In William Faulkner's "The Reivers," young Lucius Priest embarks on an unexpected and transformative adventure in 1905. Enticed by the thrill of rebellion and the lure of freedom, Lucius joins Boon Hogganbeck and Ned McCaslin on a journey to Memphis. This journey, undertaken in a "borrowed" automobile, becomes a rite of passage, challenging Lucius's notions of morality, responsibility, and maturity.

The Start of a Reckless Adventure

Lucius, merely eleven years old, accompanies Boon Hogganbeck, a part-Chickasaw Indian known for his loyalty yet unpredictability, on a trip to Memphis. Boon, a man passionate about machinery, but often unreliable, tempts Lucius with the prospect of driving the Winton Flyer, a prized automobile owned by Lucius’s grandfather. The car's owner, Lucius's grandfather, is away in Louisiana attending a funeral, unaware of their escapade. Despite Lucius’s initial hesitance, Boon's allure proves too tempting. They set off, discovering only later that Ned McCaslin, the Priests’ resourceful yet freeloading black coachman, is an unexpected stowaway hidden in the backseat.

A Muddy Predicament

Their journey is soon hampered by the poor condition of the roads, forcing an overnight stay at Miss Ballenbaugh’s—a small rural store with accommodations for travelers. After indulging in a renowned breakfast, they resume their journey, reaching Hell Creek, a notoriously muddy stretch that traps their automobile. Nearby, a shrewd local man observes their struggle, his mules ready in plow harness. Despite their efforts with various tools, the car remains stuck. Eventually, the local offers his help, asserting that mud is the region's best crop. A tense negotiation ensues, where Boon disputes the six-dollar fee, arguing the diverse company—a white boy and a black man—merits a discount. The local wryly retorts that his mules are indifferent to color.

Unplanned Pit Stops in Memphis

Upon arrival in Memphis, instead of heading to the anticipated Gayoso Hotel, Boon diverts them to Miss Reba’s brothel, seeking a visit with Miss Corrie, one of the women there. That evening, Ned, driven by his gambling inclinations, recklessly trades the borrowed car for a racehorse, a dubious investment given the horse’s track record of never winning. This trade necessitates Lucius’s reluctant transformation into a jockey, to race against Colonel Linscomb’s superior horse, Acheron, in a bid to reclaim their means of transportation.

Confrontations and Realizations

In Memphis, Lucius faces numerous challenges. He stands up to Otis, a spiteful boy who insults his aunt, Miss Corrie, thereby defending her honor and boosting her self-esteem. Meanwhile, Boon and Ned encounter legal troubles with Butch Lovemaiden, a corrupt deputy sheriff. Amidst these issues, it is revealed that Otis has stolen a gold tooth treasured by Miss Reba's maid, Minnie. Boon finds himself in altercations with rivals vying for Miss Corrie's affection. These predicaments force Lucius to step up, embracing the responsibilities of a gentleman, which bring him face-to-face with the loss of his childhood innocence and a brush with despair. Yet, he understands that retreating would only result in disgrace.

The Burden of Consequences

Lucius emerges from this tumultuous journey older but burdened by his actions. His conscience weighs heavily, especially when his grandfather arrives to address the upheaval. Seeking guidance, Lucius questions how to cope with his misdeeds and their associated guilt. His grandfather’s wisdom is stern and simple: nothing in life is forgotten, and living with one’s actions is a mark of maturity. A gentleman, his grandfather insists, faces his responsibilities and the accompanying repercussions without flinching. In a tender moment, he advises Lucius to wash his tear-streaked face, stating that while a gentleman may weep, he must cleanse himself afterward. This lesson marks Lucius's transition from boyhood to the threshold of adulthood.