# The Hooded Face explained — The Black Arrow

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

## What happens

Dick and Matcham encounter a leper in the forest who turns out to be Sir Daniel Brackley in disguise. Sir Daniel reveals his recent defeat in battle and his fear of the Black Arrow, then leads them to Tunstall Moat House. Matcham expresses foreboding about Sir Daniel's character and their future under his guardianship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Sir Daniel disguises himself as a leper to avoid detection, and Matcham's true identity remains hidden from Dick.

### Revenge and Justice

Sir Daniel swears a violent oath to avenge the ambush of Selden's troop, vowing to kill ten men for each of his fallen soldiers.

### War and Political Conflict

The chapter references the recent battle and Sir Daniel's defeat, reflecting the ongoing Wars of the Roses and its impact on local lords.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Shelton

Travels with Matcham, initially terrified of the leper, then relieved to discover it is Sir Daniel; learns of Selden's death and Sir Daniel's recent defeat.

### Matcham

Travels with Dick, faints when captured by the leper (Sir Daniel), and later expresses deep foreboding about Sir Daniel's character and their future.

### Sir Daniel Brackley

Disguised as a leper to avoid the Black Arrow; reveals his defeat at battle, the loss of his men, and his plan to return to Tunstall; swears vengeance on Ellis Duckworth.

### Bennet Hatch

Mentioned as having ten fellows; present at Tunstall Moat House to receive Dick and Matcham.

### Selden

Mentioned as having had six men; his troop was ambushed and massacred, news of which Dick delivers to Sir Daniel.

### Ellis Duckworth

Mentioned as the leader of the Black Arrow; Sir Daniel swears vengeance on him for the ambush of Selden's troop.

## Key lines

> Hold your shot, Dickon! cried a familiar voice. Hold your shot, mad wag! Know ye not a friend?

Stop, Dick! Don't shoot—it's me, a friend!

_Sir Daniel reveals his identity to Dick after being mistaken for a leper._

> I broke this Duckworth like a rush; I beggared him to his door; I burned the thatch above his head; I drove him from this country; and now, cometh he back to beard me?

I crushed Duckworth completely—I ruined him, burned his house, and forced him to flee. Now he dares to confront me again?

_Sir Daniel expresses his fury at Ellis Duckworth's return and the ambush._

> He may be brave in battle, but he hath the liar's eye; there is fear in his eye, Dick, and fear is as cruel as the wolf!

He might be courageous in war, but his eyes show he's a liar and a coward, and fear makes him as vicious as a wolf.

_Matcham warns Dick about Sir Daniel's true character as they approach Tunstall._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/vii-the-hooded-face
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters