Kidnapped · Chapter
The Lad with the Silver Button: Through the Isle of Mull explained
David Balfour crosses the Ross of Mull, seeking news of Alan Breck.
What happens
David Balfour crosses the Ross of Mull, seeking news of Alan Breck. He meets a hospitable old Highlander who tells him Alan is safe and directs him to follow to Torosay. David observes the poverty and cultural suppression of the Highlanders, endures a treacherous guide, and finally meets a blind catechist who offers to guide him.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
David endures hunger, exhaustion, and treacherous guides while navigating the wild terrain of Mull.
Class and Identity
David contrasts Lowland and Highland customs, observes poverty, and notes the suppression of Highland dress and clan spirit.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Travels alone through Mull, seeking Alan; shows resourcefulness and temper when dealing with his dishonest guide.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Mentioned as having safely landed and passed through the island; David learns he is heading to Torosay.
- Mr. Campbell
Not directly present; the old gentleman who helps David is unnamed but serves as a kind host.
Key passages
“The old gentleman clapped his hand to his brow, and cried out that I must be the lad with the silver button.”
The old man suddenly realized I was the person with the silver button.
David is identified by a token that Alan had left as a sign.
“I could scarce come to believe in my good fortune; and the house, though it was thick with the peat-smoke and as full of holes as a colander, seemed like a palace.”
I could hardly believe my luck; the smoky, leaky hut felt like a palace to me.
David's gratitude and relief after his ordeal.
“The Highland dress being forbidden by law since the rebellion, and the people condemned to the Lowland habit, which they much disliked, it was strange to see the variety of their array.”
Because Highland clothing was outlawed after the rebellion, the people wore a strange mix of makeshift garments.
Observation of the cultural suppression and creative adaptations of the Highlanders.