Mr. Standfast · Chapter
IX: I Take the Wings of a Dove explained
Hannay, pursued by police, meets his former subaltern Archie Roylance at an aerodrome.
What happens
Hannay, pursued by police, meets his former subaltern Archie Roylance at an aerodrome. Archie agrees to fly him to Farnton, and they take off, evading capture. After landing, Hannay continues his escape on foot, loses his aquascutum, and is nearly caught by a boy scout. A rough mechanic returns his stolen watch and leads him through slums to a safe house.
Themes in this chapter
Comradeship and Loyalty
Archie's immediate, unquestioning help to Hannay despite the risk.
Deception and Disguise
Hannay's need to evade police and adopt a new identity; use of camouflage.
Sacrifice and Loss
Hannay's reflection on Peter Pienaar's imprisonment and the cost of war.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Narrator and protagonist; fleeing police, uses Archie's flight to escape.
- Sir Archibald Roylance
Former subaltern, now a pilot; agrees to fly Hannay to Farnton.
- Peter Pienaar
Mentioned as a top pilot, now a prisoner; Hannay reflects on his fate.
- Gibbons
Archie's servant; cooks breakfast and alerts them to police arrival.
Key passages
“Drive me somewhere to breakfast, Archie, for I'm perishing hungry.”
Hannay asks Archie to take him to breakfast because he is very hungry.
Hannay's immediate need after escaping.
“I'm being hunted by the police.”
Hannay tells Archie that the police are chasing him.
Hannay reveals his predicament to Archie.
“You can lie snug in my little log hut, for that old image Gibbons won't blab.”
Archie offers Hannay a hiding place in his hut, trusting Gibbons to keep quiet.
Archie's loyalty and offer of shelter.
“I've done a bit of steeple-chasin' and huntin' and I've good hands for a horse, so I can handle a bus fairly well.”
Archie modestly says his riding skills help him fly a plane.
Archie's self-deprecating view of his flying ability.
“It's all a matter of hands, you know. There ain't half the risk of the infantry down below you, and a million times the fun.”
Archie claims flying is safer and more enjoyable than infantry duty.
Archie's perspective on the relative dangers of air and ground combat.
“Better get off, my lad. These look like my friends.”
Hannay urges Archie to take off quickly because the police are approaching.
Hannay's urgent escape from the aerodrome.