# II: We Take the Field explained — Perishable Goods

> Chapter companion for Perishable Goods by Dornford Yates.

## What happens

Mansel and his companions prepare to search for the abducted Adèle Pleydell. Mansel argues against involving the police, insisting on keeping their hands free to use force if necessary. He discovers a note in the gatepost box, which he later receives, and the group sets off in cars, driving through the night and into the next day. Along the way, they encounter the bumbling clergyman Hannibal Rouse, who, despite his incompetence, may prove useful. Mansel is determined to find Adèle, even as his cousin despairs over the lack of a ransom demand.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Friendship

Mansel and his companions are united in their mission to rescue Adèle, showing their loyalty to each other and to the Pleydell family.

### Courage in Adversity

Mansel demonstrates courage by taking decisive action and driving through the night despite the uncertainty and danger of the mission.

### Suffering and Endurance

Major Pleydell's anguish over his daughter's abduction and the lack of a ransom demand highlights the suffering endured by the family.

## Character check-ins

### Jonathan Mansel

Leads the search for Adèle, argues against police involvement, and drives with confidence through the night.

### Rose Noble

Accompanies the group, provides food, and is questioned by Mansel about people seen at Dieppe.

### George Hanbury

Assists with tools and takes over driving duties during the journey.

### Hannibal Rouse

A bumbling clergyman encountered on the road, who recognizes Mansel and may be of use.

### Major Pleydell

Despairs over the lack of a ransom demand for his daughter, Adèle.

## Key lines

> Because I want my hands free. If battle and murder will help, I’m out to do both: but I can’t do either, if I’ve got to apply for a warrant before I can force a door.

Mansel explains that he wants to avoid police involvement so he can act freely, even using force if necessary, without legal restrictions.

_Mansel's determination to take direct action._

> The man was a genial simpleton, in whom there was no guile.

The narrator describes Rouse as a friendly and foolish man, without any deceit.

_First impression of Hannibal Rouse._

> He was, I think, the embodiment of that imaginary curate who has for years been the target of an unkind age.

The narrator sees Rouse as the stereotypical incompetent and ridiculous clergyman.

_The narrator's critical view of Rouse's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/perishable_goods_se/chapters/ii-we-take-the-field
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/perishable_goods_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/perishable_goods_se/chapters