# The Maid of Sker — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph presents a Greek quotation that condemns a faithless man who harbored a cold, cunning serpent in his bosom, foreshadowing themes of betrayal and hidden danger.
- [The Maid of Sker](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/the-maid-of-sker.md): The chapter introduces the setting and characters around Sker, focusing on the mysterious 'Maid of Sker' and the early interactions among the local fisherfolk and gentry.
- [Fisherman Davy a Fish Out of Water](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/i-fisherman-davy-a-fish-out-of-water.md): Davy Llewellyn, an aging fisherman from the Glamorganshire coast, introduces himself and his intention to write a book about a curious adventure that has occupied his community for many years. He is encouraged by neighbo
- [Hunger Drives Him A-Fishing](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/ii-hunger-drives-him-a-fishing.md): In the summer of 1782, David Llewellyn, a widowed fisherman and former sailor, struggles with grief after losing his wife and son. To feed his orphaned granddaughter Bunny, he forces himself to go fishing despite his sor
- [The Fish Are as Hungry as He Is](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/iii-the-fish-are-as-hungry-as-he-is.md): Davy Llewellyn fishes at Sker, defying Evan Thomas's claim to the shore. He enjoys extraordinary luck, catching congers, lobsters, prawns, and mullet, and reflects on his life and responsibilities toward Bunny. After a n
- [He Lands an Unexpected Fish](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/iv-he-lands-an-unexpected-fish.md): Davy, fishing at night under a phosphorescent sea, spots a derelict boat drifting toward him. After initial terror, he hooks and retrieves it, discovering it carries only a sleeping infant. He secures the boat and child,
- [V: A Little Orphan Mermaid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/v-a-little-orphan-mermaid.md): Davy finds a small girl, Bardie, alone on the shore after a shipwreck. He takes her into his boat, cares for her, and decides to bring her to the old Sker-house, despite his initial hesitation. The chapter explores his g
- [Finds a Home of Some Sort](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/vi-finds-a-home-of-some-sort.md): Davy brings Bardie to the home of Moxy Thomas, his former sweetheart, and her husband Evan Black. Bardie's fastidious cleanliness and cleverness impress Moxy, who takes to her. Davy reflects on the desolate and dangerous
- [Boat Versus Bardie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/vii-boat-versus-bardie.md): Davy Llewellyn reflects on his acquisition of the boat and his rescue of Bardie, worrying about Evan Thomas's potential reaction. He justifies his possession of the boat by constructing a narrative about a shipwreck, the
- [VIII: Children Will Be Children](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/viii-children-will-be-children.md): Davy observes Bardie's playful and affectionate nature as she interacts with Bunny and Watkin, teaching them to dance and play. He learns from Watkin that Bardie was found in his bed that morning, likely placed there by 
- [IX: Sandhills Turned to Sand-Holes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/ix-sandhills-turned-to-sand-holes.md): Davy and Watkin Thomas take shelter in an old house as a violent sandstorm and tornado-like storm descend upon Sker. Davy reflects on the storm's fury, his past experiences at sea, and his anxiety for Bardie and Bunny. H
- [Under the Rock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/x-under-the-rock.md): During a violent storm, Davy witnesses a slave ship wreck off the coast. After the ship breaks apart and all aboard are lost, he remembers Bardie and Bunny and sets out to find them. He discovers the two children asleep 
- [XI: A Wrecker Wrecked](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xi-a-wrecker-wrecked.md): Davy encounters Evan Thomas, who is drunk and exultant over a wreck ashore. Evan orders Davy to help him plunder the wreck, but Davy is repulsed by Evan's greed. Davy later searches for Evan's sons and finds young Watkin
- [How to Sell Fish](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xii-how-to-sell-fish.md): Davy Llewellyn, burdened by the events of the previous night and the need to sell his catch, employs clever salesmanship and questionable tactics to market his fish. He encounters Hezekiah Perkins at Bridgend, and throug
- [The Coroner and the Coronet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xiii-the-coroner-and-the-coronet.md): The chapter describes the arrival of the English coroner, Crowner Bowles, to hold an inquest on five black men found dead after a shipwreck. He refuses to sit on 'black men' until he learns of a white infant with a coron
- [In Accordance with the Evidence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xiv-in-accordance-with-the-evidence.md): Davy serves as foreman of the inquest jury for the dead baby boy found with a coronet mark. Hezekiah Perkins manipulates the proceedings, leading to the distressing exposure of Bardie to the corpse. Davy protects Bardie,
- [A Verdict on the Jury](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xv-a-verdict-on-the-jury.md): Davy recounts the second inquest on the five young men, where the jury, after being plied with drink and unsettled by Evan Thomas's ominous prophecy that six of them have seen the white horse, returns a verdict of death 
- [XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xvi-truth-lies-sometimes-in-a-well.md): Davy Llewellyn is visited by Hezekiah Perkins, who lures him to a dry well for a secret conversation. Hezekiah attempts to pry information from Davy about a hidden truth, hinting at a scheme involving money and a decease
- [For a Little Change of Air](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xvii-for-a-little-change-of-air.md): Davy takes Bardie away from the gloom of Sker House to his own dwelling, where she initially revives but soon shows signs of neglect and fragility. He resolves to keep her, despite the rising cost of meat. Bunny arrives 
- [XVIII: Public Approbation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xviii-public-approbation.md): Davy Llewellyn enjoys newfound fame after a newspaper account of his heroism during the shipwreck of the Andalusia. He contrasts the flattering report in Felix Farley's Bristol Journal with a vicious, hypocritical accoun
- [XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xix-a-craft-beyond-the-law.md): Davy Llewellyn recounts how he legally secured a derelict boat from the wreck of the Andalusia, using witnesses and a bribe of beer and money to avoid claims. He then praises Colonel Lougher, a just magistrate and descen
- [Confidential Intercourse](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xx-confidential-intercourse.md): Davy reflects on Bardie's departure with Moxy Thomas, recalling her cleverness and the doll Patty Green he made for her. Through her play with the doll, Bardie reveals fragments of her past, including memories of a littl
- [XXI: Cross-Examination](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxi-cross-examination.md): Davy Llewellyn recounts a visit from Justice Anthony Stew and Sir Philip Bampfylde, who come to question him about his boat and a previous incident. Davy feels harassed by the justice system but finds some relief in Sir 
- [Another Disappointment](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxii-another-disappointment.md): Davy reflects on his contentment and memories, but is interrupted by the return of Justice Stew and Sir Philip Bampfylde. They question him about the shipwreck and the dress of the drowned child, and Sir Philip expresses
- [Into Good Society](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxiii-into-good-society.md): Colonel Lougher and Lady Bluett encounter Bardie playing alone on the sands and are charmed by her grace and manners. They invite her to dine with them, where she impresses them with her refined behavior and knowledge of
- [Sound Investments](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxiv-sound-investments.md): Davy visits Sker to check on Bardie and Moxy, reflecting on his role as trustee for Bunny and Bardie's money. He establishes a fishing partnership called 'Bardie, Bunny, Llewellyn, and Co.' but faces a poor fishing seaso
- [A Long Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxv-a-long-goodbye.md): Davy prepares to leave Newton aboard the ketch 'Rose of Devon' under the enigmatic Captain Fuzzy (Bethel Jose), making his will and saying farewell to the village. He reflects on his fall from naval captain to merchant m
- [XXVI: Braunton Burrows](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxvi-braunton-burrows.md): Davy recounts the voyage from Sker to Devonshire aboard the ketch, navigating past Sker House and across the Bristol Channel. He reflects on leaving Bardie behind, observes the unfamiliar landscape of Braunton Burrows, a
- [A Fine Spectacle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxvii-a-fine-spectacle.md): Davy and his crew moor the Rose of Devon near Barnstaple and attend the fair. There, they witness the imposing arrival of two parsons, Parson Chowne and Parson Jack Rambone, who command the respect of the crowd. Davy ref
- [XXVIII: Something About Him](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxviii-something-about-him.md): Davy Llewellyn, seeking to learn more about Parson Chowne, finds the locals reluctant to speak openly. Through storytelling and charm, he loosens their tongues and hears tales of Chowne's ruthless dominance, including th
- [A Visit to a Parson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxix-a-visit-to-a-parson.md): Davy Llewellyn travels to visit Parson Chowne, reflecting on the madness of Devonshire people and his own superiority. He hires a cart for the long journey, learning from the driver about local superstitions regarding th
- [XXX: On Duty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxx-on-duty.md): Davy recounts his time stuck in Barnstaple river at Deadman's Pill, waiting for sailing orders. He observes Parson Chowne's control over Captain Bethel Jose and the crew, and his own role as a watchman over Narnton Court
- [XXXI: Two Lovers](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxi-two-lovers.md): Davy, concealed in his punt, observes a clandestine meeting between Captain Drake Bampfylde and Isabel Carey at Narnton Court. He watches as Drake's crew lands a heavy chest, then departs, leaving the captain alone. Drak
- [XXXII: Among the Savages](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxii-among-the-savages.md): Davy Llewellyn recounts his encounter with Parson Chowne and Parson Jack Rambone, during which Chowne interrogates him about his recent actions and advises him to suppress his finer feelings for practical gain. Davy then
- [XXXIII: In a State of Nature](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxiii-in-a-state-of-nature.md): Davy Llewellyn observes the tense and fearful atmosphere of Parson Chowne's household, learning from the head groom about Chowne's bitter past—including a childhood love for a cousin killed at school, financial betrayals
- [Waiting and Learning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxiv-waiting-and-learning.md): Davy reflects on his dealings with Parson Chowne, who pays him three half-crowns a week and provides a hayloft. He returns to the Rose of Devon to find Fuzzy gone, the ketch laid up, and only Bang left. Davy considers wa
- [The Polite Ferryman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxv-the-polite-ferryman.md): Davy Llewellyn, after being left by Captain Fuzzy and neglected by Bang's grandmother, sets up a ferry service across the river to earn money for Bunny. He advertises himself as 'David Llewellyn, Mariner of the Royal Nav
- [Under Fairer Auspices](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxvi-under-fairer-auspices.md): Davy crosses to Narnton Court to meet Miss Isabel Carey, revealing that he knows she is being watched by Parson Chowne. He offers to serve her interests, and she hires him as a ferryman and spy, giving him a £5 note and 
- [Two Poor Children](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxvii-two-poor-children.md): The narrator reflects on the misfortunes of Captain Drake Bampfylde, the younger son of Sir Philip, who despite his wit and enterprise suffers a series of calamities from childhood through his naval career. The chapter r
- [A Fine Old Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-fine-old-gentleman.md): Davy reflects on his life as a ferryman, his interactions with Nanette and a farmer's daughter, and his growing reputation. He then encounters Sir Philip Bampfylde to warn him about Parson Chowne's son Stoyle, but Sir Ph
- [Notice to Quit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxix-notice-to-quit.md): Davy reflects on his failed ferry business and the loss of his dreams, including a public house and family. He describes his growing admiration for Isabel Carey, who convinces him to give up ferrying after a near-sinking
- [Forcible Ejectment](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xl-forcible-ejectment.md): Davy reflects on the wisdom of ancestors and his own fortunes on New Year's Day 1783, counting his money and worrying about Bardie and Bunny. He sets fire to Parson Chowne's ricks and outbuildings in revenge, confesses t
- [XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xli-the-right-man-in-the-right-place.md): Davy Llewellyn rejoins the Royal Navy as a gunnery instructor, quickly rising to first instructor. He reflects on the decline of the war and the signing of peace in 1783, while also settling old scores and maneuvering to
- [The Little Maid, and the Midshipman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlii-the-little-maid-and-the-midshipman.md): Davy teaches sailing to young Rodney Bluett and the village children on the seashore. Rodney arrives in a coach, eager to join the Navy despite the peace. Bardie, still weak, defends Rodney when Davy scolds him for offer
- [XLIII: A Fine Price for Bardie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xliii-a-fine-price-for-bardie.md): Davy prepares a grand Sunday dinner for Bardie and Bunny, reflecting on his impending departure and the neglect his home will face. Hezekiah Perkins visits and reveals a scheme to pass off Bardie as Martha ap Rees, the n
- [Provides for Education](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xliv-provides-for-education.md): Davy makes arrangements for the welfare of Bunny and Miss Delushy before his departure, including a new will and educational provisions. He secures the new schoolmaster, Master Roger Berkrolles, to teach Bunny and Delush
- [XLV: Introduces a Real Hero](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlv-introduces-a-real-hero.md): Davy recounts his service under Captain Horatio Nelson on the Alcestis, describing Nelson's character, leadership, and the crew's initial jealousy. He also details his return to England after seven years, his recruitment
- [After Seven Years](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvi-after-seven-years.md): Davy, Jerry Toms, and their Captain travel from Exeter to Barnstaple in a coach, then proceed on foot to Narnton Court. They encounter old shipmate Heaviside, who has settled in Davy's old ferryboat and married Nanette, 
- [Mischief in a Household](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvii-mischief-in-a-household.md): Parson Chowne, enraged by Davy's escape, begins a campaign of psychological terror against the Bampfylde household. He forces his way into Sir Philip's home, intimidates Isabel Carey, and creates a rift between Sir Phili
- [A Breathless Disinterment](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlviii-a-breathless-disinterment.md): Davy and Jerry Toms, convinced that Parson Chowne murdered two children and buried them in Braunton Burrows, lead a party to dig. After a day of rabbiting, they discover the supposed bodies are actually two large Dutch d
- [One Who Has Interred Himself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlix-one-who-has-interred-himself.md): Davy Llewellyn recounts the public reaction to his discovery of the dolls and the Captain's hat, which he presents to Sir Philip Bampfylde. Sir Philip, moved to tears, thanks Davy and asks him to deliver the items to his
- [A Brave Man Runs Away](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/l-a-brave-man-runs-away.md): Davy Llewellyn, now in his sixtieth year, finds himself at Narnton Court where his storytelling and charisma make him popular among the servants, particularly with a young maid named Polly Cockhanterbury. Fearing that hi
- [Triple Education](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/li-triple-education.md): Davy returns to find Bardie, now about ten years old, being educated in a three-part system: body at Candleston Court with Lady Bluett, mind with Master Roger Berkrolles in Newton, and soul at Sker with Moxy. Davy reflec
- [Great March of Intellect](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lii-great-march-of-intellect.md): Davy reflects on the lack of progress in the new generation, contrasting Bardie's brightness with his own old-fashioned wisdom. He recounts a chapel meeting where he kicked dissenters, earning praise from Parson Lougher.
- [Beating Up for the Navy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/liii-beating-up-for-the-navy.md): Davy Llewellyn, now Master aboard the Bellona, is tasked with a recruiting mission to press men for the Navy. He recounts his expedition to the Welsh coast and then to Devonshire, where he impresses a group of Parson Cho
- [Taming of the Savages](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/liv-taming-of-the-savages.md): After a successful cruise, Davy returns to the Bellona and describes the process of turning landsmen into seamen. He recounts the harsh but effective methods used to discipline new hands, including Hezekiah Perkins, who 
- [LV: Upon Foreign Service](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lv-upon-foreign-service.md): Davy recounts the outbreak of war with France in 1793, the transfer of the crew from the Bellona to the Defence, and the secret wedding of Captain Drake Bampfylde and Isabel Carey. He also describes a dramatic shark enco
- [Exiles of Society](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lvi-exiles-of-society.md): Davy describes the impressive sight of the British convoy and fleet, their orders to sail immediately, and the subsequent naval battle. After the action, he takes three cannibals (Cannibal Jack, Dick, and Joe) on leave t
- [Many Weak Moments](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lvii-many-weak-moments.md): Davy Llewellyn recounts his slow recovery from a severe illness, cared for by Colonel Lougher, Lady Bluett, and especially Bardie. He reflects on the harsh winter of 1740 and the kindness of his friends. Meanwhile, Sir P
- [LVIII: More Haste, Less Speed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lviii-more-haste-less-speed.md): Davy recounts his service in the Royal Navy during the Mediterranean campaign of 1798, including his role as Master of the Excellent at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, his admiration for Admiral Nelson's leadership and g
- [In a Rocky Bower](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lix-in-a-rocky-bower.md): Sixteen years after Davy's great catch and landing Bardie at Pool Tavan, Bunny and Bardie (now young women) sit in a rocky cove. Bunny confesses her engagement to Watkin Thomas, while Bardie expresses anxiety about her o
- [Nelson and the Nile](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lx-nelson-and-the-nile.md): Davy Llewellyn recounts the Battle of the Nile on August 1, 1798, where the British fleet under Admiral Nelson decisively defeated the French. As master of the Goliath, Davy describes the strategic approach, the daring m
- [LXI: A Savage Deed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxi-a-savage-deed.md): Davy recounts the aftermath of the Battle of the Nile, where he is wounded and loses his left arm. He describes Captain Rodney Bluett's bravery and the capture of French ships. Aboard the Leader, Captain Foley takes the 
- [LXII: A Rash Young Captain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxii-a-rash-young-captain.md): Davy Llewellyn, recovering from his wound, receives a visit from Captain Rodney Bluett, who brings news of Jack Wildman's deathbed confession and Harry Savage's heroic promotion under Nelson. They discuss plans to clear 
- [Polly at Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxiii-polly-at-home.md): Davy visits Polly, now a free and independent woman living in a cottage near Braunton, and reflects on their past connection. He learns from Nanette (the widow Heaviside) about a farmer's wife, Mrs. Shapland, who may kno
- [LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxiv-susan-quite-acquits-herself.md): Susan Shapland recounts her time as nurse at Narnton Court, describing the twin children of the Princess—a lively girl named Bertha (called Bardie) and a quieter boy named Philip. She details their disappearance during a
- [LXV: So Does Poor Old Davy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxv-so-does-poor-old-davy.md): Davy Llewellyn faces accusations from Colonel Lougher regarding the boat's origin, but defends his honor by proving it is foreign-built. He retrieves Bardie's belongings from Sker, tows the old boat across the channel wi
- [LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxvi-the-maid-at-last-is-dentified.md): Davy Llewellyn presents Delushy to Sir Philip Bampfylde as his long-lost granddaughter, Bertha Bampfylde, with evidence including the distinctive Bampfylde thumbnail mark. Lady Bampfylde (Isabel Carey) is initially overc
- [Dog Eats Dog](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxvii-dog-eats-dog.md): Davy accompanies Captain Rodney Bluett to confront Parson Chowne, who has been slandering the Bampfylde family. Along the way, they encounter a shipwright who identifies a boat as the Wild-Duck, built for Captain Bampfyl
- [The Old Pitcher at the Well Again](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxviii-the-old-pitcher-at-the-well-again.md): Davy reflects on the death of Parson Chowne from rabies, a divine judgment for his cruelty. He describes the aftermath, including Parson Jack Rambone's guilt for carrying out the execution, the revelation of Chowne's gyp
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/endnotes.md): The endnotes provide scholarly references and editorial commentary on topics such as the Newton-Nottage sand-march, traveling performers, plague entries in North Devon parish registers, and a local farmer's skepticism ab

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