The Land That Time Forgot · Chapter
III explained
Tensions rise aboard the U-33 as sabotage incidents—a broken engine, a flooded diving-tank, a cold-chisel in the gears, and destroyed navigation instruments—point to a traitor.
What happens
Tensions rise aboard the U-33 as sabotage incidents—a broken engine, a flooded diving-tank, a cold-chisel in the gears, and destroyed navigation instruments—point to a traitor. Bowen Tyler suspects Lys La Rue after she is seen talking with the German commander von Schoenvorts, leading to personal conflict and strained relations. A storm and navigational errors further complicate their voyage.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Entrapment
The crew is trapped in a damaged submarine with a saboteur, cut off from assistance and accurate navigation.
Conflict Between Civilization and Savagery
Sabotage and betrayal aboard the U-33 reflect a breakdown of civilized trust and the emergence of savage self-interest.
Fate and Inevitability
The broken instruments and stormy weather suggest an inexorable drift toward unknown dangers.
Characters to notice
- Bowen J. Tyler
Captain of the U-33; investigates sabotage and struggles with suspicion of Lys.
- Lys La Rue
Under suspicion for sabotage after being seen talking with von Schoenvorts; maintains innocence.
- Bradley
Lieutenant; assists Tyler and discusses the sabotage incidents.
- Olson
Crew member; comments on the loss of navigation instruments.
- Baron von Schoenvorts
German commander; suspected of colluding with Lys and orchestrating sabotage.
- Nobs
Tyler's dog; sleeps in Lys's room for her comfort.
Key passages
“I knew that the valve had never opened itself. Someone had opened it—someone who was willing to die himself if he might at the same time encompass the death of all of us.”
Tyler realizes the diving-tank valve was deliberately opened, indicating a saboteur willing to sacrifice everyone.
Highlights the theme of betrayal and the threat of sabotage.
“Women are much the same, except that they will go even further than most men—they will sacrifice everything, even honor, for love.”
Tyler expresses a cynical view that women, driven by love, may betray honor more readily than men.
Reflects Tyler's growing suspicion of Lys and his internal conflict.
“I looked and gasped, for there directly to port I saw outlined through the haze the red top of the rising sun. Hurrying to the tower, I looked at the compass. It showed...”
Tyler discovers the sun rising in the south, revealing they are far off course due to sabotage or error.
Climactic moment emphasizing their lost state and the consequences of the broken instruments.