Chapter 42 Summary

Brown manages, through a web of lies and pleas and questions (asking Jim whether he had nothing fishy in his own life that he could be so hard on a man trying to save himself by any means necessary?), to elicit pity from Jim. Jim allows Brown to leave, saying that he will have a clear road or a clear fight, whichever he chooses.

Afterwards, Jim returns to the fort to tell Doramin of the deal struck with Brown and later that night explains as much to the chiefs as well. He entreats them to trust in him and his decision and believes it best to allow the invaders to go and leave them all in peace. And finally, Jim declares that Dain Waris should be summoned, for in this business he would not lead.

Chapter 42 Analysis

Brown reveals himself a shrewd, devious...