David Harum

John Lenox

David Harum mentors and befriends the young John Lenox, guiding him in business and life.

Mrs. Bixbee

Mrs. Bixbee is a close confidante and neighbor to David Harum, sharing gossip and support.

Aunt Polly

Aunt Polly is David Harum's relative, likely an aunt, who lives with him and manages his household.

Billy P. Cullom

Billy P. Cullom is a business associate or employee of David Harum, involved in local trade.

Mrs. Cullom

Mrs. Cullom is a neighbor and social acquaintance of David Harum, often involved in community matters.

Chet Timson

Chet Timson is a business rival of David Harum, often clashing over deals and influence.

Miss Verjoos

Miss Verjoos is a local spinster and social acquaintance of David Harum.

Deakin Perkins

Deakin Perkins is a business partner or employee of David Harum, involved in horse trading or banking.

Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith is a business associate of David Harum, likely a customer or trader.

Dick Larrabee

Dick Larrabee is a friend and occasional drinking companion of David Harum.

John Lenox

David Harum mentors and befriends the young John Lenox, guiding him in business and life.

Mrs. Bixbee

Mrs. Bixbee is a close confidante and neighbor to David Harum, sharing gossip and support.

David Harum

Introduced as the central figure, a banker and horse trader known for his wit and moral ambiguity.

I

Tells the story of buying a horse and discusses his decision to bring John Lenox from New York.

Chapter II

Tells the story of selling a balky horse to Deacon Perkins, demonstrating his cunning and enjoyment of the deal.

Chapter XI

Writes to General Wolsey seeking a replacement cashier from outside Homeville.

XII

Mentioned as the bank owner who hired John and sold horses to Robinson; also referenced as having let Chet Timson go.

XIII

Arrives at the bank and is introduced to John Lenox; described in detail.

XIV

Confronts Bill Montaig over a debt, physically ejects him, and later discusses John's background and adjustment to Homeville.

XV

David grumbles about Chet's departure, invites John to tea, and warns Mrs. Bixbee not to mention eagles.

XVI

Sits reading his paper, teases Aunt Polly, and recounts his experiment with John Lenox regarding counterfeit bills.

XVII

Tells John the history of the Cullom family and reveals his plan to call in Mrs. Cullom's mortgage on Christmas morning.

XVIII

Defends horse-trading ethics, reveals his scheme to John, and is delayed by a colt's injury before attending to Mrs. Cullom.

XIX

David negotiates with Mrs. Cullom, explaining his business motives and sharing a personal story from his youth.

Chapter XX

Recounts his childhood circus trip with Billy P. Cullom and reveals he has paid off Mrs. Cullom's mortgage as repayment for that kindness.

Chapter XXI

Tells John the story of Purse's loan and Timson's indiscretion, explains his hiring philosophy, and invites John to dinner.

XXII

Discussed at length; his secret generosity toward Lish Harum is revealed.

XXII

David's mean half-brother, who was secretly supported by David in the poorhouse.

XXIII

Hosts the Christmas dinner, carves the turkey, and jokes with the household.

Chapter XXIV

Tells the story of Amri Shapless and Lize Annis's failed marriage attempt and recounts taking Aunt Polly to a New York theater.

XXV

David shares personal stories about his first horse, his canal work, and his childhood hardships, revealing his character and past.

XXV

David references his older brother 'Lish as a cruel figure from his childhood, worse than the rough canal workers.

XXVI

Narrates a lengthy anecdote about his visit to Mr. Price in Newport, highlighting his rustic manners and humorous misadventures with high society customs.

XXVII

Tells John about his dinner at the Price's, including his napkin incident and the story of Elder Maybee's powder.

XXVIII

David explains the social hierarchy of Homeville, discusses the Verjoos family, and shares his philosophy on contentment.

XXIX

Tells the story of his horse trade with the Verjoos family, reflecting on his business acumen and his relationship with the community.

The Second Winter

Expresses deep affection for John, comparing him to his lost son; enjoys driving with John and shares his philosophy on horses and companionship.

XXXI

Declines to discuss John's contribution to household expenses; praises John's driving skill and musical ability to Dick Larrabee.

XXXII

David advises John to accept the choir leadership, using his characteristic horse-trading analogies.

XXXIII

Meets John and Miss Clara on the road, jokes about her horse Kirby, and expresses admiration for her.

XXXIV

Narrates his Sunday horse-trading trip to 'Lizer Howe's, using hypotheticals to close a deal despite 'Lizer's scruples.

XXXV

Discusses John's prospects and the Verjoos family with Aunt Polly.

XXXVI

Encourages John, offers him a carriage, and humorously describes John's singing.

David's Tale of Matrimony

David recounts his marriage to a widow, describing his youthful naivety, the early joys, and the growing jealousy and domestic turmoil.

David's Story: The Bonnet and the Baby

Narrates the story of his wife's bonnet, her illness, and the birth and death of their child.

XL

David shares intimate memories of his son's death and his near-remarriage, revealing his enduring sorrow and generosity.

Chapter XLI

Narrates the story of how he outmaneuvered Lawyer Staples in the railroad controversy using a subscription paper.

XLII

Proposes the pork speculation, explains the market, and manages the trade with characteristic patience and humor.

XLIII

David questions John about marriage and his past, then proposes a business partnership and reveals his plan to close his bank.

XLIV

Shows deep concern for John's health, insists he take a leave, and offers to manage John's property and oil lease negotiations.

XLVII

Sends a cable to John about the sale of the Pennsylvania property, indicating the stock is good.

XLVIII

Sits at his desk in the office of Harum & Co., reads a letter from Napoli with great interest and excitement, then bolts out toward the house.

Epilogue

Still living and active, despite a hypothetical accident; continues his usual habits, now using a younger horse.