Catriona · Chapter
The Missing Witness explained
David Balfour, imprisoned on the Bass Rock, wrestles with his conscience over his failure to appear as a witness for James Stewart.
What happens
David Balfour, imprisoned on the Bass Rock, wrestles with his conscience over his failure to appear as a witness for James Stewart. He attempts to persuade Andie to help him escape, but Andie refuses, citing his own word and livelihood. David receives a mysterious packet from Prestongrange containing a threatening promise and a cryptic note about a grey-eyed friend, which he interprets as a message from Catriona via Miss Grant. Despite the temptation to comply with Prestongrange's demands, David resolves to try to reach Inverary in time for the trial. He negotiates with Andie to sail westward, and they arrive at the church in Inverary during a sermon, where his sudden appearance causes a stir among the legal officials.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Duty
David is tormented by his failure to appear as a witness, feeling he has broken his word and betrayed James Stewart; he ultimately risks everything to try to fulfill his duty.
Deception and Manipulation
Prestongrange uses threats and promises to control David, while the cryptic note about Catriona is a subtle manipulation to sway David's loyalty.
Loyalty and Betrayal
David's internal conflict between his loyalty to James Stewart and the temptation to comply with Prestongrange for personal gain is central to the chapter.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Struggles with guilt over missing the trial, attempts to persuade Andie, receives cryptic letters, and resolves to reach Inverary.
- Black Andie
Refuses David's request to help him escape, citing his own word and livelihood; later agrees to sail westward.
- Lord Advocate Prestongrange
Sends David a threatening note promising reward for discretion; observed in church reacting to David's arrival.
- Catriona Drummond
Referenced in a cryptic note about grey eyes; David imagines her as the friend who was asking for him.
- Barbara Grant
Suspected by David as the writer of the cryptic note about Catriona; her family remarked on Catriona's eyes.
- Charles Stewart
Seen in church looking harassed and pale; reacts to David's arrival by passing notes.
Key passages
“I could not swim the sea, nor yet fly in the air, but there was always Andie.”
David realizes he cannot escape by natural means, but hopes to persuade Andie to help him.
Highlights David's desperation and reliance on Andie as his only possible ally.
“Mr. Balfour can now see for himself it is too late to meddle. His conduct will be observed and his discretion rewarded.”
Prestongrange warns David that interfering is futile and that his compliance will be monitored and compensated.
Shows Prestongrange's attempt to control David through intimidation and bribery.
“Maister Dauvit Balfour is informed a friend was speiring for him, and her eyes were of the grey.”
A message informs David that a grey-eyed friend has been asking about him.
David interprets this as a reference to Catriona, stirring his emotions and complicating his resolve.
“I sat there amongst my friends and enemies unremarked.”
David enters the church unnoticed, surrounded by both allies and adversaries.
Emphasizes the tension and David's precarious position in the midst of powerful figures.