Kidnapped · Chapter
The House of Fear explained
David and Alan arrive at the house of James Stewart in Appin, where they find a scene of panic and hurried concealment of weapons following the Appin Murder.
What happens
David and Alan arrive at the house of James Stewart in Appin, where they find a scene of panic and hurried concealment of weapons following the Appin Murder. James Stewart, fearing the consequences of the assassination of Colin Roy Campbell, pressures Alan to flee and agrees to issue a warrant against both Alan and David to protect himself. David consents to being named in the warrant, and after an emotional farewell with Mrs. Stewart, the two depart into the night.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
James Stewart's dilemma between protecting his family and betraying Alan and David highlights the conflict between personal loyalty and self-preservation.
Survival and Resilience
The frantic hiding of weapons and the decision to issue warrants demonstrate the desperate measures taken to survive the aftermath of the murder.
Political Conflict and Rebellion
The Appin Murder and the fear of Campbell retaliation underscore the ongoing political strife between the Stewarts and Campbells in the Highlands.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Arrives with Alan at James Stewart's house; observes the frantic preparations; consents to being named in the warrant to protect Alan and James.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Leads David to James Stewart's house; argues with James over the warrant; insists on protecting David's identity; changes into his French clothes.
- James Stewart
Hosts Alan and David; panics over the Appin Murder; organizes the hiding of weapons; agrees to issue a warrant against Alan and David to save himself.
- Mrs. Stewart
Weeps by the fire; expresses gratitude to David and Alan for their willingness to be named in the warrant.
Key passages
“James must have tint his wits," said Alan. "If this was the soldiers instead of you and me, he would be in a bonny mess.”
Alan remarks that James has lost his senses, as the lights and activity around the house would attract soldiers if they were nearby.
Alan criticizes James's lack of caution in the face of potential danger.
“This has been a dreadful accident," he cried. "It will bring trouble on the country." And he wrung his hands.”
James Stewart laments the murder as a disaster that will bring suffering to the region.
James expresses his fear of the political repercussions of Colin Roy's death.
“I have but one word to say," said I; "for to all this dispute I am a perfect stranger. But the plain common sense is to set the blame where it belongs, and that is on the man who fired the shot.”
David suggests that the blame should be placed on the actual murderer, not on innocent people.
David's logical proposal is rejected by Alan and James due to clan loyalties.