# Billy the Boy — Robbery Under Arms character guide

> Billy the Boy in Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bill, William, Master Billy

**First appearance:** 0001-robbery-under-arms

## Snapshot

A cocky young stockman who pulls a revolver on Dick Marston to prove he belongs with the bushrangers, and gets the last laugh while grown men brawl.

## Who they are

Billy is a boy among hardened men, yet he carries himself with a swagger that makes Dick Marston look foolish when he tries to send him home. He has a mother somewhere, a revolver he is not afraid to use, and a tongue sharp enough to shame his elders for quarrelling like schoolboys. His presence among the gang raises uncomfortable questions about who the bush really claims, and how young the life of outlawry begins.

## Relationships

### [Jim Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/jim_marston)

_professional_

Billy is a young, loyal gang member who looks up to Jim as a mentor and leader.

### [Jim Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/jim_marston)

_professional_

Billy is a young, loyal gang member who looks up to Jim as a mentor and leader.

### [Jim Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/jim_marston)

_professional_

Billy is a young, loyal gang member who looks up to Jim as a mentor and leader.

## In the story

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/ix)

The stable boy who warns the men about the mare's bad temper and provides background on Miss Falkland's horse.

### [The Toss of a Coin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xi)

Billy the Boy identifies the valuable imported bull, Fifteenth Duke of Cambridge, which is taken along with the herd.

### [Homecoming and Resolve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxi)

Arrives with news that police are coming at dawn; described as a sharp, ragged youth.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxiv)

Gave the tip that allowed the gang to escape before the police raid.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Provides intelligence on Jim's capture and guides Dick to the ambush site.

### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Fires revolver and shouts during the robbery; later sent to camp for a doctor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/billy_the_boy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters