Greenmantle · Chapter
The Guns of the North explained
Hannay, Sandy, and Blenkiron endure a night of bombardment from Stumm's forces, believing they are doomed.
What happens
Hannay, Sandy, and Blenkiron endure a night of bombardment from Stumm's forces, believing they are doomed. They prepare a shallow cave for shelter and reflect on their impending deaths with a sense of fulfillment and patriotism. At dawn, they witness the Russian breakthrough as Cossacks sweep through the pass, routing the German and Turkish forces. Stumm is overwhelmed and killed by his own fleeing men, and the trio is saved by the arrival of the allied cavalry.
Themes in this chapter
Courage in the Face of Death
Hannay, Sandy, and Blenkiron calmly accept their likely deaths, finding meaning in their completed mission and the greater cause.
The Chaos of War
The rout of Stumm's forces and his death under the trampling of his own men vividly illustrate the disorder and brutality of battle.
Friendship and Comradeship
The trio's mutual support and shared reflections on life and death underscore their deep bond and loyalty to each other.
Fate and Providence
Hannay feels a merciful fate has preserved them for victory, and Blenkiron thanks God for his pain-free final hours.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Narrator; wounded in the thigh by shell fragments; feels a sense of victory and thankfulness as the Russians break through.
- Sandy Arbuthnot
Quotes a Scots ballad; expresses contentment with the prospect of death in battle; rejoices at the Russian charge.
- John S. Blenkiron
Lame from a leg injury; hums 'John Brown's Body'; reflects on his luck and lack of regrets.
- Ulric von Stumm
Bombards the castrol; is overwhelmed and killed by his own fleeing troops as the rout sweeps over him.
- Hussin
Present with the group; mentioned as bringing food.
- Peter Pienaar
Mentioned as possibly dead in no-man's-land; his success is hoped for by Hannay.
- Sir Walter Bullivant
Mentioned as the one who would know of their sacrifice and inform their next of kin.
- Old Nicholas
Mentioned as having flung his cavalry into the pursuit during the Russian breakthrough.
Key passages
“I saw the butt-ends of rifles crash on his head and shoulders, and the next second the stream had passed over his body. That was God’s judgement on the man who had set himself above his kind.”
Hannay witnesses Stumm being beaten down by his own fleeing soldiers, seeing it as divine retribution for his arrogance.
Reflects the theme of justice and the downfall of a tyrant.
“We have won, old chap—won hands down—and there is no going back on that. We have won anyway; and if Peter has had a slice of luck, we’ve scooped the pool.”
Hannay declares their mission a success regardless of their personal fate, hoping Peter has also succeeded.
Highlights the triumph of the mission despite the characters' imminent deaths.
“Mony’s the ane for him maks mane, But nane sall ken whar he is gane. Ower his white banes, when they are bare, The wind sall blaw for evermair.”
Sandy quotes a Scots ballad about dying unknown and unremembered, accepting that their bones will be covered by snow.
Emphasizes the theme of anonymity and sacrifice in war.
