# The Wood by Silvermills explained — Catriona

> Chapter companion for Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

David Balfour goes to the wood by Silvermills to meet Alan Breck, but along the way he wrestles with guilt over his bargain with Catriona and the danger he has brought upon her father, James More. He considers surrendering to Prestongrange but ultimately decides to stay and warn Alan. They meet in the dark, and David recounts his story. Alan laughs and shares his thoughts on their pursuers, discussing whether they are after David alone or both of them, and they consider their next move.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

David struggles with his loyalty to Alan and Catriona, feeling he has betrayed them by his actions, and considers betraying Alan by surrendering to Prestongrange.

### Honor and Duty

David's internal debate about self-indulgence versus self-denial reflects his sense of duty to protect Alan and James More, and his desire to act honorably.

## Character check-ins

### David Balfour

David reflects on his actions, feels guilt over his bargain with Catriona, and considers surrendering to Prestongrange before deciding to stay and warn Alan.

### Alan Breck Stewart

Alan meets David in the wood, laughs at his story, and discusses the danger from the Frasers and Macgregors, showing his experience in evasion and combat.

### Catriona Drummond

David thinks of Catriona and his bargain with her, worrying that she may have endangered her father to help him.

### James More Macgregor

James More is mentioned as Catriona's father, whose life may be jeopardized by David's actions.

### Lord Advocate Prestongrange

David considers going to Prestongrange to make a full submission and end his troubles.

### Symon Fraser

Alan speaks ill of Symon Fraser, calling him a devilish character, as part of the threat they face.

## Key lines

> I lost no time, but down through the valley and by Stockbrig and Silvermills as hard as I could stave.

David hurried through the valley and past Stockbrig and Silvermills as fast as he could.

_David's urgency to reach the tryst with Alan._

> A good conscience is eight parts of courage.

Having a clear conscience gives most of the courage one needs.

_David reflects on how his guilt undermines his bravery._

> How can Satan cast out Satan?

How can evil be used to overcome evil?

_David uses this biblical reference to argue that self-indulgence cannot cure the problems caused by self-indulgence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters/xi-the-wood-by-silvermills
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters