The Black Arrow · Chapter
At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley explained
Sir Daniel Brackley stays overnight in Kettley, squeezing tenants and extorting money.
What happens
Sir Daniel Brackley stays overnight in Kettley, squeezing tenants and extorting money. He interrogates and threatens Condall, then inspects his troops. Dick Shelton is present and given a letter to return to Tunstall. A young lad named Master John (actually Joanna Sedley in disguise) asks Dick for directions to Holywood and later escapes. Sir Daniel discovers the deception and orders Selden to hunt her down before marching to join the battle.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Sir Daniel extorts money from tenants like Condall and the innkeeper, using threats and violence to enrich himself.
Identity and Disguise
Joanna Sedley disguises herself as a boy named Master John to escape Sir Daniel's control.
Characters to notice
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Extorts tenants in Kettley, threatens Condall, inspects troops, and orders the hunt for the escaped Joanna.
- Dick Shelton
Present at the inn, given a letter by Sir Daniel to deliver to Tunstall, and secretly helps Master John (Joanna) with directions.
- Joanna Sedley
Disguised as Master John, asks Dick for directions to Holywood, then escapes from the inn; Sir Daniel orders her capture.
- Condall
A poor tenant threatened and extorted by Sir Daniel for twenty pounds.
- Selden
Sir Daniel's retainer; ordered to hang Condall and later to hunt down Joanna.
- Clipsby
A tenant who speaks boldly to Sir Daniel and is mocked but forgiven.
Key passages
“Delay, they say, begetteth peril; but it is rather this itch of doing that undoes men; mark it, Dick.”
Sir Daniel advises Dick that impatience and rash action cause more trouble than waiting.
Sir Daniel's philosophy on caution versus haste.
“I will show you any way, Sir Daniel, but the way to change sides.”
Clipsby declares he will follow orders but refuses to betray his loyalties.
Clipsby's defiant response to Sir Daniel's mockery.