How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
On the very day of your sea disaster, Mr. Campbell stalked into my office, demanding you from all the winds. I had never heard of your existence; but I had known your father; and from matters in my competence (to be touched upon hereafter) I was disposed to fear the worst. (27.38)
These are Rankeillor's words to Davie. Remember Mr. Campbell, back from the beginning of the novel, who is pretty much Davie's moral compass? It's nice to see that Davie has more than one friend in the world, and that Mr. Campbell is willing to go looking for him when he goes missing.
Quote #8
So far as I was concerned myself, I had come to port; but I had still Alan, to whom I was so much beholden, on my hands; and I felt besides a heavy charge in the matter of the murder and James of the Glens. (30.1)
The problem with having friends, of course, is that you feel obliged to help them when they're in trouble. And boy, is Alan in a lot of trouble. But Rankeillor counsels Davie that, as a gentleman, he has to help Alan escape to France. And Davie agrees. Much of clan life in the Highland chapters is governed by family rules of honor, but here we see similar duties being proposed for friends who are unconnected by blood. It warms the heart!
Quote #9
Alan and I went slowly forward upon our way, having little heart either to walk or speak. The same thought was uppermost in both, that we were near the time of our parting; and remembrance of all the bygone days sate upon us sorely. (30.11)
Aw, they're going to miss each other! Here we have final proof that much of the emotional energy of the novel comes from the friendship between Alan and Davie. How would you characterize that friendship? Do you think that, if they were both magically returned to normal life, they would remain best buds? What is the glue that holds their friendship together?