Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
An Addition to the Staff explained
Psmith and Billy Windsor visit Kid Brady after his boxing match to offer him the position of fighting editor at Cosy Moments, anticipating trouble from a gang hired by their adversary.
What happens
Psmith and Billy Windsor visit Kid Brady after his boxing match to offer him the position of fighting editor at Cosy Moments, anticipating trouble from a gang hired by their adversary. Kid Brady accepts the offer, refusing any salary out of gratitude. After leaving, the trio gets lost in a dark alley and is ambushed by a group of men, but Kid Brady quickly disarms one of the attackers with a blackjack.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Risk
Kid Brady's willingness to face potential gang violence as fighting editor highlights the theme of courage in the face of danger.
Friendship and Loyalty
Kid Brady's refusal of salary out of gratitude to Psmith and Billy underscores the bond of loyalty among the characters.
Gang Violence and Corruption
The ambush with a blackjack and the threat from Comrade Parker's hired gang illustrate the pervasive gang violence and corruption.
Characters to notice
- Kid Brady
Accepts the role of fighting editor for Cosy Moments, demonstrating loyalty and physical prowess.
- Psmith
Articulates the need for a fighting editor and leads the recruitment of Kid Brady.
- Billy Windsor
Explains the threat from Comrade Parker and the gang, and supports hiring Kid Brady.
- Comrade Parker
Mentioned as the antagonist who threatened the editors and hired the gang.
- Mr. Wolmann
Referenced as Kid Brady's recent boxing opponent, Cyclone Al Wolmann.
Key passages
“He couldn't hit a hole in a block of ice-cream, not if he was to use a hammer.”
He couldn't hit a target even with a hammer.
Kid Brady's colorful dismissal of Al Wolmann's punching ability.
“I felt like some watcher of the skies when a new planet swims into his ken; or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes he stared at the Pacific.”
I felt awe and wonder, like an astronomer discovering a new planet or Cortez gazing at the Pacific.
Psmith's poetic praise of Kid Brady's fighting skills, referencing Keats and exploration.
“Next time we three go on a little jaunt anywhere, it would be as well to take a map and a corps of guides with us.”
Next time we go out, we should bring a map and guides.
Psmith's humorous remark after getting lost in a blind alley.