The Maid of Sker · Chapter
XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law explained
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.
What happens
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 descendant of his family's patron, who protects Davy's reputation in court. Davy also describes Lady Bluett, the Colonel's sister, who recognizes him with respect, and her young son Rodney Bluett, who loves fishing with Davy but has been kept away. Davy paints the boat blue and alters its markings to obscure its origin.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
Davy's concern with being called 'old' and his pleasure at being addressed as 'Mr. Llewellyn' by Lady Bluett highlight his sensitivity to social status and respectability.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy manipulates witnesses and bribes them with beer and money to secure his claim, while simultaneously professing a love of legality and honesty.
Maritime Life and Adventure
The chapter centers on Davy's acquisition and adaptation of a boat, his fishing life, and his tales of the sea that captivate young Rodney Bluett.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrator and protagonist; secures the derelict boat, bribes witnesses, and reflects on his reputation and legal savvy.
- Sandy Macraw
Takes the money from Davy and speaks in a drawl; Davy holds him in contempt but tolerates him.
- Colonel Lougher
A noble magistrate who defends Davy in court, descends from the same line as Davy's family, and has no children.
- Lady Bluett
Colonel Lougher's sister, a dignified lady who recognizes Davy and calls him 'Mr. Llewellyn,' elevating his status.
- Captain Rodney Bluett
Lady Bluett's younger son, about ten years old, who loves fishing with Davy but has been kept away by his family.
Key passages
“For never can I bear to seem to set at nought legality.”
Davy claims he always wants to appear law-abiding, even when he is bending the rules.
Reflects Davy's ironic self-justification and his concern with appearances.
“I cannot write down his outlandish manner of pronouncing English; nor will I say much more about it; because he concealed his jealousy so, that I had no enjoyment of it, except when I reasoned with myself.”
Davy dismisses Sandy Macraw's accent and hidden jealousy, finding little satisfaction in it.
Shows Davy's contempt for Sandy and his own need to feel superior.
“A thoroughly noble man to look at, and a noble man to hearken to, because he knew not his own kindness, but was kind to everyone.”
Colonel Lougher is described as genuinely noble and unknowingly kind to all.
Highlights the Colonel's virtuous character and Davy's admiration for him.
“How can it matter what people call me when I am clear of my fish-basket?”
Davy says that once his work is done and he is paid, he does not care about his reputation.
Reveals Davy's pragmatic attitude toward honor and social standing.