# II: Mike Said Nothing—There Was Nothing to Say explained — Kate Plus 10

> Chapter companion for Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Michael Pretherston interrogates Lord Flanborough about Kate Westhanger, who has been working as a secretary under the alias Miss Tenby. Michael reveals Kate's true identity as a master criminal and the brains behind a major criminal organization, while Lord Flanborough remains oblivious to the danger. The chapter ends with Michael reflecting on Kate's philosophy of loyalty and betrayal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Kate operates under the alias Miss Tenby, deceiving Lord Flanborough and his household about her true identity and intentions.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Kate argues that loyalty to the gang is paramount, while Michael struggles with the moral implications of her philosophy.

### Crime and Morality

Michael and Kate debate the nature of crime, loyalty, and moral compromise, highlighting the tension between law and personal ethics.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Pretherston

Interrogates Lord Flanborough about Kate, reveals her criminal background, and reflects on her moral arguments.

### Kate Westhanger

Referred to as Miss Tenby; revealed to be a master criminal and the brains of the Crime Street gang.

### Lord Flanborough

Employer of Kate under the alias Miss Tenby; questioned by Michael about her activities.

### Lady Moya Felton

Mentioned as Lord Flanborough's daughter and Michael's former love interest.

## Key lines

> a man lent you £2 and asked you in exchange, not only to repay the money, but to renounce all your dearest principles for the sake of the loan; if he asked you to betray your friends, where you had been loyal to them, and lie, where you had been truthful; break your word where you had been faithful, be a thief where you had been honest? Would you surrender every reticence, every honourable instinct, every precious faith?

Kate asks Michael if he would abandon all his principles and betray his friends for a small loan, challenging his moral certainty.

_Kate's rhetorical question encapsulates her worldview that loyalty to the gang supersedes conventional morality._

> Kate is not a pilferer. Her real name is Katharine Westhanger; they call her Kate and she is the Colonel's niece. Her age is eighteen or nineteen, and from a child she has been brought up to regard the world as her oyster.

Michael explains to Lord Flanborough that Kate is a sophisticated criminal, not a petty thief, and describes her upbringing.

_Michael reveals Kate's true identity and background, emphasizing her criminal education and high-level operations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters/ii-mike-said-nothing-there-was-nothing-to-say
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters