Greenmantle · Chapter
XIX: Greenmantle explained
Hannay, Blenkiron, and Peter Pienaar plan to get vital military intelligence to the Russians.
What happens
Hannay, Blenkiron, and Peter Pienaar plan to get vital military intelligence to the Russians. Peter volunteers to carry the map through enemy lines, using his hunting skills. Sandy Arbuthnot arrives in a state of exhaustion, revealing that Hilda von Einem has murdered Greenmantle and his four ministers. The group devises a plan for Sandy to impersonate the prophet, with a final escape scheduled for the eve of the Revelation. Peter departs on his dangerous mission as the guns roar in the distance.
Themes in this chapter
Courage in the Face of Death
Peter Pienaar volunteers for a near-suicidal mission to carry intelligence through enemy lines, demonstrating extraordinary bravery.
Deception and Disguise
Sandy Arbuthnot is coerced into impersonating the prophet Greenmantle, and the group relies on secrecy and false identities.
Friendship and Comradeship
The bond between Hannay, Blenkiron, Peter, and Sandy is central as they support each other through danger and trauma.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Coordinates the plan to get the map to the Russians and supports Sandy's return.
- Peter Pienaar
Volunteers to carry the map through enemy lines, using his hunting and stalking expertise.
- John S. Blenkiron
Provides moral support and humor; emotionally affected by Peter's departure.
- Sandy Arbuthnot
Returns haggard and traumatized after witnessing Hilda von Einem's murders; agrees to impersonate Greenmantle.
- Hussin
Acts as a loyal aide, locking doors and providing supplies.
- Hilda von Einem
Described as a she-devil who murdered Greenmantle and his ministers; orchestrates the plot.
Key passages
“Peter scarcely looked up from his breakfast. 'I'm willing, Dick,' he said. 'But you mustn't ask me to be friends with Stumm. He makes my stomach cold, that one.'”
Peter agrees to the mission but refuses to cooperate with Stumm, whom he finds repulsive.
Peter's loyalty to Hannay is clear, but his aversion to Stumm underscores the personal stakes.
“Sandy stood there, but a new Sandy who made Blenkiron and me jump to our feet. The pelts and skin-cap had gone, and he wore instead a long linen tunic clasped at the waist by a broad girdle. A strange green turban adorned his head, and as he pushed it back I saw that his hair had been shaved.”
Sandy appears transformed, dressed as a religious acolyte with a shaved head, signaling his deep involvement in the Greenmantle plot.
Sandy's physical change reflects his psychological ordeal and the role he is forced to play.
“He shivered like a frightened colt. 'Woman!' he cried. 'Does a woman drag a man through the nether-pit? She's a she-devil.'”
Sandy describes Hilda von Einem as a demonic figure who has tormented him.
Sandy's trauma highlights the sinister power of Hilda von Einem.