# XVII: The Independent Strategy of Señor Gregori explained — Kate Plus 10

> Chapter companion for Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Kate witnesses the gang's violent capture of Michael Pretherston, who is manacled and interrogated. Gregori and the Colonel propose a bribe for Michael to help them escape with the gold, but he refuses. The gang debates killing him, while Kate feigns compliance but secretly plans to act.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Morality

The gang's willingness to kill Michael to protect their heist contrasts with Kate's horror and Michael's moral defiance.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Kate's feigned loyalty to the gang masks her true intention to betray them for Michael's sake.

### Wealth and Greed

The gang's offer of a quarter-million pounds to Michael highlights the corrupting power of easy money.

## Character check-ins

### Kate Westhanger

Horrified by the violence against Michael, she feigns acceptance of the plan to kill him while secretly planning to intervene.

### Michael Pretherston

Captured, manacled, and beaten by the gang; he refuses a bribe and warns them of their impending doom.

### Señor Gregori

Leads the attack on Michael and advocates for killing him to protect the gang's escape plan.

### The Colonel

Attempts to bribe Michael with a share of the gold; agrees to keep Michael alive until the gold is moved.

### Dr. Philip Garon

Strikes Michael with a loaded cane and later stands guard outside the engine room.

### Mr. Colling Jacques

Participates in the attack on Michael and suggests giving him half an hour to reconsider the bribe.

## Key lines

> Kate had never witnessed an act of violence.

Kate had never before seen a violent attack.

_Highlights Kate's shock at the gang's brutality._

> It is you or us, Pretherston.

Either you die or we do, Pretherston.

_Colling Jacques states the gang's ultimatum to Michael._

> I suppose it is necessary.

I guess it has to be done.

_Kate's feigned acceptance of Michael's planned murder._

## Links

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