# Cluny’s Cage explained — Kidnapped

> Chapter companion for Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

David and Alan visit the hidden mountain refuge of Cluny Macpherson, a Highland chief living as a fugitive. David falls ill and observes Cluny's patriarchal rule over his clan. When Cluny proposes gambling, David refuses on moral grounds, causing tension. Alan defends David, and Cluny ultimately respects his principles. David's fever worsens, and he slips into a trance-like state while Alan and Cluny play cards.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Code of Conduct

David's principled refusal to gamble and Cluny's eventual respect highlight conflicting codes of honor between Lowland Presbyterianism and Highland Jacobite culture.

### Survival and Resilience

Cluny's hidden cage and continued leadership despite being a hunted outlaw exemplify survival under political persecution.

## Character check-ins

### David Balfour

Ill and feverish, David refuses to gamble on principle, citing a promise to his father, and earns Cluny's grudging respect.

### Alan Breck Stewart

Defends David's honor to Cluny, offers to play cards in his stead, and later borrows money from David.

### Cluny Macpherson

The fugitive Highland chief, living in a hidden cage, exercises patriarchal justice, entertains with stories of Prince Charlie, and is initially angered by David's refusal to gamble.

## Key lines

> I will put my hand in the fire for Mr. Balfour. He is an honest and a mettle gentleman, and I would have ye bear in mind who says it.

Alan vouches for David's character, asserting his honesty and courage, and reminds Cluny of his own royal lineage.

_Alan defends David's honor against Cluny's accusation of Whiggish cant._

> Mr. Balfour, I think you are too nice and covenanting, but for all that you have the spirit of a very pretty gentleman.

Cluny considers David overly scrupulous and puritanical, yet acknowledges his gentlemanly spirit.

_Cluny's grudging respect for David's principles despite their differences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kidnapped_se/chapters/xxiii-cluny-s-cage
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kidnapped_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kidnapped_se/chapters