Chapter X explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Heyst's protective instructions to Lena and her silent devotion highlight the theme of love and sacrifice in the face of danger.

• Evil and Predation

  Ricardo's predatory demeanor and the menacing atmosphere underscore the theme of evil and predation.

• Fate and Coincidence

  The impending storm and the uncertain signals reflect the theme of fate and coincidence as characters await their destinies.

Characters to notice

• Axel Heyst

  Heyst plans to confront the intruders, gives Lena detailed escape instructions, and negotiates with Ricardo to send Pedro away.

• Lena

  Lena listens to Heyst's instructions, dresses in black, and prepares to flee into the forest; she shows emotional distress and devotion.

• Martin Ricardo

  Ricardo negotiates with Heyst, whistles for Pedro, and later dashes ahead to inform Mr. Jones of Heyst's arrival.

• Pedro

  Pedro is summoned by Ricardo's whistle and ordered to go to the boat at the jetty and wait.

• Mr. Jones

  Mr. Jones is mentioned as the 'governor' waiting in the other bungalow for Heyst's arrival.

• Wang

  Wang is mentioned as a potential refuge for Lena if she needs to escape to the barricade.

Key passages

• “I am going, Lena. I am going to confront these scoundrels.”

  Heyst tells Lena he is leaving to face the villains.

  Heyst announces his intention to confront Mr. Jones and Ricardo.

• “You are to run out of the house at once”

  Heyst orders Lena to flee the house immediately.

  Heyst gives Lena urgent escape instructions.

• “I thought you were never coming”

  Ricardo expresses impatience at Heyst's delay.

  Ricardo shows his agitation while waiting for Heyst.

• “Here he is, governor! Keep him with you as long as you can—till you hear me whistle. I am on the track.”

  Ricardo announces Heyst's arrival to Mr. Jones and tells him to delay Heyst until he whistles.

  Ricardo signals to Mr. Jones that Heyst has arrived and that he is pursuing a plan.