The Black Arrow · Chapter
Arblaster Again explained
Dick Shelton, having escaped Sir Daniel and Lord Risingham, is captured by the drunken sailor Arblaster and his crew, who recognize him as the pirate who stole their ship.
What happens
Dick Shelton, having escaped Sir Daniel and Lord Risingham, is captured by the drunken sailor Arblaster and his crew, who recognize him as the pirate who stole their ship. Dick is bound and beaten, but he uses his wits to spin a tale of hidden treasure, loosens his bonds, and ultimately escapes into the moonlit night after overturning the table.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Dick exploits the greed of Arblaster and Pirret by inventing a tale of hidden treasure, which motivates them to loosen his bonds and listen to his story.
Identity and Disguise
Dick is recognized as the 'pirate' who stole Arblaster's ship, forcing him to rely on cunning and storytelling to conceal his true intentions and escape.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Captured by Arblaster, bound and beaten, but cleverly spins a tale of hidden treasure to loosen his bonds and escape.
- Gossip Arblaster
Drunken sailor who captures Dick, beats him, and binds him hand and foot, seeking revenge for the loss of his ship and wine.
- Tom Cuckow
Arblaster's man, suspicious of Dick's story, helps capture and bind him.
- Master Pirret
A shipman who encourages Arblaster to listen to Dick's tale of treasure, leading to Dick's temporary release and eventual escape.
- Will Lawless
Briefly appears with Dick in the lumber yard, wrestles Tom to the ground, and flees when discovered.
Key passages
“And so, young man, to your tale. It doth appear, indeed, that ye have somewhat abused our gossip Arblaster; but what then? Make it up to him—show him but this chance to become wealthy—and I will go pledge he will forgive you.”
Pirret encourages Dick to tell his story, suggesting that if he offers Arblaster a chance to get rich, all will be forgiven.
Pirret's greed leads him to advocate for listening to Dick's fabricated tale.
“With a haggard glance, Dick saw the coast was clear between him and the door. He put up an internal prayer. Then whipping forth his arm, he made but one snatch of the ring, and at the same instant, levering up the table, he sent it bodily over upon the seaman Tom.”
Dick quickly grabbed the ring and overturned the table onto Tom, creating a distraction to escape.
Dick's quick thinking and physical action enable his escape from captivity.