Mr. Bastin

When the World Shook

A companion in the adventure, introduced as part of the trio.

II: Bastin and Bickley

Described as simple, good, and utterly literal in faith; he becomes vicar of Fulcombe and engages in theological debates with Bickley.

III: Natalie

Bastin's wife dies after a jealous outburst; he later canonizes her as a saintly devoted wife.

IV: Death and Departure

Offers a conventional Christian interpretation of Natalie's death; later argues about a book critical of missionaries.

V: The Cyclone

Engages in religious arguments with Bickley, studies the South Sea Island language, and is present during the séances and planchette incident.

Land

Attempts to convert the natives to Christianity; argues with Bickley about theology; survives the cyclone hanging from a towel.

VII: The Orofenans

Retires during the idol ceremony, later begins missionary work, teaching and preaching, but causes tension with native priests.

VIII: Bastin Attempts the Martyr's Crown

Plans and executes the burning of the idol of Oro, preaching to the natives afterward.

IX: The Island in the Lake

Shows perfect faith and indifference to danger, focusing on breakfast and his converts; mildly interested in the cave but more concerned with practical needs.

X: The Dwellers in the Tomb

Carries the blackened head of Oro as a pillow, is more interested in the natives and tea than the archaeological discovery, and makes tea after their belongings are returned.

XI: Resurrection

Argues with Bickley about theology; mutters about Yva's libation being a heathen offering; breaks the tension with a blunt remark about Arbuthnot and Yva.

XII: Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Years!

Accepts Yva's explanation as reasonable, builds a hut and traps fish, and dismisses the sleepers as evil spirits.

XIII: Oro Speaks and Bastin Argues

Argues with Oro about theology, comparing Oro's deluge to Noah's flood, and is horrified at the idea of being mistaken for a priest of Baal.

XIV: The Underworld

Worries about Tommy; drinks the Life-water and begins singing a hymn; expresses discomfort during the descent.

XV: Oro in His House

Eagerly offers to teach Oro about Christianity, remains covered before the statue of Fate, and questions Yva about her god.

Visions of the Past

Compares the visions to a moving-picture show and a magic performance; asks to leave to cook food.

Yva Explains

Reluctantly goes to the sepulchre to attempt converting Oro, carrying a Bible in the South Sea Islands language.

XVIII: The Accident

Teaches Yva English and prays for Arbuthnot; returns dishevelled and without his native Bible.

XIX: The Proposals of Bastin and Bickley

Confesses to Arbuthnot that he fell in love with Yva and proposed to her, but was refused.

XX: Oro and Arbuthnot Travel by Night

Quoted by Arbuthnot regarding the existence of 'something behind Fate,' but does not appear directly in the chapter.

XXI: Love's Eternal Altar

Mentioned as having expounded a faith centered on sacrifice, which Yva references.

The Command

Congratulates Arbuthnot awkwardly; offers to perform a Christian wedding; comments on the beauty of the evening and Tommy's behavior.

XXIII: In the Temple of Fate

Bastin is present during the descent and audience with Oro, though his role is minimal in this chapter.

XXIV: The Chariot of the Pit

Argues with Bickley; compares the blue flashes to tramway sparks; remains oblivious to the deeper tension.

XXV: Sacrifice

Bravely confronts Oro, calling him devilish and warning of damnation.

XXVI: Tommy

Defends Yva's sacrifice and argues with Oro, comparing her death to Elijah's translation.

XXVII: Bastin Discovers a Resemblance

Volunteers as a chaplain for the 201st Division, defends Yva's conversion, and argues for the spiritual value of his work over Bickley's medical role.

Epilogue

Inherits a third of Arbuthnot's estate; talks of the 'deceitfulness of riches' but considers missionary work.