The Sea-Wolf
Chapter 22
by Jack London
After a discussion of Captain Larsen's cruel behavior towards the crew, Hump and Maud come to an understanding.
After a discussion of Captain Larsen's cruel behavior towards the crew, Hump and Maud come to an understanding.
A young man no larger than a thumb experiences many great adventures.
Captain Larsen's frustration is taken out on Mugridge, who is greatly injured in the process.
Hump and Maud complete the final rigging of the ship as the ailing captain's health continues to decline.
The animals of the forest are hungry. The fox manages the best of all the beasts because he is clever enough to trick them into giving him their family members and other animals.
The miller’s wedding was to be a big event, therefore he invited men and animals alike. Various animals go on their way to the wedding until a young boy warns them of the cruelty of man. Those that don’t heed his advice never return from the wedding and remain the servants of man.
As the Ghost approaches another boat, Hump, having recognized Johnson and Leach, attempts to ensure clemency for the two sailors.
A recovered Mugridge returns to work as cook, relieving Hump of his extra duties. An altercation between Leach and Johansen results in friendship between Hump and Leach.
A week passes without any interaction with Captain Larson, prompting Maud to fear for the captain's health. After a brief, but unpleasant encounter with the captain, Maud and Hump take turns keeping watch.
The crew of an approaching boat is apprehensive about getting closer to the Mariner's ship. The sudden sinking of the ship put everyone in harms way. The Mariner is compelled to share his story with the Hermit, and eases his own pain in the process.
Now having been promoted, Hump runs the ship with the assistance of Louis. Captain Larsen continues to make life on ship unpleasant for the mutinous sailors. Johnson and Leach bide their time while waiting for another opportunity to take out Captain Larsen. Leach, fearing that death is eminent, asks a favor of Hump.
Hump continues to analyze the enigma that is Captain Larsen. Hump witnesses a poker game between Captain Larsen and an intoxicated Mugridge, taking note of the quantity of gold in the pot. Captain Larsen refuses to honor Hump's claims to the gold, but later assigns Mugridge to perform extra duties while inviting Hump to eat at the captain's table.
A discussion of life, nature, and existence with Captain Larsen ends in a rather strange act of violence towards Hump.
After the passing of the storm, the Ghost surveys the area for lost ships and crew. Captain Larsen forcibly adopts new crew members, while continuing to terrify and mistreat his crew. Johnson and Leach finally attempt an escape aboard a sealing boat, setting sail for Japan, the discovery of which, prompts pursuit by Captain Larsen. As the Ghost approaches a nearby boat, Hump prepares to intervene with violence if necessary.
The Ghost continues hunting seals as the weather and seas grow increasingly rough. Hump's admiration and affection for Maud continues to grow, even as he becomes increasingly aware of Captain Larsen's growing lust towards the young woman.
On their way home from school, Curly and Flop come upon a girl mouse whose tail is stuck under a rock. The piggie boys help her and she promises to help them someday. When the alligator comes by to eat them, the mouse girl helps out after all.
After the storms dies down, Maud Brewster joins the sailors for the evening meal, where she makes a request of Captain Larsen. Hump and Maud, having recognized each other as peers, engage in conversation as an agitated Captain Laren looks on.
Hump and Maud, having considered all their options, devise a plan that will allow them to escape the island. Captain Larsen lets his true intentions be known. Hump and Maud remain cautious with the unpredictable captain so close by.
Hump laments the absence of women aboard ship. Later that same night, Hump encounters a visibly dazed Harrison and a bloodied Captain Larsen aboard deck. Hump witnesses another incident of violence below deck.
On the way home from buying a cake at the store, Flop meets Nurse jane Fuzzy Wuzzy and she gives him some stockings to hang out for Santa. When she leaves, he is chased by a fox. When he hides, he sees a mouse who tells him to throw a stocking full of leaves at him to fool him. He does and escapes.
Captain Larsen's, having become more possesive of Maud, excludes the crew from his table. Interference by the captain's brother, Death, results in monetary losses for the Ghost.
As the Ghost catches speed, propelled by the trade winds, Hump takes in the natural beauty of the ocean. Captain Larsen explains more of his philosophy on life to Hump.
A complaint by Johnson and his subsequent treatment results in an outbreak of violence throughout the ship.