Lorna Doone · Chapter
Falling Among Lambs explained
John Ridd falls in with a group of soldiers, the 'lambs,' and is captured by Colonel Kirke as a suspected rebel.
What happens
John Ridd falls in with a group of soldiers, the 'lambs,' and is captured by Colonel Kirke as a suspected rebel. He is nearly executed but is saved by the timely intervention of Jeremy Stickles, who claims him as his own prisoner.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
John Ridd is unjustly captured and nearly executed by Colonel Kirke, highlighting the arbitrary and vengeful nature of military justice during the rebellion.
Family and Loyalty
Tom Faggus's bond with his mare Winnie and John's care for his wounded cousin demonstrate deep loyalty and familial duty.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrator and protagonist; captured by Colonel Kirke's men and nearly executed, but rescued by Jeremy Stickles.
- Tom Faggus
Found wounded in a linhay; John tends to his injury and helps him onto his mare Winnie.
- Winnie
Tom Faggus's mare; shows great loyalty and emotion upon finding her wounded master.
- Jeremy Stickles
Intervenes to save John Ridd from execution by Colonel Kirke, claiming him as his own prisoner.
- Colonel Kirke
Commands the 'lambs' and orders John's execution; reluctantly releases him to Jeremy Stickles.
Key passages
“Colonel Kirke made a sign to his men, and before I could think of resistance, stout new ropes were flung around me; and with three men on either side I was led along very painfully.”
Colonel Kirke signaled his soldiers, who quickly bound me with ropes and dragged me away.
John describes his capture and rough handling by Kirke's men.
“I heard the breath of all around, as if my skull were a sounding-board; and knew even how the different men were fingering their triggers.”
I could hear everyone breathing and sense the soldiers preparing to shoot me.
John's heightened awareness as he faces imminent execution.
“But while he was yet dwelling on the F , the hoofs of a horse dashed out on the road, and horse and horseman flung themselves betwixt me and the gun muzzles.”
Just as Colonel Kirke began to say 'Fire,' a horse and rider galloped between me and the soldiers' guns.
Jeremy Stickles arrives at the last moment to save John.