# V: Earl Risingham explained — The Black Arrow

> Chapter companion for The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Dick Shelton and Lawless are imprisoned in Earl Risingham's lodgings. Dick confesses to killing Rutter and produces a letter from Sir Daniel that reveals his treachery against the Earl. Impressed by Dick's honesty and the evidence, Earl Risingham frees both Dick and Lawless, warning them to flee Shoreby quickly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Sir Daniel's secret letter to Lord Wensleydale reveals his betrayal of Earl Risingham, contrasting with Dick's honest confession.

### Honor and Chivalry

Dick's straightforward admission of killing Rutter and his plea for Lawless's life reflect a code of honor, which Earl Risingham acknowledges.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Shelton

Imprisoned and brought before Earl Risingham; confesses to killing Rutter and produces Sir Daniel's letter; freed by the Earl.

### Will Lawless

Imprisoned with Dick; sleeps through the ordeal; spared from hanging due to Dick's plea.

### Earl Risingham

Holds court in Shoreby; interrogates Dick; is swayed by the letter revealing Sir Daniel's betrayal; frees both captives.

### Sir Daniel Brackley

Mentioned as a powerful Lancastrian; his treacherous letter to Lord Wensleydale is exposed by Dick.

### Ellis Duckworth

Mentioned by Lawless as a man who would help Dick if he knew of his predicament.

## Key lines

> Well spoken, Master Richard; it was excellently well spoken, and, for my part, I thank you cordially. Here we are in good hands; we shall be justly tried, and, some time this evening, decently hanged on the same tree.

Lawless sarcastically praises Dick's speech, noting that they are in good hands and will likely be hanged together by evening.

_Lawless's dark humor about their impending execution._

> My lord, I will at once avow my guilt, such as it is. I slew this fellow Rutter; and to the proof—searching in his bosom—here is a letter from his wallet.

Dick confesses to killing Rutter and produces a letter from Rutter's wallet as evidence.

_Dick's honest confession before Earl Risingham._

> It is my own estate, even as ye say! I am your bedesman for this letter. It hath shown me a fox's hole.

Earl Risingham realizes that Sir Daniel offered his own estate to Lord Wensleydale, and thanks Dick for revealing the treachery.

_The Earl's reaction to Sir Daniel's betrayal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/v-earl-risingham
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters