# The Gathering of the Missionaries explained — Greenmantle

> Chapter companion for Greenmantle by John Buchan.

## What happens

Hannay meets the American John S. Blenkiron, a self-described 'benevolent neutral' who is eager to help the Allied cause despite official American neutrality. Blenkiron outlines his plan to travel through Germany openly, posing as a converted sympathizer. Hannay also recruits Sandy Arbuthnot, a seasoned Eastern traveler, for the mission. The three men agree to meet in Constantinople on January 17th, each taking a different route to uncover Germany's secret plan.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and Duty

Hannay and Blenkiron discuss their motivations for risking their lives for the Allied cause, despite Blenkiron's official neutrality.

### Deception and Disguise

Blenkiron plans to pose as a German sympathizer to infiltrate Germany, highlighting the theme of strategic deception.

### Friendship and Comradeship

The gathering of Hannay, Blenkiron, and Sandy forms a bond of mutual trust and shared purpose for the dangerous mission.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Hannay

Recruits Sandy Arbuthnot and meets John S. Blenkiron; plans the mission to Constantinople.

### John S. Blenkiron

American neutral who volunteers for the mission; outlines his plan to bluff his way through Germany.

### Sandy Arbuthnot

Experienced Eastern traveler recruited by Hannay; will enter Turkey via Asia Minor.

### Sir Walter Bullivant

Arranges the meeting between Hannay and Blenkiron; provides Blenkiron's dossier.

## Key lines

> I guess you British were the same kind of nootral when your Admiral warned off the German fleet from interfering with Dewey in Manila Bay in '98.

Blenkiron compares American neutrality to British neutrality during the Spanish-American War.

_Blenkiron justifies his 'benevolent neutrality' by citing a historical precedent._

> I believe in an all-wise and beneficent Providence, but you have got to trust Him and give Him a chance.

Blenkiron expresses a fatalistic but active faith in Providence, downplaying the risks of the mission.

_Blenkiron's philosophy of trusting Providence while taking action._

> If we can't find out what we want in two months we may chuck the job. On the 17th of January we should forgather in Constantinople.

Hannay sets a deadline of January 17th for the three to meet in Constantinople.

_The plan and timeline for the mission are established._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/ii-the-gathering-of-the-missionaries
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/greenmantle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters