Doctor Syn · Chapter
XXXVIII: Dymchurch-Under-the-Wall explained
War with France is declared, and Captain Collyer is recalled from Dymchurch, later dying under Nelson's command.
What happens
War with France is declared, and Captain Collyer is recalled from Dymchurch, later dying under Nelson's command. With Collyer's death, the secrets of the demon riders and the wool-running scheme are buried. Doctor Syn's death ends the wool-running, and Sir Antony Cobtree discovers Syn's hidden wealth, which he secretly bestows upon Imogene. Denis marries Imogene, Jerry Jerk becomes the Maidstone hangman, and Dymchurch returns to quiet, though the memory of Doctor Syn endures among the locals.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Loyalty
Dymchurch folk remember Doctor Syn fondly despite his scoundrelism, valuing his daring and humanity over his crimes.
Memory and Legacy
Doctor Syn is never forgotten by those who knew him; his capstan song and the adventures of Dymchurch live on in memory.
Duality and Deception
Doctor Syn is remembered as both a parson and a scoundrel, and the line between hero and villain is blurred in the eyes of the community.
Characters to notice
- Captain Collyer
Recalled from Dymchurch and dies under Nelson's command; his death saves many necks as he had uncovered the secrets of the demon riders and the wool-running.
- Doctor Syn
Dies, ending the wool-running; his hidden wealth is discovered by Sir Antony, and he leaves a will bequeathing everything to Imogene.
- Sir Antony Cobtree
Discovers Syn's stored money and valuables, stretches a point to keep the wealth from the Crown, and arranges for Denis to marry Imogene.
- Imogene
Inherits Doctor Syn's fortune and marries Denis Cobtree, becoming the adopted daughter of Mrs. Whyllie of Rye.
- Denis Cobtree
Marries Imogene, the daughter of the Incan princess, with Sir Antony's blessing.
- Jerry Jerk
Grows up to become the Maidstone hangman.
Key passages
“The next day war was again declared with France and every available man was pressed into service.”
The following day, war was once more declared against France, and all able-bodied men were conscripted.
Sets the historical context for the chapter's events.
“His death was the saving of many necks in Dymchurch, for he had found out about everything.”
Collyer's death spared many in Dymchurch from execution because he had discovered all their secrets.
Highlights the ironic benefit of Collyer's demise.
“The secret of England’s treasure died with Clegg, but whether that was only a lying excuse of the scoundrel to get away from Dymchurch, the squire could never make out.”
The mystery of England's treasure vanished with Clegg's death, though the squire could never determine if it was merely a deceitful story to escape Dymchurch.
Reflects the ambiguity surrounding Clegg's claims.
“Dymchurch is very quiet again, and the wild adventures of the few days recorded in this book were forgotten after Trafalgar, but the Doctor was never forgotten by those who knew him.”
Dymchurch has returned to its peaceful state, and the brief, exciting events of this story faded after Trafalgar, yet Doctor Syn remained vivid in the memories of those who knew him.
Emphasizes the lasting impact of Doctor Syn on the community.