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Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog), Chapter 9 summary

Chapter 9 of 19 · 15 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 9, George takes his turn towing, and the narrator describes tangled ropes, inattentive helpers, and dangerous boating before the companions choose to continue toward Runnymead. The narrator then recalls a frightening search for Wallingford Lock, which ends when passing boaters explain that the lock no longer exists.

What happens

  1. George reluctantly leaves the boat to tow, but the carefully packed line tangles as he unwinds it.
  2. The narrator describes towing mishaps, including two men whose unattended boat drifts away while they untangle their rope.
  3. George tells how a distracted couple unknowingly tows his boat to Marlow, while their aunt’s whereabouts remain unknown.
  4. Further examples show the dangers of horse towing and the delays caused by girls who repeatedly stop.
  5. George tows to Penton Hook, where the companions decide to continue toward Runnymead rather than stop early.
  6. The narrator recalls searching for Wallingford Lock with his cousin until passing boaters explain its removal, ending their fear.

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In this chapter

George

Quick check

Why can the narrator and his cousin not find Wallingford Lock?

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