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The Lost World, Chapter 9 summary

Chapter 9 of 16 · 32 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 9, the explorers circle the plateau, confirm that pterodactyls survive there, and cross onto it using a felled tree as a bridge. Gomez destroys their crossing to avenge his brother, leaving the four men stranded with limited supplies and dependent on Zambo for contact with the outside world.

What happens

  1. Following signs attributed to Maple White, the explorers discover James Colver’s remains and find the cave route blocked by fallen rock.
  2. A falling stone threatens them, and a pterodactyl steals their supper, prompting Summerlee to apologize to Challenger.
  3. After completing an unsuccessful circuit, Challenger leads them up a separate pinnacle and uses its beech tree to bridge the gap.
  4. The four explorers cross, but Gomez destroys the bridge and announces revenge for his brother’s death at Roxton’s hands.
  5. Roxton shoots Gomez, and Zambo overpowers the other servant, but the explorers remain trapped on the plateau.
  6. Zambo sends supplies across by rope, while Malone writes a letter through the night and sees no escape.

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In this chapter

MaloneChallengerRoxtonSummerleeZambo

What to notice

The destroyed bridge changes exploration into enforced isolation. The men retain supplies and a loyal helper, but lose their route home.

Quick check

Why does Gomez destroy the bridge?

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