey's paw that grants three wishes. Mr. White makes a wish for two hundred pounds, which later comes true through the tragic death of his son Herbert in a machinery accident. Grief-stricken, Mrs. White forces Mr. White to wish for Herbert's return, but the horrifying knocking at the door leads to a final wish to send the corpse away.
Chapter 3
I
Jem Benson and his cousin Wilfred Carr have a tense conversation in the billiard-room of an old country house. Carr, in financial trouble, attempts to blackmail Benson by threatening to sell compromising letters to a rival for Olive's affections. Benson refuses to lend him money, and after a physical confrontation, Carr leaves. Later, Mrs. Benson asks about Wilfred, and her son tells her he has gone.
Chapter 4
Chapter II
Jem Benson and Olive spend a summer evening by the disused well in the park. Olive drops her mother's diamond bracelet into the well, and Jem reacts with horror. He promises to retrieve it by morning and extracts a promise of secrecy. Later, he attempts to fish it out with a line, but instead hooks a bunch of keys, which he drops back in despair. After further futile efforts, he abandons the task and returns to the house, troubled.
Chapter 5
III
Jem Benson descends into the well against his servants' warnings, only to be pulled up with the corpse of Thomas Geary, leading to a disastrous accident.
Chapter 6
Bill's Paper Chase
The night watchman recounts the story of Thomas Geary, a miserly sailor who dies aboard the barque Grenada, having hidden his life savings of six hundred pounds. Before dying, he tricks a boy named Jimmy into supposedly throwing the money overboard, but Bill Hicks suspects the boy kept it. Bill and the narrator conspire to get a share, leading to a tense search and negotiation with Jimmy, who eventually claims to have hidden the money in the second mate's mattress.
Chapter 7
The Well
Jem Benson, under pressure from Wilfred Carr's blackmail, descends into a well to retrieve a hidden fortune, with Olive anxiously waiting above. The chapter explores themes of desperation, trust, and the moral compromises driven by financial need.
Chapter 8
I
Jem Benson and his cousin Wilfred Carr have a tense conversation in the billiard-room of an old country house. Carr, in financial trouble, attempts to blackmail Benson by threatening to sell compromising letters to a rival for Olive's affections. Benson refuses to lend him money, and after a physical confrontation, Carr leaves. Later, Mrs. Benson asks about Wilfred, and her son tells her he has gone.
Chapter 9
Chapter II
Jem Benson and Olive spend a summer evening by the disused well in the park. Olive drops her mother's diamond bracelet into the well, and Jem reacts with horror. He promises to retrieve it by morning and extracts a promise of secrecy. Later, he attempts to fish it out with a line, but instead hooks a bunch of keys, which he drops back in despair. After further futile efforts, he abandons the task and returns to the house, troubled.
Chapter 10
III
Jem Benson descends into the well against his servants' warnings, only to be pulled up with the corpse of Thomas Geary, leading to a disastrous accident.
Chapter 11
Cupboard Love
At Negget's farm, retired policeman Mr. Martin Bodfish investigates the theft of Mrs. Negget's gold brooch. Suspicion falls on Mrs. Driver after mud traces are found on the stairs, leading to a comedic confrontation and Mr. Negget's night out.
Chapter 12
In the Library
Trayton Burleigh, confronted by his partner James Fletcher over financial defalcations, is given an ultimatum: leave the house and firm with two hundred pounds or face disgrace and penal servitude. In a fit of rage, Burleigh kills Fletcher with a Japanese sword. He then attempts to plan his escape, but is haunted by fear and the eerie presence of the corpse. Later, while trying to leave, he hears noises, locks a mysterious presence in the library, and flees in terror.
Chapter 13
Captain Rogers
A mysterious stranger arrives at the Golden Key inn, claiming to be an old shipmate of the landlord, who goes by the name Mullet but is revealed to be Captain Rogers. The stranger, Nick Gunn, threatens to expose Rogers's past as a pirate unless he shares his wealth and home. Rogers, now living a decent life, is forced to comply. Later, when Rogers falls ill, Gunn attempts to poison him, but Rogers feigns taking the poison, overpowers Gunn, and kills him, staging the scene to look like a murder by one of Gunn's associates.
Chapter 14
A Tiger's Skin
The oldest man in Claybury recounts the story of a tiger that escaped from a circus and terrorized the village. The tale includes the villagers' fear, the tramp's dramatic arrival at the Cauliflower, Frederick Scott's attempt to get help from a policeman after losing his hens, and Peter Gubbins losing his pigs. The chapter ends with the men spending the night in the taproom, too afraid to go home in the dark.
Chapter 15
A Mixed Proposal
Major Brill, bound by a chess wager not to propose to Mrs. Riddel without Halibut's permission, grows frustrated as Halibut refuses to release him. After Halibut's own proposal is gently refused, the Major hopes to try his luck, but Halibut insists on the conditions and plans to persist himself. The Major avoids Mrs. Riddel for weeks, then meets her by chance and confesses the whole chess scheme, hoping to win her favor despite the wager.
Chapter 16
An Adulteration Act
Dr. Frank Carson and his friend Harry Thomson, a solicitor, wake up aboard a ship after being drugged and shanghaied as cook and able-bodied seaman. They protest their kidnapping and demand to be taken back to Melbourne, but the captain and crew mock them and force them to work. After days of humiliation, the captain falls ill and calls for the doctor.
Chapter 17
A Golden Venture
Ann Pullen inherits two thousand pounds, attracting the attention of two older suitors, Mr. Wiggett and Mr. Miller. After the inheritance is revealed to be a mistake due to a later will, Mr. Miller proposes to Ann, believing she is now poor, and she accepts. The carpenter reveals the inheritance was indeed lost, but the news had spread prematurely.
Chapter 18
Three at Table
A sailor recounts a strange experience from his youth when, lost in a foggy marsh, he seeks shelter at a remote house. The elderly host and his wife reluctantly take him in, and he is invited to dine in the dark with the host and his disfigured son. The son, injured in a house fire, prefers darkness to hide his appearance. The narrator's initial fear gives way to sympathy and understanding.
