# IX: Sandhills Turned to Sand-Holes explained — The Maid of Sker

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

## What happens

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. He witnesses strange pillars of light inside the hall, which he bravely investigates, discovering they are reflections of the external chaos. The chapter blends maritime adventure with supernatural undertones and Davy's resilient character.

## Themes in this chapter

### Maritime Life and Adventure

Davy draws on his naval experience to navigate the storm, comparing it to waterspouts and tropical hurricanes.

### Superstition and Religion

Davy recites 'Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John' for protection and initially mistakes the light pillars for ghosts, blending piety with superstition.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Narrates the storm, recalls naval experiences, shows courage and concern for Bardie and Bunny.

### Watkin Thomas

Young boy frightened by the storm, seeks Davy's protection, speaks Welsh in fear.

### Bardie

Mentioned with concern by Davy during the storm; Davy fears for her safety.

### Bunny

Mentioned as someone Davy cares about; Davy initially confuses Bardie's name with Bunny.

## Key lines

> column of sand came nigh to suck me up, or to bury me—although it went thirty miles an hour, and I with the utmost care of my life could not have managed ten perhaps—by porting my helm without carrying sail, and so working a traverse, I kept the weather-gage of it and that made all the difference.

A sand column nearly sucked me in or buried me, moving at thirty miles an hour while I could barely manage ten, but by steering carefully and using a zigzag course, I stayed upwind and survived.

_Davy describes his skillful seamanship in avoiding the sandstorm._

> I was so truly thankful to kind Providence for preserving it, that I cannot have given less than nine jumps, and said, 'Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,' three times over, and in both ways.

I was so grateful to God for saving my life that I jumped at least nine times and recited the names of the four Gospels three times, forward and backward.

_Davy's religious gratitude and superstitious ritual after escaping danger._

> The heaven opened, or rather seemed to be cloven by a sword-sweep, and a solid mass of lightning fell, with a cone like a red-hot anvil.

The sky split open as if cut by a sword, and a dense bolt of lightning shaped like a red-hot anvil struck down.

_Vivid description of the lightning during the storm._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/ix-sandhills-turned-to-sand-holes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters