Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
The Man at the Astor explained
After a seedy man sent by the tenement interests marks them, Psmith and Billy dine at the Astor roof garden for safety.
What happens
After a seedy man sent by the tenement interests marks them, Psmith and Billy dine at the Astor roof garden for safety. A mysterious stranger warns them that Bat Jarvis refused a contract to harm them, but another gang will likely take the job. The stranger also reveals that a wealthy backer is behind the threats.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Risk
Billy and Psmith face physical threats from gangs but refuse to back down, buying sticks and dining publicly despite the danger.
Journalism and Power
The tenement exposé puts the editors in conflict with a wealthy backer who uses gangs to silence them, highlighting the risks of investigative journalism.
Friendship and Loyalty
Bat Jarvis shows loyalty to Billy for returning his cat, refusing a lucrative contract and offering protection.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Suggests dining at the Astor roof garden for safety; remains calm and witty in the face of danger.
- Billy Windsor
Wary of strangers after recent events; buys a big stick for protection; confronts the mysterious informant.
- Pugsy Maloney
Stops a seedy man from entering the office; gets his ear pinched; described as a martyr by Psmith.
- Bat Jarvis
Refused a contract to harm Billy and Psmith; sends a messenger to warn them and offer help.
Key passages
“These are the drawbacks to being public men, Comrade Windsor. We must bear them manfully, without wincing.”
Psmith says that being well-known has its downsides, and they must endure them bravely.
Psmith's characteristic blend of humor and stoicism in the face of danger.
“Bat turned the job down. ... Said you were a friend of his and none of his fellows were going to put a finger on you.”
The stranger reports that Bat Jarvis refused the contract because he considers Billy a friend.
Demonstrates the loyalty Bat feels after Billy returned his cat.
“You're up against a big proposition. ... The man behind is a big bug.”
The stranger warns that a wealthy and powerful person is orchestrating the threats against them.
Reveals the scale of the opposition behind the tenement exposé.