The Black Arrow · Chapter
Bloody as the Hunter explained
Selden is ambushed and killed by the Black Arrow fellowship, while Dick and Matcham witness the attack.
What happens
Selden is ambushed and killed by the Black Arrow fellowship, while Dick and Matcham witness the attack. Dick wants to warn Selden's men but Matcham tries to stop him, revealing that Sir Daniel may have murdered Dick's father. After a confrontation, Matcham insists on following Dick, and they spot Ellis Duckworth leading his men through the woods.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Dick struggles between loyalty to Sir Daniel, who raised him, and the revelation that Sir Daniel may have murdered his father.
Revenge and Justice
Ellis Duckworth's men exact revenge on Sir Daniel's followers, and Matcham urges Dick to avenge his father's death.
Honor and Chivalry
Dick refuses to abandon his men in peril, citing honor, even when faced with the possibility of his father's murder.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Witnesses Selden's death, argues with Matcham about loyalty and honor, decides to warn Selden's men despite the risk.
- Matcham
Tries to prevent Dick from helping Sir Daniel's men, reveals Sir Daniel's possible murder of Dick's father, insists on following Dick.
- Selden
Ambushed and killed by the Black Arrow fellowship while fleeing through the woods.
- Ellis Duckworth
Commands the Black Arrow men, orders them not to shoot Dick, identifies him as Harry Shelton's son.
Key passages
“Hold! Shoot not! Take him alive! It is young Shelton—Harry's son.”
Ellis Duckworth orders his men to capture Dick alive because he is the son of Harry Shelton.
Duckworth recognizes Dick and spares him, hinting at a connection to Dick's father.
“The fame goeth currently, it was Sir Daniel slew him. He slew him under oath; in his own house he shed the innocent blood.”
Rumor says Sir Daniel murdered Dick's father under oath in his own home.
Matcham reveals the accusation that Sir Daniel killed Harry Shelton.
“An I be not in time to warn these lads, I will go die with them. What! would ye have me leave my own men that I have lived among? I trow not!”
Dick insists he must warn his comrades or die alongside them, refusing to abandon the men he grew up with.
Dick's sense of loyalty to his companions overrides his oath to Matcham.