Midwinter · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Midwinter by John Buchan.
Chapter 1
Dedication
A poetic dedication to Vernon Watney, celebrating shared loyalties to both the southern English landscape of Wychwood and the northern Scottish highlands, and introducing the theme of intertwined allegiances that the tale will explore.
Chapter 2
Midwinter
The chapter introduces the character of Midwinter and explores the concept of 'Old England' through his perspective, blending themes of nostalgia and harsh reality.
Chapter 3
I: In Which a Highland Gentleman Misses His Way
Alastair Maclean, a Highland gentleman on a secret journey, loses his way in the tangled forests of Oxfordshire. After stumbling upon a brutal encounter between a gamekeeper and a young moor-boy, he intervenes and is led to a camp of moor-men. There, he meets the enigmatic Amos Midwinter, a philosopher who calls himself one of the 'Naked Men' and speaks of the loyalties of Old England. Midwinter offers cryptic advice and a potential signal for aid before directing Alastair toward his destination at Cornbury.
Chapter 4
II: In Which a Nobleman Is Perplexed
Alastair Maclean travels to Cornbury to meet Lord Cornbury and persuade him to join the Jacobite cause. He arrives at the estate, observes the opulent and peaceful setting, and engages in conversation with the Duchess and other guests. Later, in a private meeting, Lord Cornbury declines to commit, stating he will only join after a Jacobite victory on English soil. The chapter ends with a mysterious night rider arriving at the estate.
Chapter 5
III: In Which Private Matters Cut Across Affairs of State
Alastair Maclean, resting at Cornbury, witnesses the arrival of Samuel Johnson, a shabby tutor from Chastlecote, who urgently pleads with Lord Cornbury to help rescue Miss Claudia Grevel from a degrading marriage with Sir John Norreys. Despite Johnson's desperate appeals, Lord Cornbury declines due to lack of legal authority, and Sir Christopher Lacy refuses out of wounded pride. Alastair, though initially amused, grows to respect Johnson's earnestness and offers him aid in mounting his horse, reflecting on his own parallel mission.
Chapter 6
Mr. Kyd of Greyhouses
Alastair Maclean, having completed his intelligence mission in the West, rides north to rejoin the Prince. At an inn in Chifney, he meets a mysterious Spaniard who informs him that the Prince has crossed the Border into England. Later, he encounters Mr. Kyd, a fellow Jacobite agent, who provides hospitality and advice on the fastest route north. Alastair grows uneasy about Kyd's true intentions after glimpsing a furtive look in his eyes.
Chapter 7
V: Chance-Medley
Alastair Maclean, traveling through the English countryside, encounters a series of suspicious events. At an inn, he is baited by a group of men who suspect him of being a Jacobite, but the situation is defused by a shabby tutor who challenges the ringleader to a fistfight and wins. Later, Alastair dreams uneasily of Mr. Kyd and a sharp-nosed face, but dismisses his suspicions. Continuing his journey, he stops at a crowded village where he discovers a group of men recruited by General Oglethorpe for service in Georgia, now being redirected to fight the Scots. A mutiny brews among the recruits, led by a gypsy named Black Benjamin, and Alastair intervenes to restore order.
Chapter 8
VI: Introduces the Runaway Lady
Alastair and Johnson are arrested at Squire Thicknesse's manor on charges of conspiracy against the King. During the hearing, the runaway lady, now Lady Norreys, intervenes, securing Johnson's release and ordering Alastair to be confined. Alastair suspects Kyd's servant betrayed him and worries about delays to his mission north.
Chapter 9
How a Man May Hunt with the Hounds and Yet Run with the Hare
Alastair Maclean, imprisoned in a manor, is secretly freed by the newlywed Lady Norreys (Claudia). She orchestrates his escape with the help of servants Giles and Bill, providing him with a horse and a guide, the gypsy Ben. Alastair confides his fear of a traitor within the Jacobite cause, and Lady Norreys promises to aid him. He rides north toward Cheshire, reflecting on her bravery and charm.
Chapter 10
Broom at the Crossroads
Alastair Maclean encounters Edom Lowrie, a servant of Mr. Kyd, and learns that Kyd has deceived him about his route. After forcing Edom to hand over his papers, Alastair discovers a letter from Kyd to 'Achilles' (Sir John Norreys) that reveals a deeper conspiracy and heightens his sense of insecurity. The chapter ends with the sound of hounds approaching, forcing Alastair and Edom to flee.
Chapter 11
IX: Old England
Alastair Maclean, disguised as a charcoal-burner, travels with Amos Midwinter through the English countryside. Midwinter advises him to write to the Highland army and to investigate Sir John Norreys, whom Alastair suspects of treachery. They journey on foot, meeting a woodcutter named Jerry Tusser, as Alastair regains his vigor and resolve.
Chapter 12
X: Snowbound at the Sleeping Deer
Lady Norreys and her party are snowbound at the Sleeping Deer inn. Alastair Maclean, disguised as a commoner, plans to secretly remain at the inn while pretending to leave. He discusses Highland loyalty with Lady Norreys and Mr. Johnson, then travels to Brightwell to deliver a letter requesting horses. At Brightwell, he encounters two eccentric sisters and observes the desolate estate.
Chapter 13
Night at the Same: Two Visitors
Alastair Maclean encounters General Oglethorpe at an inn, where Oglethorpe reveals his plan to prevent the Jacobite rising from spreading into England, exposing Sir John Norreys as a traitor and agent provocateur. Alastair later spies Mr. Nicholas Kyd in the Brown Room, realizing the depth of the conspiracy.
Chapter 14
XII: The Hut in the Oak Shaw
Alastair awakens in a dark hut, having been captured and struck unconscious by the gypsy Ben. He gradually recovers his senses and learns from Ben that he has been imprisoned for nineteen days, and that it is now December 2nd. Overhearing a conversation between Jack Norreys and a female voice (likely Claudia), he realizes that the Prince is approaching Derby, but that Kyd and Norreys have framed him as a traitor. Furious and desperate, he resolves to escape and clear his name.
Chapter 15
XIII: Journeyman John
Alastair, manacled and held captive by the gypsy Ben, faces the threat of being fed to the monstrous 'Journeyman John'—a creature that devours unwanted people. Ben reveals that two 'grey she-corbies' in Brightwell and a red-faced Scot paid him to capture Alastair, and that Sir John Norreys was privy to the capture but not the murder. Alastair tries to bribe Ben, but Ben refuses, claiming John is hungry. After a long, painful ride through the night, they arrive at a cliff-side shed. Alastair, desperate, sings to delay his fate, but when Ben realizes the time, he drags Alastair toward the pit. Alastair's bonds fray, and he manages to free his ankles, shouting for help as he teeters on the edge of the abyss.
Chapter 16
Duchess Kitty on the Road
Alastair Maclean enlists the help of Duchess Kitty to expose the treachery of Nicholas Kyd and spare Claudia Norreys from the knowledge of her husband's betrayal. He plans to confront Kyd at Brightwell, with the Duchess and Mr. Johnson as witnesses, while preparing to deliver his own vengeance upon Sir John Norreys.
Chapter 17
XV: Bids Farewell to a Scots Laird
Alastair, accompanied by the Spainneach, encounters Charles Hay and his troop of Elcho's Horse on the road to Brightwell. They plan to apprehend the traitor Kyd. At Brightwell, they confront Kyd, who pleads his case with a sentimental appeal to patriotism. The Duchess Kitty of Queensberry condemns him to exile, and Mr. Johnson denounces his cant. Edom Lowrie, despite Alastair's offer, remains loyal to Kyd's service.
Chapter 18
XVI: Bids Farewell to an English Lady
Alastair prepares to leave for the Prince's camp, but Johnson implores him to pursue Sir John Norreys instead to prevent Lady Norreys from learning of her husband's treason. Alastair initially refuses, but after a poignant farewell with Claudia, who remains blissfully unaware of Sir John's betrayal, he resolves to protect her innocence. He decides to overtake Sir John and ensure he dies a hero's death, while Duchess Kitty agrees to take Claudia to Amesbury and shield her from the truth.
Chapter 19
XVII: Ordeal of Honour
Alastair Maclean, accompanied by Samuel Johnson, pursues Sir John Norreys to confront him over his betrayal of the Jacobite cause. In a tense duel, Alastair disarms Norreys and spares his life, then convenes a court of honor with Amos Midwinter. The court sentences Norreys to retire to his estates and abstain from politics, motivated by concern for his wife Claudia. Alastair struggles between his duty to the Prince and his personal desire to protect Claudia from a deceitful husband.
Chapter 20
In Which Three Gentlemen Confess Their Nakedness
Alastair, Johnson, and Midwinter confess their losses and nakedness before the fire. Alastair mourns his betrayal of the Cause and his lost love, Johnson admits his fear of death, and Midwinter offers the refuge of Old England. Alastair resolves to rejoin the Prince despite certain defeat, and Johnson insists on accompanying him. They ride toward Derby but find a village in panic, suggesting the Highland army has already retreated.
Chapter 21
Ramoth-Gilead
Alastair and Johnson part ways as they approach the Scottish border, with Alastair determined to rejoin the Highland army and Johnson reluctantly returning south. They encounter General Oglethorpe, who allows Alastair to continue to Scotland but prevents Johnson from crossing the Border.
Chapter 22
Postscript
The editor concludes Mr. Derwent's papers, noting that Alastair Maclean disappears into the mist after the farewell on Cumberland moor. A discovered letter from Samuel Johnson, dated around 1748, reveals Johnson's repayment of a loan and his reflections on their shared adventures, the vanity of human wishes, and the enduring friendship that shaped both men. Johnson also reports that Lady Norreys is well, has a son, and is treated kindly by her husband, news that Alastair receives with selfless affection.
Chapter 23
Endnotes
The chapter contains endnotes referencing Boswell's Life of Johnson, anno 1754.
