Short Fiction · Chapter
Fox-in-the-Morning explained
Goodwin and Keogh receive a coded message from Englehart revealing that President Miraflores has fled the capital with the treasury and the opera singer Isabel Guilbert.
What happens
Goodwin and Keogh receive a coded message from Englehart revealing that President Miraflores has fled the capital with the treasury and the opera singer Isabel Guilbert. They plan to intercept the fugitives before they can escape by sea, playing a game of 'Fox-in-the-Morning' to secure the stolen funds for the incoming Liberal party.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The coded telegram and the game of 'Fox-in-the-Morning' highlight the deceptive maneuvers and hidden intentions of the characters.
Crime and Consequence
President Miraflores's theft of the treasury and flight with a companion set up a chase to recover the stolen funds, emphasizing the consequences of political corruption.
Ambition and Failure
Goodwin and Keogh's ambition to seize power and wealth contrasts with the president's failed escape, reflecting the precarious nature of political success.
Characters to notice
- Frank Goodwin
The big American in Coralio, politically astute and allied with the Liberal party; he deciphers Englehart's slang telegram and plans to intercept the fleeing president.
- Billy Keogh
A philosopher and tintype photographer who helps interpret the coded message and outlines the strategy to catch the president and his companion.
- Paula Brannigan
The vivacious daughter of Bernard Brannigan; she exchanges pleasantries with Goodwin and shows a hint of defensiveness about old Geddie.
Key passages
“His Nibs skedaddled yesterday per jackrabbit line with all the coin in the kitty and the bundle of muslin he’s spoony about. The boodle is six figures short. Our crowd in good shape, but we need the spondulicks. You collar it. The main guy and the dry goods are headed for the briny. You know what to do.”
The president fled yesterday by mule with the entire treasury and his mistress. The funds are short by six figures. Our party is ready, but we need the money. You intercept them. The president and the woman are heading for the coast. You know what to do.
Englehart's coded slang message to Goodwin, revealing the president's flight and the need to recover the stolen treasury.
“This little literary essay I hold in my hands means a game of Fox-in-the-Morning.”
This telegram describes a chase, like the children's game where one side tries to catch the other.
Keogh interprets the message as a call to pursue the fleeing president and his companion.