John Buchan

Name: Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message
Author: John Buchan

Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

Summary

“Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message”, published in 1910, is a work by John Buchan. It explores elements such as Laputa, Arcoll and Henriques.

Quotes from Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (John Buchan)

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ I pray to Heaven that the men whose cause you have betrayed and the men whose cause you would betray may join to stamp the life out of you and send your soul to hell. I know the game you would have me join in, and I fling your offer in your face. But I tell you one thing—you are damned yourself. The white men are out, and you will never get over the Lebombo. From black or white you will get justice before many hours, and your carcass will be left to rot in the bush. Get out of my sight, you swine.'
In that moment I was so borne up in my passion that I forgot my bonds and my grave danger. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ It was the edge of the bush, and all around was the stir of the army getting ready for the road. You know how a native babbles and chatters over any work he has to do. It says much for Laputa's iron hand that now everything was done in silence. I heard the nickering of horses and the jolt of carts as they turned from the bush into the path. There was the sound of hurried whispering, and now and then a sharp command. And all the while I lay, staring at the moon and wondering if I was going to keep my reason.
If he who reads this doubts the discomfort of bonds let him try them for himself. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ Not death, my friend—that would be simple enough - but a slow death with every refinement of horror. You have broken into their sacred places, and you will be sacrificed to Laputa's god. I have seen native torture before, and his own mother would run away shrieking from a man who had endured it.'
I said nothing, but the thought made my flesh creep.
'Well,' he went on, 'you're in an awkward plight, but I think I can help you. What if I can save your life, Mr Storekeeper? You are trussed up like a fowl, and can do nothing. I am the only man alive who can help you. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ My hatred of Henriques rose and choked me. I saw murder and trickery in his mean eyes and cruel mouth. I could not, to be saved from the uttermost horror, have made myself his ally.
'Now listen, Mr Portugoose,' I cried. 'You tell me you are a spy. What if I shout that through the camp? There will be short shrift for you if Laputa hears it.'
He laughed loudly. 'You are a bigger fool than I took you for. Who would believe you, my friend. Not Laputa. Not any man in this army. It would only mean tighter bonds for these long legs of yours.'
By this time I had given up all thought of diplomacy. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ I would not take my freedom from you, though I were to be boiled alive. I know you for a traitor to the white man's cause, a dirty I.D.B. swindler, whose name is a byword among honest men. By your own confession you are a traitor to this idiot rising. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ When I hear of a man doing a brave deed, I always want to discover whether at the time he was well and comfortable in body. That, I am certain, is the biggest ingredient in courage, and those who plan and execute great deeds in bodily weakness have my homage as truly heroic. For myself, I had not the spirit of a chicken as I jogged along at 'Mwanga's side. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ The vanity of nineteen is an incalculable thing. I rose to the fly.
'I know the kind of precaution you wanted to take,' I muttered.
'You heard that too? Well, I confess I am in favour of doing a job thoroughly when I take it up.'
'In the Koodoo Flats, for example,' I said. ”

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Source: Wikisource

John Buchan, Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (1910)

“ The drums beat for the advance, and once more I was hoisted on my horse, while Arcoll's Kaffir tied my bridle to his own. A Kaffir cannot wink, but he has a way of slanting his eyes which does as well, and as we moved on he would turn his head to me with this strange grimace.
Henriques wanted me to help him to get the rubies—that I presumed was the offer he had meant to make. Well, thought I, I will perish before the jewel reaches the Portuguese's hands. He hoped for a stampede when Arcoll opposed the crossing of the river, and in the confusion intended to steal the casket. ”

John Buchan

Summary

Quotes from Prester John — XII: Captain Arcoll Sends a Message (John Buchan)

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