Chapter 23 Summary

Jim does not return to Marlow until the next morning, having been kept to dinner and then overnight by Stein's request. He returns, however, with a letter for Cornelius and a silver ring that is to be Jim's introduction to a native chief known as Doramin. Jim attaches the ring to a string and ties it around his neck, he is afraid he might otherwise lose it.

Jim is visibly elated at the prospect and resolves to Marlow never to come back. A brigantine set to sail at four that afternoon would be Jim's passage to Patusan, and for the journey Marlow insists he take a revolver. In his haste, Jim forgets the two boxes of cartridges behind. Marlow orders his gig manned, but they cannot catch up to Jim before he boards the vessel.

Marlow, however, reaches the ship before it sets...