Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
XXII explained
Bertie rides back to Brinkley Court, rings the fire bell at 12:30 a.m.
What happens
Bertie rides back to Brinkley Court, rings the fire bell at 12:30 a.m. as part of Jeeves's plan to force Gussie and Tuppy to rescue Madeline and Angela, but the scheme fails—no rescue occurs. Bertie confronts Jeeves, then faces Aunt Dahlia's questioning about the false alarm.
Themes in this chapter
Futility of Planning
Jeeves's elaborate fire bell scheme fails completely, as no rescue occurs, highlighting the futility of planning.
Comedy of Errors
Bertie's mistaken belief in a fire, the chaotic midnight alarm, and the failed rescue attempt create a farcical situation.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Rides back to Brinkley Court, rings the fire bell, and confronts Jeeves about the failed plan.
- Jeeves
Devised the fire bell scheme; present on the lawn after the alarm.
- Aunt Dahlia
Appears on the lawn in blue and yellow; questions Bertie about the false alarm.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Present on the lawn, sitting on the grass rubbing a barked shin.
- Tuppy Glossop
Walking up and down the path alone, not rescuing Angela.
- Angela
Leaning against the sundial with a peeved look.
Key passages
“I leaped into the saddle and, stifling the cry of agony which rose to the lips as the bruised person touched the hard leather, set out on the homeward journey.”
Bertie got on his bicycle and, suppressing a yell of pain from his sore bottom, started riding back.
Bertie's discomfort after the long bicycle ride.
“I knew all about the Brinkley Court fire bell. The dickens of a row it makes.”
Bertie was familiar with the Brinkley Court fire bell, which makes an extremely loud noise.
Bertie's anticipation of the bell's volume.
“I remember Freddie Widgeon, one of the most chivalrous birds in the Drones, telling me how there was an alarm of fire once at a seaside hotel where he was staying and, so far from rushing about saving women, he was down the escape within ten seconds of the kickoff, his mind concerned with but one thing— viz. , the personal well-being of F. Widgeon.”
Bertie recalls Freddie Widgeon's story of a hotel fire alarm where Freddie fled immediately, thinking only of his own safety.
Bertie's doubt that Gussie and Tuppy would act heroically.
“I could detect no sign whatever that there had been any rescue work going on.”
Bertie saw no evidence that anyone had been rescued.
The failure of Jeeves's plan.
“I had not prepared a really good story in support of my questionable behaviour in ringing fire bells at such an hour.”
Bertie realized he had no good excuse for ringing the fire bell in the middle of the night.
Bertie's anxiety about facing Aunt Dahlia.