X: Jimmy Adopts a Lame Dog explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Crime and Morality

  Jimmy's decision to retire from burglary and reform Spike contrasts with their criminal past.

• Identity and Transformation

  Jimmy declares a new identity as a respectable citizen, while Spike struggles with the loss of their criminal partnership.

• Humor and Irony

  Spike's genteel sips and Jimmy's sarcastic advice about society spoons provide comic relief.

Characters to notice

• Jimmy Pitt

  Reunites with Spike, learns the burgled house belonged to McEachern, and declares his retirement from crime.

• Spike Mullins

  Arrives in London in poor condition, reveals McEachern's name, and is taken in by Jimmy.

• John McEachern

  Identified as the police captain whose house Jimmy and Spike burgled; described as a grafter.

• Molly McEachern

  Mentioned by Spike as McEachern's attractive daughter, causing Jimmy's sharp reaction.

Key passages

• ““ ’Scuse these duds,” he said. “Me man’s bin an’ mislaid de trunk wit me best suit in. Dis is me number two.””

  Spike apologizes for his shabby clothes, joking that his valet lost his trunk.

  Spike's humor about his poverty.

• ““I t’ought it was time I give old Lunnon a call. T’ings was getting too fierce in Noo York. De cops was layin’ for me.””

  Spike says he came to London because the police were after him in New York.

  Spike explains his sudden appearance.

• ““I’ve retired.””

  Jimmy announces he has given up burglary.

  Jimmy's declaration of reform.

• ““You’re my link with⁠—I don’t want to have you remembering that address in the second month of a ten-year spell at Dartmoor.””

  Jimmy says he will keep Spike close to prevent him from being imprisoned.

  Jimmy's protective motive.