Midwinter · Chapter
XIII: Journeyman John explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Ben the gypsy deceives Alastair with false promises and hides the true nature of the Journeyman John. Sir John Norreys is also deceived, unaware of the murder plot.
Love and Sacrifice
Alastair's memory of Claudia Norreys and his anguish over her disillusionment highlight the theme of love and the sacrifices made in its name.
The Futility of War
Alastair, a soldier who has faced death often, now faces a gruesome end not in battle but at the hands of a madman, underscoring the senselessness of violence.
Characters to notice
- Alastair Maclean
Alastair is the captive protagonist, manacled and facing execution by the Journeyman John. He fights for his life, using song to delay and ultimately breaking free from his bonds.
- Black Benjamin
Ben is the gypsy captor, a lithe and powerful madman who intends to feed Alastair to the Journeyman John. He reveals the involvement of the 'grey she-corbies' in Brightwell and a red-faced Scot.
- Sir John Norreys
Sir John Norreys is mentioned as being privy to Alastair's capture and imprisonment, but not to the murder plot involving the Journeyman John.
- Claudia Norreys
Claudia is remembered by Alastair with fury and sadness; he recalls her sad disillusionment and the quiver of her mouth as she witnessed something damning.
- Edom Lowrie
Edom is mentioned as a potential rescuer; Alastair hopes Edom might discover some of Midwinter's folk, but the gypsy's night ride makes pursuit impossible.
Key passages
“Tell me of this Journeyman John... What house is this that he lurks behind?”
Alastair asks the gypsy to explain who Journeyman John is and where he hides.
Alastair seeks to understand the nature of his captor and the threat he faces.
“Though you filled my hat with guineas, my darling, I would not let you go. John is hungry, for it is long since he tasted proper meat, and I have promised him that tonight he shall sup.”
Ben refuses Alastair's bribe, insisting that Journeyman John is hungry and must be fed.
Ben's madness and loyalty to the creature override any monetary temptation.
“Nobly sung... Where got you that song?”
Alastair praises Ben's singing and asks where he learned the song.
Alastair uses flattery to delay his execution and engage Ben in conversation.
“Hell and damnation!... What warlock taught you that? Stop the cursed thing.”
Ben reacts with fury when Alastair sings 'The Naked Men,' a song that triggers his madness.
The song awakens Ben's violent mania, leading him to attack Alastair and rush toward the pit.