# IX: In Which He Has a Near Shave explained — Bulldog Drummond

> Chapter companion for Bulldog Drummond by H. C. McNeile.

## What happens

Drummond and the American detective Mr. Green observe Carl Peterson in disguise as the Comte de Guy dining with wealthy industrialists in Paris. Drummond reveals Peterson's criminal nature and his involvement with revolutionaries. Later, Drummond survives an assassination attempt via poisoned darts. On the return boat to England, Drummond taunts a seasick Peterson. Back in London, Peter Darrell reports that Toby Sinclair has been attacked at Godalming.

## Themes in this chapter

### Villainy and Moral Ambiguity

Peterson is portrayed as a super-criminal who dines with both revolutionaries and millionaires, blurring lines between crime and high society.

### Deception and Disguise

Peterson's disguise as the Comte de Guy, Jerningham's waiter act, and the use of a blowpipe and poisoned darts highlight pervasive deception.

### Heroism and Masculinity

Drummond's coolness under attack, his taunting of Peterson, and his protective role toward friends exemplify a rugged, adventurous heroism.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Hugh Drummond

Narrates the chapter; taunts Peterson on the boat; survives poisoned dart attack.

### Carl Peterson

Disguised as the Comte de Guy in Paris; later seasick on the boat; orchestrates assassination attempt.

### Mr. Jerome K. Green

American detective; identifies Peterson as a master criminal; helps remove a dart from Drummond's sleeve.

### Ted Jerningham

Disguised as a waiter in Paris; pilots Potts to safety; accompanies Drummond on the boat.

### Peter Darrell

Meets Drummond at Half Moon Street; reports Toby Sinclair's disappearance at Godalming.

### Toby Sinclair

Reported to have been attacked during a phone call from Godalming.

## Key lines

> Captain, you have me guessing.

The American detective expresses confusion about Drummond's motives.

_Opens the chapter with Mr. Green's bewilderment._

> He's the biggest proposition we've ever been up against on this little old earth, and he's done us every time.

Mr. Green describes Peterson as an elusive master criminal who always escapes.

_Highlights Peterson's reputation as a genius villain._

> Not far off getting you that time, Captain.

Mr. Green warns Drummond that the poisoned dart nearly struck him.

_Underlines the narrow escape from assassination._

> Some day, I'll—

Peterson starts to threaten Drummond but is cut off.

_Shows Peterson's fury and Drummond's taunting._

> There's something doing down at Godalming I don't like.

Peter Darrell reports trouble at the Godalming house.

_Sets up the next crisis involving Toby Sinclair._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulldog_drummond_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulldog_drummond_se/chapters