# XII explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

> Chapter companion for Sir Percy Hits Back by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

The chapter details the arrest of Amédé Colombe, accused of hiding valuables belonging to Madame de Frontenac. A new, immaculate detachment of Republican soldiers arrives in Laragne, led by a magnificent officer who confronts the disheveled lieutenant from the previous night. Ma'ame Colombe protests her son's innocence, but Amédé's guilty silence and the discovery of the hidden items confirm the charges. The officer threatens Amédé with conscription into the revolutionary army as a means of redemption, while Monsieur de Frontenac remains a prisoner under guard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Corruption

Amédé, initially seen as innocent, is revealed to have hidden valuables, blurring the line between good intentions and criminal acts.

### Class and Social Division

The contrast between the dirty, common soldiers and the clean, magnificent officer highlights class distinctions within the revolutionary forces.

### Revolutionary Tyranny and Injustice

The arbitrary arrest, threat of conscription, and humiliation of the Colombe family illustrate the oppressive nature of the revolutionary regime.

## Character check-ins

### Amédé Colombe

Accused of theft and treason for hiding Madame de Frontenac's valuables; remains silent and sullen under questioning.

### Ma'ame Colombe

Protests her son's innocence but is cowed by the officer and Amédé's silence; contrasts the dirty lieutenant with the clean new captain.

### Hector Colombe

Attempts to pacify his wife and explain the situation; stands hand-in-hand with her in fear.

### Charles de Frontenac

Held prisoner by the soldiers; remains calm and philosophical despite jeers and threats.

### Lieutenant Godet

The disheveled officer from the previous night; humbled and dejected when confronted by the superior captain.

## Key lines

> Ma'ame Colombe thought that she had probed the last depths of humiliation when she heard that gorgeous officer call her Amédé a thief.

Ma'ame Colombe felt utterly humiliated when the officer accused her son of theft.

_Highlights the shame and social disgrace brought upon the family._

> It means, citizeness, that not only treason, but also theft has been traced to this house, and that it is lucky for you that news of it reached the Committee of Sisteron in time, else it had been worse for you and your family.

The officer tells Ma'ame Colombe that both treason and theft have been discovered in her home, and that the Committee's timely intervention saved them from worse consequences.

_Emphasizes the gravity of the charges and the power of the revolutionary committees._

> The one thing that will probably save you is that the Republic has need of you in her revolutionary army. The enemy is at the gates of France, you are young, healthy, vigorous; it is for you to show your mettle by defending your country. Thus you will redeem the past.

The officer tells Amédé that his only chance of redemption is to serve in the revolutionary army against the foreign enemies of France.

_Illustrates the revolutionary practice of conscripting criminals as soldiers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters