Catriona · Chapter
The Highland Writer explained
David Balfour visits Charles Stewart, a lawyer, with a silver button from Alan Breck as a token.
What happens
David Balfour visits Charles Stewart, a lawyer, with a silver button from Alan Breck as a token. He entrusts Stewart with arranging Alan's escape, repaying a debt to Cluny, sending snuff to Mr. Henderland, and buying a gown for Alison Hastie. Despite Stewart's reluctance and suspicion of David's Whig politics, he agrees to help, and they discuss hiring a ship and finding David a discreet lodging.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
David's loyalty to Alan Breck drives him to seek help from Charles Stewart, despite the legal dangers. Stewart feels bound by clan loyalty to assist, even as he resents the burden.
Deception and Manipulation
David must navigate the need for secrecy, using a token to gain Stewart's trust while planning to surrender to the Lord Advocate without revealing their connection.
Honor and Duty
Stewart speaks of his duty to his clan and family, while David acts out of a sense of duty to his friend Alan and to repay those who helped him.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Visits Charles Stewart with Alan's silver button, entrusts him with several tasks, and declares his intention to surrender to the Lord Advocate.
- Charles Stewart
The Highland Writer; reluctantly agrees to help David due to the token from Alan Breck, expresses frustration with his clan obligations.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Referenced as the sender of the silver button; David seeks a ship to smuggle him out of the country.
- Lord Advocate Prestongrange
Mentioned as the authority David plans to call on to give himself up; Stewart warns against revealing their association.
- Alison Hastie
David asks Stewart to procure a Sunday gown for her as thanks for helping him and Alan cross the Forth.
- Robin Oig
Stewart's clerk, also a Stewart, involved in smuggling French recruits; suggests Andie Scougal for the ship.
- Hoseason
Mentioned as a possible skipper for the ship; David recalls his past dealings with him on the brig Covenant.
Key passages
“I have no great mind to it; but coming as you do with Alan’s button, the choice is scarcely left me.”
Charles Stewart reluctantly agrees to help David because of the token from Alan Breck, feeling he has no real choice.
Stewart's acceptance is driven by clan obligation rather than personal willingness.
“I would think shame to be otherwise the first day of my fortune.”
David expresses that he would be ashamed to act wastefully on the very first day of his new wealth.
David shows thrift and caution in managing his inheritance.
“The clan and the name, that goes by all. It’s just what you said yourself; my father learned it to me, and a bonny trade I have of it.”
Stewart laments that his clan and family name force him into a dangerous and unwanted trade of smuggling and treason.
Stewart's complaint highlights the burden of inherited loyalty.