# XVII: The Death of the Red Fox explained — Kidnapped

> Chapter companion for Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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