Chapter 1: The Journey to Jamaica Inn
Mary Yellan, a young woman orphaned by her father's seafaring exploits, travels to Helford, Cornwall, to live with her aunt, Patience Merlyn. Mary's journey is unsettling, filled with foreboding from ominous signs and encounters. She arrives at Jamaica Inn, an isolated and sinister establishment.
Example: "The inn was an old one, built of grey stone and standing back from the road, with long, low windows and a great arched doorway. A flight of granite steps led up to it, and over the door was a signboard with the name Jamaica Inn painted on it in black letters."
Chapter 2: The Inn's Strange Inhabitants
Mary meets the inn's enigmatic and intimidating inhabitants. Her aunt, Patience, is a hardened and domineering woman, while her cousins, Joss and Harry Bligh, are rough and unpredictable smugglers. Mary finds herself a stranger in her own family home.
Example: "Joss and Harry were both tall, dark men, with heavy black hair and sullen faces. They wore rough clothes and boots, and their hands were hard and dirty. They sat at the table, eating and drinking, and they hardly spoke a word to Mary."
Chapter 3: Joss Merlyn's Scheme
Joss Merlyn reveals his plan to Mary: he intends to rob a wrecked ship hidden in a nearby cove. Mary is horrified, but she finds herself drawn to the dangerous allure of the scheme.
Example: "We'll wait for the tide to turn, and then we'll row out to the cove. We'll board the ship and take whatever we can find. I'm not going to let some fine lady come between me and my fortune."
Chapter 4: The Wreck on the Reef
Mary accompanies Joss and Harry on their expedition to the wrecked ship. During a fierce storm, their boat capsizes, and Mary finds herself trapped in the wreckage. Joss risks his own life to save her.
Example: "The boat was tossed about like a toy, and the waves crashed into it with terrifying force. Mary was thrown from her seat and fell into the water. She fought to keep afloat, but the current was too strong."
Chapter 5: The Hidden Truth
As Mary recovers at the inn, she begins to suspect that Joss and Harry's smuggling operations are more sinister than they appear. She discovers a hidden cache of guns and learns that her aunt is involved in a conspiracy with a notorious villain.
Example: "Mary followed the sound of footsteps to a secret room. She pushed open the door and gasped in horror. The room was filled with guns and ammunition. In the center of the room was a large wooden chest, and Patience Merlyn was kneeling beside it."
Chapter 6: The Duel
Mary confronts Joss with her suspicions, and a violent confrontation ensues. Joss draws his gun on Mary, but she is saved by the intervention of Jem Merlyn, her aunt's estranged brother. Jem challenges Joss to a duel, which Joss reluctantly accepts.
Example: "Joss turned to Mary, his eyes blazing with hatred. 'You little fool,' he said. 'I should have killed you when I had the chance.' He raised his gun and pointed it at her."
Chapter 7: The Resolution
In a climactic duel, Jem defeats Joss and restores order to Jamaica Inn. The conspiracy is exposed, and Patience Merlyn is arrested for her crimes. Mary finds peace and redemption at last.
Example: "Jem raised his sword and charged at Joss. The two men met in the middle of the room, and their swords clashed. They fought with a fury that was both terrifying and inspiring. Finally, Jem managed to disarm Joss and force him to surrender."
