Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
A Red Taximeter explained
Psmith and Billy Windsor, after leaving the Astor Hotel, are approached by a suspicious stranger claiming to know Billy's father.
What happens
Psmith and Billy Windsor, after leaving the Astor Hotel, are approached by a suspicious stranger claiming to know Billy's father. Billy sees through the ruse and declines the invitation. They then notice a red taximeter cab following them. To confirm their suspicions, they take an uptown Elevated train, only to find the same cab waiting for them at the Fourteenth Street station, confirming they are being tailed.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Risk
Billy and Psmith face potential danger from unknown pursuers, yet they maintain composure and take calculated risks to assess the threat.
Journalism and Power
The surveillance suggests that their investigative work on the tenement exposé has attracted powerful enemies, highlighting the risks journalists face.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Accompanies Billy and observes the tailing with characteristic calm and wit.
- Billy Windsor
Detects the ruse of the stranger and the following cab, taking evasive action to confirm the surveillance.
Key passages
“Why, it's Mr. Windsor!”
The stranger recognizes Billy and tries to ingratiate himself.
The stranger's false familiarity is a transparent attempt to lure Billy into a trap.
“I thought perhaps you did.”
Billy implies the taxi driver is complicit in following them.
Billy's direct accusation shows his growing suspicion and resolve.