# The Wreck of the Lady Alice explained — The Return of Tarzan

> Chapter companion for The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

After Tarzan's disappearance from the ship, Hazel Strong grows concerned and reports him missing. The captain orders a search, but no trace is found. Monsieur Thuran, having obtained what he came for, decides to pursue Hazel Strong for her fortune. He follows her to Cape Town, where he becomes a frequent visitor and eventually proposes. Hazel asks for time to consider. Meanwhile, Jane Porter unexpectedly reunites with Hazel, but is despondent. A series of misfortunes plague the yacht Lady Alice, culminating in a collision with a derelict that rips open the hull. The ship sinks, but all four boats are safely launched.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Betrayal

Monsieur Thuran's manipulative pursuit of Hazel Strong for her fortune, while hiding his role in Tarzan's disappearance.

### Survival and Physical Prowess

The wreck of the Lady Alice and the desperate launch of lifeboats highlight the struggle for survival at sea.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Missing from breakfast; his berth was not occupied; presumed lost overboard.

### Monsieur Thuran

In good spirits after Tarzan's disappearance; ingratiates himself with Hazel Strong; follows her to Cape Town and proposes.

### Hazel Strong

Worried about Tarzan's absence; reports him missing to the captain; later reunites with Jane Porter in Cape Town.

### Jane Porter

Reunites with Hazel Strong in Cape Town; is despondent and quiet; aboard the Lady Alice when it sinks.

### Lord Tennington

Attempts to cheer Jane Porter; takes charge during the sinking of the Lady Alice, giving calm orders.

### Mrs. Strong

Distrusts Monsieur Thuran; travels with her daughter to Cape Town.

## Key lines

> I have looked upon you always as a very dear friend. I shall not give you my answer now. Forget that you have asked me to be your wife. Let us go on as we have been—then I can consider you from an entirely different angle for a time.

Hazel Strong tells Monsieur Thuran that she sees him only as a friend and asks for time to think about his marriage proposal.

_Hazel's cautious response to Thuran's proposal, reflecting her uncertainty._

> There's a hole in her you could drive a bally cow through, sir.

The officer reports that the yacht has a massive hole in its hull and cannot stay afloat much longer.

_Graphic description of the damage to the Lady Alice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xiii-the-wreck-of-the-lady-alice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters