The Call of the Wild
Chapter 5: The Toil of Trace and Trail
by Jack London
The exhausted sled team arrives at Skaguay, where they meet their new owners.
The exhausted sled team arrives at Skaguay, where they meet their new owners.
After arriving from India by ship, Captaing Crewe reluctantly leaves his daughter in the care of Miss Minchin.
There is talk of ghosts.
The narrator describes the different kinds of flora that grow in the spring.
Carol and Will travel to Gopher Prairie by train, following their marriage. Carol observes the other passengers as the travels, feeling that she could help improve their lives. After great anticipation, Carol arrives in Gopher Prairie.
David reminisces about his experiences in at Canterbury.
Agnes Grey pays her visit to Ashby Park.
Booker's travels throughout Europe introduce him to a number of new teaching methods, as well as instilling a since of hope for equality in the United States.
Kate, captivated by George, pays him a visit.
Preparations for Jane and Rochester’s wedding do not run smoothly. Mrs. Fairfax treats Jane coldly because she doesn’t realize that Jane was already engaged to Rochester when she allowed him to kiss her. But even after she learns the truth, Mrs. Fairfax maintains her disapproval of the marriage. Jane feels unsettled, almost fearful, when Rochester calls her by what will soon be her name, Jane Rochester. Jane explains that everything feels impossibly ideal, like a fairy-tale or a daydream. Rochester certainly tries to turn Jane into a Cinderella-like figure: he tells her he will dress her in jewels and in finery befitting her new social station, at which point Jane becomes terrified and self-protective. She has a premonitory feeling that the wedding will not happen, and she decides to write her uncle, John Eyre, who is in Madeira. Jane reasons that if John Eyre were to make her his heir, her inheritance might put her on more equal footing with Rochester, which would make her feel less uncomfortable about the marriage.
Carol reluctantly returns to Gopher Prairie, where she is welcomed back by many of the townspeople. Carol becomes active in local activities, and soon gives birth to her daughter. Although much time has passed, life in Gopher Prairie proceeds as it always has.
Raymond enlists, as America enters World War I. Kennicott's desire to enlist is discouraged by the Doctor's Council of Gopher Prairie. Now a wealthy businessman in Boston, Percy Bresnahan returns to visit his hometown amidst a great celebration from the all of Gopher Prairie.
Meg discovers that married life is not as easy as she thought.
Monsieur Noirtier speaks to Valentine about her upcoming marriage to Franz.
The author diverts the emperor, and his nobility of both sexes, in a very uncommon manner. The diversions of the court of Lilliput described. The author has his liberty granted him upon certain conditions.
A still shaken Aronnax, is approached by Ned Land with another plan for escape. The crew of the Nautilus become increasingly upset.
Mark and Ruth return home. Mr. March discovers that Edna May looks like his dead wife. They realize that Edna is Frank’s lost sister.
Ghost, having reached Japan, takes advantage of the migrating seal herds. Captain Larsen, Mugridge, and Hump, having remained on ship, attempt to reach the sealing ships before the approaching storm does. Captain Larsen evaluates his losses.
Queen Titania’s baby is missing.
A young boy keeps a secret that has him passed from one household to the next. He is able to outsmart everyone he meets and becomes King of Hungary.
William discusses Pelet, his mother, and a strange meeting with two women.
Thoreau continues to describe winter in Walden Pond.
The girls each write a letter to their mother.
The Reverend Crisparkle visits with Mr. Honeythunder before stopping by the Staple Inn to see Neville. Grewgious questions Crisparkle about Jasper's whereabouts. Neville becomes acquainted with Tartar.