Beauvallet · Chapter
XIX explained
After Beauvallet's escape, the Spanish authorities scramble to recapture him.
What happens
After Beauvallet's escape, the Spanish authorities scramble to recapture him. Perinat warns that Beauvallet will slip through any net, while Don Rodriguez fears for his niece Dominica's safety. King Philip II orders a party north to Vasconosa and sends runners to the ports and frontier. Meanwhile, Beauvallet and Joshua Dimmock ride north, aware of the pursuit but determined to reach Dominica.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Risk
Beauvallet's daring escape and the high-stakes race north highlight the thrill and danger of his quest.
Power and Authority
King Philip's calm but absolute control over the pursuit contrasts with the chaos of Beauvallet's evasion.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Don Rodriguez's conflicted loyalty to family and crown, and Perinat's fierce dedication to capturing Beauvallet.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Escapes from captivity, disguises himself as Don Cristobal de Porres, and rides north with Joshua Dimmock.
- Joshua Dimmock
Aids Beauvallet's escape, procures horses and supplies, and rides with him toward Vasconosa.
- Don Maxia de Perinat
Rages over Beauvallet's escape and predicts he will evade capture, pointing to Dominica as his goal.
- Don Rodriguez de Carvalho
Hesitates to inform the King of Beauvallet's probable destination, fearing for his niece and the Inquisition.
- Don Cristobal de Porres
Reports Beauvallet's escape to King Philip and is tasked with organizing the pursuit.
- King Philip II of Spain
Orders runners to the frontier and ports, and sends a party to Vasconosa to capture Beauvallet.
Key passages
“You may stop the ports, you may bar the Frontier, but he will slip through your guards, and laugh at you as he does so!”
Perinat insists that no matter how many barriers are set, Beauvallet will evade them and mock his pursuers.
Perinat's prophetic frustration underscores Beauvallet's legendary elusiveness.
“He must be captured, said the King at length, and struck a silver handbell at his side.”
King Philip calmly declares that Beauvallet must be caught and summons his secretary to issue orders.
Philip's measured response contrasts with the panic of his courtiers.
“A race for life this time! he said, wheeled about, and drove in his heels.”
Beauvallet laughs and spurs his horse, acknowledging the deadly urgency of their flight.
Beauvallet's thrill in danger is evident as he embraces the chase.