XVIII: The Colonel Was a Gentleman at the Last explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Kate betrays the gang by diverting the gold to Lord Flanborough's, while the Colonel's last act is to defend her, showing conflicting loyalties.

• Crime and Morality

  Michael's moral refusal to join the gang despite death threats highlights the clash between criminality and personal integrity.

• Gender and Agency

  Kate asserts agency by secretly redirecting the gold and rejecting Gregori's marriage proposal, though the men's attitudes shift to treating her as a child.

Characters to notice

• Kate Westhanger

  Betrays the gang by redirecting the gold trucks to Lord Flanborough's; refuses Gregori's marriage proposal; confesses her betrayal to save Michael.

• Michael Pretherston

  Remains defiant, refusing to join the gang despite threats and the girl's persuasion; quotes Shakespeare; faces execution.

• Señor Gregori

  Proposes marriage to Kate; strikes Michael; shoots and kills Colonel Westhanger after being thrown back.

• The Colonel

  Defends Kate by throwing Gregori to the floor; is shot dead by Gregori.

• Mr. Mulberry

  Supervises the transfer of gold ingots; lies to the contractor about the cargo being dioxide of lead.

• Dr. Philip Garon

  Rushes in to report that the trucks have gone to Lord Flanborough's.

Key passages

• “Kate, you can use your persuasion on this fellow... it is his last chance.”

  Gregori tells Kate to try to convince Michael to join the gang, as this is his final opportunity.

  Gregori's attempt to use Kate's influence fails.

• “Back, you dog!”

  The Colonel orders Gregori to step back as he attacks Kate.

  The Colonel's final act of defense before being shot.

• “I will pay you in advance... You have full instructions as to where these packages are to go?”

  Mulberry pays the contractor upfront and confirms the delivery instructions.

  Mulberry's careful planning to move the gold.