# The Peel Tower explained — Scarhaven Keep

> Chapter companion for Scarhaven Keep by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

A council of war is held at Sir Cresswell Oliver's headquarters. Spurge reveals the location of the hidden gold chests in the old peel tower at Reaver's Glen. Sir Cresswell, Vickers, Gilling, and Copplestone plan an expedition to watch the tower, anticipating that Chatfield's associates will attempt to retrieve the gold. Spurge advises a small, stealthy party with a reserve force at High Nick. The group sets out across the moorland to the tower, but when Spurge signals for his cousin Jim, there is no response, raising concerns.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Corruption

The hidden gold chests worth fifty thousand pounds drive the conspiracy, with Chatfield and his associates willing to risk capture for the treasure.

### Mystery and Detection

The chapter focuses on planning a stakeout to catch the criminals, with Spurge's knowledge of the terrain and the use of strategy to uncover the plot.

### Isolation and Landscape

The desolate moorland, the remote peel tower, and the wild coastal scenery create a tense, atmospheric setting for the impending confrontation.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Copplestone

Participates in the council of war, epitomizes Spurge's story, and joins the expedition to the peel tower.

### Mr. Gilling

Takes the message from Sir Cresswell, helps plan the expedition, and accompanies the party to Reaver's Glen.

### Guy Vickers

Provides information about the Pike's speed and wireless capability, supplies revolvers, and joins the watch at the tower.

### Zachary Spurge

Reveals the hidden gold's location, advises on strategy, leads the party to the peel tower, and signals unsuccessfully for his cousin Jim.

### Sir Cresswell Oliver

Presides over the council, approves the plan, and arranges for police backup at High Nick.

### Valentine Greyle

Warns Copplestone to be careful and comments on Chatfield's resourcefulness.

## Key lines

> Gad!—that's valuable!

Sir Cresswell expresses excitement upon learning that Spurge knows where the gold is hidden.

_Shows Sir Cresswell's keen interest in the treasure's location._

> A fit morning for a do of this sort!

Gilling comments on the bleak, rainy weather being appropriate for their dangerous mission.

_Highlights the grim atmosphere as the party sets out._

> Lone spot, ain't it, gentlemen?

Spurge remarks on the isolated and desolate nature of the peel tower location.

_Emphasizes the remote setting for the planned ambush._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scarhaven_keep_se/chapters/xxvii-the-peel-tower
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scarhaven_keep_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/scarhaven_keep_se/chapters