
CHAPTER I. ALLAN GIVES A SHOOTING LESSON
CHAPTER II. ALLAN MAKES A BET
CHAPTER III. MISS HOLMES
CHAPTER IV. HARÛT AND MARÛT
CHAPTER V. THE PLOT
CHAPTER VI. THE BONA FIDE GOLD MINE
CHAPTER VII. LORD RAGNALL’S STORY
CHAPTER VIII. THE START
CHAPTER IX. THE MEETING IN THE DESERT
CHAPTER X. CHARGE!
Allan Quatermain, the seasoned explorer whose life has never been ordinary, begins this tale by recalling a baffling conflict with the Black Kendah people and the death of their elephant deity, Jana. The episode hints at a world where myth and reality collide—an immense forest beast that may have been more than a simple animal, and a fledgling magic that proves far from flawless. These early events set the stage for a journey that blurs the line between the wild and the uncanny.
The narrative then shifts to England, where Quatermain is invited to the opulent Ragnall Castle, home of the charismatic Lord Ragnall—a man described as a perfect blend of scholar, athlete, poet, and millionaire. Intrigued by the baron's legendary reputation and the promise of meeting his celebrated fiancée, Miss Holmes, Quatermain sees an opportunity to witness a different kind of marvel. The castle’s grandeur and the genteel society surrounding it offer a stark contrast to his African exploits.
Yet even amidst polished halls and frosty December air, the adventure is far from over. A mysterious attendant named Mr. Savage appears, and subtle hints suggest that secrets lie beneath the castle’s elegant façade. As Quatermain’s curiosity draws him deeper, he soon discovers that the English countryside can conceal dangers as formidable as any jungle, promising a tale where bravery, wit, and unexpected twists intertwine.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (597K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-03-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1856–1925
Best known for the classic adventures King Solomon’s Mines and She, this English novelist helped shape the modern lost-world tale with stories full of danger, mystery, and far-off landscapes. His time in southern Africa fed the vivid settings and atmosphere that made his fiction so widely read.
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