Kidnapped · Chapter
The Lad with the Silver Button: Across Morven explained
David Balfour crosses from Torosay to Kinlochaline, encountering an emigrant ship and the sorrowful song 'Lochaber no more.' He meets Neil Roy Macrob, who rebukes him for offering money and instead recognizes the silver button as Alan's tok
What happens
David Balfour crosses from Torosay to Kinlochaline, encountering an emigrant ship and the sorrowful song 'Lochaber no more.' He meets Neil Roy Macrob, who rebukes him for offering money and instead recognizes the silver button as Alan's token. Neil gives David a route through Morven to Aucharn. David then travels with Mr. Henderland, a catechist, who shares snuff, discusses the Disarming Act and Jacobites, and offers David sixpence before they part.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
David endures a wretched inn, a thunderstorm, and the emotional weight of the emigrant ship, continuing his journey despite hardship.
Honor and Code of Conduct
Neil Roy Macrob rebukes David for offering money, insisting on gentlemanly conduct and loyalty to Alan Breck.
Political Conflict and Rebellion
Mr. Henderland discusses the Disarming Act, Jacobites, and the King's Factor Colin Roy Campbell, highlighting the political tensions in the Highlands.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Travels from Torosay to Kinlochaline, meets Neil Roy Macrob and Mr. Henderland, receives route to Aucharn.
- Neil Roy Macrob
Skipper of the ferry; recognizes the silver button and gives David directions, rebuking him for offering money.
- Mr. Henderland
Catechist traveling to Kingairloch; shares snuff, discusses religion and politics, offers David sixpence.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Referenced as the man David seeks; Neil warns David not to speak his name openly.
- Colin Roy Campbell
Mentioned by Mr. Henderland as the King's Factor driving tenants from Appin and Mamore.
Key passages
“I saw the tears run down the cheeks of the men and women in the boat, even as they bent at the oars; and the circumstances and the music of the song (which is one called 'Lochaber no more') were highly affecting even to myself.”
David observes the emigrants and their friends weeping to the song 'Lochaber no more,' and is deeply moved despite being a stranger.
Highlights the emotional impact of the Highland clearances and emigration.
“I am very much affronted; and this is not the way that one shentleman should behave to another at all. The man you ask for is in France; but if he was in my sporran, and your belly full of shillings, I would not hurt a hair upon his body.”
Neil Roy Macrob is offended by David's offer of money, asserting his honor and loyalty to Alan Breck.
Illustrates the Highland code of honor and distrust of bribery.
“There are two things that men should never weary of, goodness and humility; we get none too much of them in this rough world among cold, proud people; but Mr. Henderland had their very speech upon his tongue.”
David reflects on Mr. Henderland's genuine goodness and humility, which move him to tears.
Shows David's appreciation for sincere kindness in a harsh world.