# V: We Go to Ground explained — Blind Corner

> Chapter companion for Blind Corner by Dornford Yates.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/blind_corner_se/chapters/v-we-go-to-ground
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/blind_corner_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/blind_corner_se/chapters