Partners in Crime · Chapter
VIII: Blindman’s Buff explained
Tommy and Tuppence receive a warning from the Chief that their cover is blown and danger is imminent.
What happens
Tommy and Tuppence receive a warning from the Chief that their cover is blown and danger is imminent. Tuppence refuses to leave, and Tommy proposes detective exercises at home, including blindfolded experiments. They go to the Blitz for lunch, where Tommy, posing as blind Mr. Blunt, is approached by a man claiming to be the Duke of Blairgowrie, who insists on immediate consultation. Tommy and Tuppence are taken in separate cars; Tommy is abducted by the fake Duke, who reveals he is a ham merchant whose wife has disappeared. Tommy is bound, gagged, and taken to a room where the villain proposes a deadly game of Blindman's Buff: Tommy must navigate a room with electrified floor spots while blindfolded, with the villain holding a pistol.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure vs. Boredom
Tuppence craves excitement, and Tommy suggests detective exercises to combat boredom, leading to a dangerous adventure.
Deception and Trust
Tommy's blind disguise and the fake Duke's deception highlight the theme of trust and betrayal.
Identity and Disguise
Tommy poses as blind Mr. Blunt, and the villain impersonates the Duke of Blairgowrie.
Characters to notice
- Tommy Beresford
Practices blind detective work, poses as blind Mr. Blunt, and is abducted by a fake Duke.
- Tuppence Beresford
Refuses to leave, assists Tommy in his blind exercises, and is taken away by Captain Harker.
- Albert
Participates in the blindfolded hand-shaking experiment.
- Mr. Carter
Warns Tommy and Tuppence of danger over the phone.
Key passages
“Right,” said Tommy, and replaced the receiver on its hook. Then he turned to Tuppence. “That was the Chief. Seems to have got the wind up about us.”
Tommy hung up the phone and told Tuppence that the Chief was worried about their safety.
The Chief's warning sets the tone for the chapter.
““All that about my going home is nonsense,” said Tuppence decidedly. “Who is going to look after you if I go home? Besides, I like excitement.”
Tuppence refused to leave, insisting she needed to stay to protect Tommy and because she enjoyed the thrill.
Tuppence's adventurous spirit is highlighted.
““I suppose,” said Tuppence, “that you are Thornley Colton?” “Just so,” said Tommy. “The blind Problemist.”
Tuppence guessed Tommy was imitating the fictional blind detective Thornley Colton, and Tommy confirmed.
They are role-playing detective exercises.
““You will come at once, Mr. Blunt?” said the Duke, with a tinge of acerbity in his manner.”
The Duke insisted Tommy accompany him immediately, showing impatience.
The fake Duke pressures Tommy into leaving.
““No, my dear Mr. Blunt,” said the Duke’s voice—but a voice that seemed suddenly different. “You will not remove that eyeshade. You will sit perfectly still and not move in any way. You understand? I don’t want this pistol of mine to go off.”
The Duke revealed his true identity and threatened Tommy with a pistol, ordering him to stay still.
The abduction begins.
““I hope you haven’t lost my hollow cane,” he said mildly. “It cost me a lot to have that made.””
Tommy joked about his cane even while captured, showing his nerve.
Tommy's humor under pressure.
