We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

The Confidence-Man Chapter 20 Summary

Reappearance of One Who May Be Remembered

  • The herb-doctor runs into the coughing miser who gave Tassel the $100. The miser is in a panic looking for Tassel.
  • When the miser sees the herb-doctor, he realizes this is the guy Tassel had mentioned. The miser verifies his identity, and the herb-doctor is delighted to help search for Tassel—or John Thurman, as he calls him. Another name. Woot.
  • The herb-doctor walks the miser around and around on the boat until catching sight of Thurman. The miser doesn't see him, but he follows close behind the herb-doctor as he calls for him.
  • According to the herb-doctor's singular perspective, we get this: Oh, no, the boat is docking. Oh, no, Thurman is getting off the ship. Oh, no, the ship is heading back out again. Too bad, so sad.
  • The herb-doctor tells the miser he wishes they could have caught Thurman so that the miser could invest. The miser repeats that he already has invested but needs a receipt. The herb-doctor is thrilled and says pish-posh to receipts—Thurman's got your back.
  • The herb-doctor leads the miser back to his room, and they discuss the miser's cough. The miser buys a box of herbs, but he tries to cheat the herb-doctor by giving him Spanish coins of low value.
  • The herb-doctor accepts the coins but tells the miser he hopes he isn't faking a cough to get discounted medicine.
  • Anyway, the herb-doctor has to go now, because he's getting off the ship that night.