# Chapter XXI: Chicago Ed. explained — Piccadilly Jim

> Chapter companion for Piccadilly Jim by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

In the early hours of the morning, Jimmy Crocker and his father, Mr. Bingley Crocker, execute their plan to kidnap Ogden Ford. Mr. Crocker, disguised as the menacing 'Chicago Ed.', enters Ogden's room, only to be met by the boy holding a revolver. Ogden, recognizing the connection to his previous kidnapper Buck Maginnis, negotiates a fifty-fifty split and agrees to go along. Jimmy, hiding in the gallery, closes the French windows after they leave, but hears a footstep in the passage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Escapade

The chapter centers on the daring and comedic kidnapping plot, with disguises, negotiation, and stealth.

### Family Dynamics and Obligation

Jimmy enlists his father's help in the scheme, showing familial loyalty and the lengths they go to for each other.

## Character check-ins

### Jimmy Crocker

Awake and orchestrating the kidnapping plan; waits in the gallery to close the windows after his father and Ogden leave.

### Bingley Crocker

Disguised as 'Chicago Ed.' and tasked with kidnapping Ogden; initially nervous but successfully negotiates with the boy.

### Ogden Ford

Awake and armed with a revolver; shrewdly bargains for a share of the ransom before agreeing to be kidnapped.

### Jerry Mitchell

Mentioned as waiting outside with a hired car at one o'clock.

## Key lines

> The only trouble is, Jim, shan't I scare the boy to death directly he sees me? Oughtn't I to give him some sort of warning?

Mr. Crocker worries that his intimidating disguise might frighten Ogden too much.

_Reflects Mr. Crocker's nervousness and the comedic tension of the disguise._

> I got this with cigarette-coupons, to shoot rabbits when we went to the country. Here's where I get a chance at something part-human.

Ogden boasts about his revolver, obtained through a promotion, and threatens to use it on the intruder.

_Highlights Ogden's precocious and unflappable character._

> I'm strong for Buck. We're old pals. Did you see the piece in the paper about him kidnapping me last time? I've got it in my press-clipping album.

Ogden expresses fondness for his previous kidnapper Buck Maginnis and keeps a scrapbook of the event.

_Shows Ogden's unusual and cynical attitude toward kidnapping._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/piccadilly_jim_se/chapters/xxi-chicago-ed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/piccadilly_jim_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/piccadilly_jim_se/chapters