Lines 260 - 305 Summary

On the advice of Mrs. Davidson, Dr. Macphail leaves the room to go to the wharf and secure his heavy luggage. Downstairs, he becomes engaged in a conversation between the quartermaster of the ship on which he arrived, a Mr. Swan, Horn, and a woman named Thompson. Mr. Swan is arguing with Horn, trying to secure a reduced rate for Thompson. Horn wavers and, under Thompson's direct insistence, agrees to the reduced rate. Thompson then invites the men into her newly rented room to have a drink of whisky. Dr. Macphail declines her offer and proceeds to the wharf in the pouring rain. On the way, he notes several natives who, who are dressed in traditional native clothing - . This is contrary to Mrs. Davidson's statements, that the natives are polite.

Lines 260 - 305 Analysis

This brief transitional scene introduces Thompson, the...