When the World Shook · Chapter
X: The Dwellers in the Tomb explained
The survivors make camp on the shore after their escape.
What happens
The survivors make camp on the shore after their escape. Marama and a priest come to beg them to return, but Arbuthnot refuses and instead threatens them with Oro's wrath if they do not bring offerings. The next morning, they explore the cave and discover a hidden sepulchre behind a pivoting stone step, containing two preserved bodies—a man and a woman—in a glittering recess. Bastin is more concerned with the return of their belongings and making tea, while Bickley prepares for further examination. Tommy the dog goes missing.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
The discovery of the preserved bodies in the tomb raises questions about death, preservation, and the possibility of immortality.
Clash of Beliefs
Arbuthnot uses threats of Oro's power to control the natives, while Bastin remains focused on his missionary work, highlighting the conflict between indigenous beliefs and Christianity.
The Search for Meaning
The characters grapple with the significance of the ancient tomb and its inhabitants, seeking understanding of the past and their own place in the world.
Characters to notice
- Humphrey Arbuthnot
Leads the negotiations with Marama, threatens the natives with Oro's punishment, and discovers the hidden tomb.
- Mr. Bastin
Carries the blackened head of Oro as a pillow, is more interested in the natives and tea than the archaeological discovery, and makes tea after their belongings are returned.
- J. R. Bickley
Examines the tomb with scientific curiosity, prepares a hypodermic syringe and strong coffee for further exploration, and notes the strange odor of sandalwood.
- Marama
Comes with a priest to beg the survivors to return, is threatened by Arbuthnot, and agrees to bring offerings.
- Tommy
Scratches at the base of the statue, leading to the discovery of the hidden tomb, but later goes missing.
- Oro
Referenced as the true god in the cave; Bastin carries a wooden head of Oro used as a pillow.
Key passages
“We have entered the cave where you said no man might set a foot, and have seen him who sits within, the true god.”
Arbuthnot tells Marama that they have entered the forbidden cave and seen the real god inside.
Arbuthnot uses this revelation to intimidate Marama and demand offerings.
“The whole massive rock began to turn outwards as though upon a pivot! I saw it coming and grabbed Bickley by the collar, dragging him back so that we just rolled clear before the great block, which must have weighed several tons, fell down and crushed us.”
A large stone step pivots open, nearly crushing Arbuthnot and Bickley as they discover the hidden tomb.
This moment reveals the secret entrance to the tomb and the preserved bodies within.
“I am very thirsty, said Bastin presently. Those smells seem to have dried me up. I am going to get some tea—I mean water, as unfortunately there is no tea.”
Bastin complains of thirst from the perfumed air in the tomb and goes to get water, wishing for tea.
Bastin's mundane concern contrasts with the awe of the discovery.