Mike · Chapter
In Which a Tight Corner Is Evaded explained
Mike sneaks out of his dormitory at night to warn Wyatt that Mr.
What happens
Mike sneaks out of his dormitory at night to warn Wyatt that Mr. Wain is on the prowl, but when he is caught by the housemaster, he improvises a story about a burglar to cover his tracks. Wyatt joins the ruse, and together they manage to evade punishment, though Mr. Wain remains suspicious and threatens severe consequences if they leave their dormitory again.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion Versus Authority
Mike and Wyatt defy Mr. Wain's rules by sneaking out at night and then cleverly deceive him with a burglar story to avoid punishment.
Friendship and Loyalty
Mike risks getting caught to warn Wyatt, and Wyatt supports Mike's story, showing mutual loyalty in a tight spot.
Characters to notice
- Mike Jackson
Sneaks out of his dormitory to warn Wyatt, improvises a burglar story to Mr. Wain, and successfully evades punishment.
- Wyatt Burgess
Crouches in the shrubbery, is warned by Mike, and helps carry off the burglar ruse by pretending to have been woken by the noise.
- Mr. Wain
The housemaster who catches Mike and later Wyatt, but is outwitted by their burglar story; threatens severe punishment if they leave the dormitory again.
Key passages
“You young ass,” said Wyatt. “You promised me that you wouldn’t get out.””
Wyatt scolds Mike for breaking his promise not to leave the dormitory.
Wyatt is annoyed that Mike has gone against their agreement, but he is also concerned about the risk of being caught.
“I heard you crashing through the shrubbery like a hundred elephants.”
Wyatt complains that Mike made a lot of noise while moving through the bushes.
Wyatt emphasizes how loud Mike was, which could have attracted attention.
“I will not have boys running about my garden at night. It is preposterous. Inordinately so.”
Mr. Wain angrily declares that he will not tolerate boys wandering in the garden after dark.
Mr. Wain's repeated use of 'inordinately so' highlights his fussy and exaggerated manner.