Kidnapped · Chapter
XVII: The Death of the Red Fox explained
David Balfour travels across the Linnhe Loch into Appin, where he encounters Colin Roy Campbell (the Red Fox) and his party.
What happens
David Balfour travels across the Linnhe Loch into Appin, where he encounters Colin Roy Campbell (the Red Fox) and his party. After a brief conversation, Campbell is shot dead by an unknown assassin. David is accused of being an accomplice and flees with Alan Breck, who appears and leads him in a desperate escape through the mountains.
Themes in this chapter
Political Conflict and Rebellion
The murder of the Red Fox highlights the ongoing conflict between the Campbell clan (representing the government) and the Jacobite sympathizers in Appin.
Survival and Resilience
David and Alan's desperate flight through the rugged terrain demonstrates their will to survive against overwhelming odds.
Justice and Injustice
David is falsely accused of being an accomplice to murder, reflecting the theme of unjust accusation and the miscarriage of justice.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
David travels to Appin, witnesses the murder of Colin Roy Campbell, and is forced to flee with Alan Breck after being accused of complicity.
- Alan Breck Stewart
Alan appears suddenly to guide David to safety after the murder, leading him through a harrowing escape across the mountainside.
- Colin Roy Campbell
The Red Fox, King's Factor, is shot dead on the road in Appin after a brief exchange with David.
- Mr. Henderland
Mr. Henderland arranges David's passage across the loch by finding him a boatman.
- James Stewart
James of the Glens is mentioned as the man David seeks in Aucharn, and is implicated in the murder by the lawyer.
Key passages
“The next day Mr. Henderland found for me a man who had a boat of his own and was to cross the Linnhe Loch that afternoon into Appin, fishing.”
The following day, Mr. Henderland arranged for a local fisherman to take David across the loch to Appin.
David's journey into Appin is facilitated by Mr. Henderland's assistance.
“But just as he turned there came the shot of a firelock from higher up the hill; and with the very sound of it Glenure fell upon the road.”
As Colin Roy Campbell turned to speak to the lawyer, a gunshot rang out from the hillside, and he collapsed onto the road.
The assassination of the Red Fox occurs suddenly and without warning.
“Ten pounds if ye take that lad! ... He's an accomplice. He was posted here to hold us in talk.”
The lawyer offered a reward for David's capture, claiming he was a decoy sent to delay the party.
David is wrongly accused of being part of the murder plot, forcing him to flee.