Catriona · Chapter
On the March Again with Alan explained
David and Alan reunite and travel eastward along the coast, discussing Alan's time in hiding, his longing for Scotland, and their plan to meet a ship behind the Isle of Fidra.
What happens
David and Alan reunite and travel eastward along the coast, discussing Alan's time in hiding, his longing for Scotland, and their plan to meet a ship behind the Isle of Fidra. Alan uses humor and storytelling to interact with locals, while David reflects on his companion's character.
Themes in this chapter
Exile and Belonging
Alan expresses his longing for Scotland and his discomfort at leaving, highlighting the theme of exile.
Deception and Manipulation
Alan uses a fabricated story about a cold to engage the innkeeper's wife, demonstrating his skill in deception for disguise.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Narrator and traveler, reunites with Alan and observes his behavior.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Recently emerged from hiding, wears distinctive boot-hose, shares his experiences and plans for escape to France.
- Charles Stewart
Mentioned as the one who would tell Alan the time on his watch; Alan gives his address in care of Charles Stewart.
- Count Drummond-Melfort
Mentioned as Alan's colonel, an author who writes books like Caesar.
Key passages
“I feel like a gomeral to be leaving Scotland on a day like this. It sticks in my head; I would maybe like it better to stay here and hing.”
Alan feels foolish about leaving Scotland on such a beautiful day and almost prefers to stay and face the consequences.
Alan expresses his emotional attachment to Scotland and reluctance to go into exile.
“A man should aye put his best foot forrit with the womenkind; he should aye give them a bit of a story to divert them, the poor lambs!”
A man should always make a good impression on women by entertaining them with a story.
Alan explains his method of engaging women through storytelling and flattery.