Blind Corner · Chapter
V: We Go to Ground explained
The chapter opens with the group recovering from the previous night's attack, establishing a defensive position in the castle's harness-room.
What happens
The chapter opens with the group recovering from the previous night's attack, establishing a defensive position in the castle's harness-room. They plan to relocate their base to the oubliette, using a shoot for supplies, and to leave Wagensburg to mislead Rose Noble. Mansel takes compass bearings to determine the direction for digging a new shaft, while Chandos observes the enemy's activities from the roof, noting their slow progress building a wall. Mansel devises a plan to draw the enemy into the combe to allow for surveying, and they prepare to execute this feint.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Endurance
The group must endure physical hardship and psychological strain as they plan to live in the oubliette and dig a new shaft under constant threat.
Deception and Disguise
Mansel plans to deceive Rose Noble by leaving Wagensburg, and later devises a feint to draw the enemy away, highlighting the theme of strategic deception.
Adventure and Risk
The chapter is filled with risky undertakings, from surveying the enemy's position to planning a dangerous dig, embodying the adventurous spirit of the treasure hunt.
Characters to notice
- Jonathan Mansel
Leads the planning, takes compass bearings, and devises the strategy to mislead Rose Noble and draw the enemy into the combe.
- Richard William Chandos
Narrates the chapter, observes the enemy from the roof, and assists in the reconnaissance.
- Carson Hanbury
Guards the kitchen-quarters and later participates in the reconnaissance.
- George Hanbury
Makes a key observation that helps unloose the Gordian knot of their difficulties.
- Rose Noble
The antagonist, seen directing the enemy's efforts to build a wall, showing impatience with his men's laziness.
- Ellis
Not seen during the observation, but assumed to be acting as a sentinel behind the breastwork.
Key passages
“We’re doomed to get wet,”
Mansel jokes that they will inevitably get wet, referring to the water in the well.
Shows Mansel's humor and acceptance of the difficult conditions.
“Dormitory and parlour,”
Mansel describes the oubliette as their living quarters until they win the treasure.
Highlights their commitment to the plan and the makeshift nature of their base.
“I think we must make a bid for the distance from the covert to the well.”
Mansel insists on measuring the distance from their hiding spot to the well, despite the risk.
Shows Mansel's determination to gather crucial information for the dig.