# Falling Among Lambs explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxv-falling-among-lambs
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters