The Black Arrow · Chapter
The Dead Spy explained
Dick Shelton and Lawless kill a spy named Rutter, who was carrying a letter from Lord Shoreby to Lord Wensleydale.
What happens
Dick Shelton and Lawless kill a spy named Rutter, who was carrying a letter from Lord Shoreby to Lord Wensleydale. Dick reads the letter, adds a warning signed 'Jon Amend-All,' and pins it to the corpse with a black arrow. Sir Daniel and Lord Shoreby discover the body and the letter, realizing the Black Arrow is targeting them. Dick hides behind an arras, overhears the commotion, and later emerges to plan his escape. With the help of Joanna and her friend, he disguises himself as a friar to leave the house, but is escorted by guards to the abbey church, where he encounters Sir Oliver Oates.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Dick disguises himself as a friar to escape the house, and the spy Rutter is discovered in disguise.
Revenge and Justice
The Black Arrow fellowship's vendetta against Sir Daniel and Lord Shoreby is evident through the pinned arrow and warning letter.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Lord Shoreby's secret correspondence with York reveals betrayal, while Dick's loyalty to Joanna and his cause drives his actions.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Kills the spy Rutter, reads Lord Shoreby's letter, writes a warning, and plans to escape the house disguised as a friar.
- Will Lawless
Drunk and unsteady, pins the black arrow to the spy's corpse, claiming credit for the Black Arrow fellowship.
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Discovers the body and the black arrow, recognizes the threat, and orders the house secured.
- Lord Shoreby
Identifies the dead spy as his man, realizes his letter is missing, and becomes anxious about the Black Arrow's threat.
- Joanna Sedley
Fears her forced marriage to Lord Shoreby; speaks with Dick and encourages his escape plan.
- Sir Oliver Oates
Confronts Dick in the abbey church, recognizes him, and hesitates to turn him in.
Key passages
“It is well; they have not heard us, praise the saints! But, now, what shall I do with this poor spy? At least, I will take my tassel from his wallet.”
Dick is relieved that no one heard the struggle, and decides to retrieve his tassel from the spy's bag.
Dick's practical concern after killing the spy.
“My lord, have I not told you of this knave Black Arrow? To the proof, behold it! There it stands, and, by the rood, my gossip, in a man of yours, or one that stole your colours!”
Sir Daniel points out the black arrow to Lord Shoreby, claiming it proves the Black Arrow's involvement.
Sir Daniel uses the arrow to implicate the Black Arrow fellowship.
“I shall be wed tomorrow, in the morning, after all!”
Joanna despairs that her forced marriage to Lord Shoreby will proceed as planned.
Joanna's fear of the impending marriage.