Scarhaven Keep · Chapter
The Yacht Comes Back explained
The stranded group spots a steamer approaching the island, which they identify as the yacht 'Pike'.
What happens
The stranded group spots a steamer approaching the island, which they identify as the yacht 'Pike'. Chatfield becomes terrified, confessing that he hid the real gold from the Norcaster Bank (replacing it with lead in the chests aboard the yacht) and that the returning crew are after him. The yacht's boat lands, and the men fire warning shots to capture Chatfield, while leaving provisions for the others.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Chatfield's scheme to steal the gold by hiding it and replacing it with lead reveals his greed and corrupt dealings.
Deception and Identity
Chatfield's lies about the gold and his role in the conspiracy are exposed; Audrey's instinct sees through his deception.
Characters to notice
- Peter Chatfield
Terrified as the yacht returns; confesses to hiding the gold and replacing it with lead, and is captured by the yacht's crew.
- Guy Vickers
Identifies the approaching vessel as the 'Pike' and confronts Chatfield about his deception.
- Richard Copplestone
Observes the yacht's approach and discusses with Audrey the possibility that the crew has returned for Chatfield.
- Audrey Greyle
Correctly suspects the yacht is the 'Pike' and that Chatfield was in league with the crew; refuses to believe Chatfield's lies.
Key passages
“It's the money! The money as was in the Norcaster Bank—two lots of it. He—the Squire—gave me authority to get out his lot what was standing in his name, you know—and the other—the estate lot—that was standing in mine—some fifty thousand pounds in all, Mr. Vickers. I had it all in gold, packed in sealed chests—and they—those on board there—thought I took them chests aboard the Pike with me. I did take chests, d'ye see—but they'd lead in 'em. The real stuff is hidden—buried—never mind where.”
Chatfield confesses that he withdrew about fifty thousand pounds from the bank in gold, but hid the real gold and put lead in the chests he took onto the yacht.
Chatfield reveals his double-cross to Vickers, explaining why the yacht's crew has returned.
“I believe the man who calls himself Marston Greyle was on the Pike. I've always thought so. Whether Chatfield knew that or not, I don't know. My own belief is that Chatfield did know. I believe Chatfield was in with them, as the saying is.”
Audrey suspects that Marston Greyle is aboard the yacht and that Chatfield was part of the conspiracy.
Audrey shares her theory with Copplestone, showing her insight into the plot.