# The Man at the Astor explained — Psmith, Journalist

> Chapter companion for Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xi-the-man-at-the-astor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters