Mike · Chapter
A Surprise for Mr. Appleby explained
Wyatt plans to attend Neville-Smith's celebration after hours, using his usual route through Mr.
What happens
Wyatt plans to attend Neville-Smith's celebration after hours, using his usual route through Mr. Appleby's garden. Unbeknownst to him, Mr. Appleby is sitting in the garden and witnesses Wyatt's escape. After inspecting the damage to his herbaceous border, Mr. Appleby decides he cannot ignore the incident and reports it to Mr. Wain.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion Versus Authority
Wyatt's nighttime escape and Mr. Appleby's subsequent decision to report it highlight the tension between student rebellion and the duty of school authorities.
Brotherhood and Rivalry
Wyatt's casual invitation to Mike and the camaraderie of the celebration contrast with the potential consequences of their actions.
Characters to notice
- Wyatt Burgess
Plans to attend Neville-Smith's celebration and uses his usual route through Mr. Appleby's garden, unaware he is being watched.
- Mike Jackson
Wyatt tells Mike about the celebration; Mike is worried but does not voice his concerns.
- Mr. Appleby
Sitting in his garden, he witnesses Wyatt's escape and later reports the incident to Mr. Wain.
- Mr. Wain
Wyatt's stepfather; Mr. Appleby visits him to report Wyatt's nighttime escape.
Key passages
“You may not know it, but this is the maddest, merriest day of all the glad New Year.”
Wyatt tells Mike that tonight is the most exciting and joyful day of the year.
Wyatt's ironic enthusiasm contrasts with Mike's anxiety.
“I shall do my little best not to be. Rather tricky work, though, getting back.”
Wyatt says he will try not to get caught, but admits the return journey will be difficult.
Wyatt acknowledges the risk of his nighttime adventure.
“The surprise, and the agony of feeling that large boots were trampling among his treasures kept him transfixed for just the length of time necessary for Wyatt to cross the garden and climb the opposite wall.”
Mr. Appleby was so shocked and distressed by Wyatt trampling his garden that he froze, allowing Wyatt to escape.
Mr. Appleby's initial reaction is more about his garden than the rule-breaking.