The Story of the Treasure Seekers · Chapter
The Poet and the Editor explained
Oswald and Noël visit the office of the Daily Recorder to sell Noël's poetry.
What happens
Oswald and Noël visit the office of the Daily Recorder to sell Noël's poetry. After initial difficulties, they meet the Editor, who buys Noël's poems for a guinea and also pays Oswald five shillings for information about Lord Tottenham. They tour the printing office and later see their story published in a magazine.
Themes in this chapter
Creativity and Storytelling
Noël's poetry is the central focus; the Editor values it for its artistic merit, and Noël writes spontaneously for the Editor.
Childhood Adventure and Imagination
The children's independent trip to London, navigating the city, and their encounter with the Editor is a grand adventure.
Poverty and Class Consciousness
The children's need for money to restore family fortunes drives their visit; the guinea is a significant sum for them.
Characters to notice
- Oswald Bastable
Narrates the chapter; accompanies Noël to the Editor; negotiates the sale and provides information about Lord Tottenham.
- Noël Bastable
The poet; sells his poems to the Editor for a guinea; writes a poem for the Editor on the spot.
- Father
Mentioned as taking the Daily Chronicle and having a study.
- Mrs. Leslie
Referenced as a poet and benefactor who gave the children shillings and wished them 'good hunting.'
- Lord Tottenham
Mentioned as a celebrity known to the children; Oswald describes his habits on the Heath.
Key passages
“I like your poetry very much, young man. I'll give you—let me see; how much shall I give you for it?”
The Editor praises Noël's poetry and asks how much he wants for it.
Shows the Editor's appreciation and willingness to pay for the poems.
“I shall print all your poems, my poet; and now what do you think they're worth?”
The Editor commits to publishing Noël's poems and asks for his valuation.
Highlights the Editor's support for young talent.
“Well, would a guinea meet your views?”
The Editor offers a guinea for the poems.
The sum is a substantial payment for a child's work.
“That's well worth five shillings, and there they are.”
The Editor pays Oswald five shillings for the information about Lord Tottenham.
Demonstrates the value placed on interesting anecdotes for the newspaper.