Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
XIV: The Highfield explained
Psmith and Billy Windsor travel to the Highfield Athletic and Gymnastic Club, a converted warehouse on the Harlem River that was formerly known as 'Swifty Bob's.' The club operates under the guise of exhibition sparring to avoid police raid
What happens
Psmith and Billy Windsor travel to the Highfield Athletic and Gymnastic Club, a converted warehouse on the Harlem River that was formerly known as 'Swifty Bob's.' The club operates under the guise of exhibition sparring to avoid police raids. They attend a boxing match where Kid Brady, backed by Cosy Moments, faces Cyclone Al Wolmann. After a slow start, Brady endures heavy blows and eventually defeats Wolmann, prompting Psmith to declare it an omen for Cosy Moments.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Risk
Psmith and Billy venture into a dangerous neighborhood to attend the fight, and Kid Brady displays remarkable endurance against a powerful opponent.
Journalism and Power
Cosy Moments' backing of Kid Brady is a key plot point; the fight's outcome is seen as an omen for the newspaper's fortunes.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Travels with Billy to the Highfield, discusses the weather and Kid Brady's prospects, and nearly reveals their connection to Cosy Moments to a stranger.
- Billy Windsor
Obtained tickets from a newspaper friend, accompanies Psmith to the fight, and cheers enthusiastically for Kid Brady, expressing confidence because Brady comes from Wyoming.
- Kid Brady
The main event boxer representing Cosy Moments; endures heavy blows from Cyclone Al Wolmann before rallying to win the bout.
- Mr. Wolmann
Known as Cyclone Al Wolmann, the opponent in the main bout; starts aggressively but fades and is defeated by Kid Brady.
Key passages
“Rattling on, he was alluding to the prominent part Cosy Moments had played in the affair, when a rough thrust from Windsor’s elbow brought home to him his indiscretion.”
While chatting, Psmith started to mention Cosy Moments' role in the event, but Billy's nudge made him realize he was being careless.
Psmith nearly reveals their secret connection to the newspaper to a stranger.
“The best method of getting to the Highfield is by the Subway. To see the Subway in its most characteristic mood one must travel on it during the rush hour, when its patrons are packed into the carriages in one solid jam by muscular guards and policemen, shoving in a manner reminiscent of a Rugby football scrum.”
The Subway is the best way to reach the Highfield, especially during rush hour when guards and police pack passengers in tightly, like a rugby scrum.
Describes the crowded and forceful nature of Subway travel in New York.
“Cosy Moments wins,” said Psmith. “An omen, I fancy, Comrade Windsor.”
Psmith declares that Kid Brady's victory is a good sign for Cosy Moments.
Psmith interprets the fight outcome as a positive omen for their newspaper.