# VI: How Mr. McCunn Departed with Relief and Returned with Resolution explained — Huntingtower

> Chapter companion for Huntingtower by John Buchan.

## What happens

Dickson McCunn departs Dalquharter by post-cart, pretending to leave with a locked box of provisions from Mrs. Morran. At the station, he evades Dobson's suspicions and takes the train to Glasgow, where he performs an elaborate ruse to shake off spies. On the tram home, he suffers a crisis of conscience, feeling cowardly for abandoning the princess and the boys. He decides to return, driven by the memory of Saskia's face, and resolves to handle the situation as a business proposition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Heroism

Dickson's internal struggle and decision to return to danger exemplify the call to adventure and the hero's resolve.

### Escape and Renewal

Dickson attempts to escape back to his old life but finds renewal in embracing the adventure.

### The Power of Youth and Innocence

Saskia's innocent face, reminiscent of Dickson's wife Janet, motivates his return and underscores the influence of youth.

## Character check-ins

### Dickson McCunn

Departs Dalquharter with a feigned exit, executes a clever ruse in Glasgow, then undergoes a moral crisis and resolves to return to Huntingtower.

### John Heritage

Observes Dickson's departure from the loft, hiding for obvious reasons.

### Mrs. Morran

Plays the part of the affectionate aunt at the gate, then laughs uncontrollably after Dickson leaves.

### Dobson

Travels with Dickson in the post-cart and train, suspicious but ultimately fooled by Dickson's act.

### Saskia

Her face appears in Dickson's memory, inspiring his decision to return.

### Tibby

Briefly appears at Dickson's Glasgow home, surprised by his return.

## Key lines

> He was a coward, running away at the first threat of danger.

Dickson accuses himself of fleeing from danger at the earliest sign.

_Reflects Dickson's self-criticism during his moral crisis on the tram._

> I'll go back.

Dickson decides to return to Huntingtower.

_The pivotal moment of resolution in the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/vi-how-mr-mccunn-departed-with-relief-and-returned-with-resolution
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/huntingtower_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters