The Black Mask · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Black Mask by E. W. Hornung.
Chapter 1
No Sinecure
Raffles and Bunny are living in a small flat in Albany, where Raffles is restless and bored with their quiet life. He decides to take up a new challenge: breaking into a house in the country, but the plan goes awry when they discover the house is occupied by a woman who recognizes Raffles. The chapter explores Raffles' identity and his inability to settle into a normal life.
Chapter 2
I
Raffles and Bunny discuss the impact of the Boer War on their criminal activities. Initially enthusiastic about the war, they become depressed by British losses. Raffles decides to dye his hair and enlist in the Imperial Yeomanry, and Bunny resolves to join him. They depart for the Cape in February.
Chapter 3
II
Bunny reflects on his ineptitude as a soldier compared to Raffles, who thrives in the irregular squadron. He describes the bullying Corporal Connal, who targets Bunny until Raffles fights and subdues him. Bunny suspects Connal is a traitor after a suspicious patrol leads the troop into Boer lines under a white flag. Raffles reveals he has long known Connal is a spy and plans to expose him personally.
Chapter 4
Chapter III
Raffles and Bunny confront Corporal Connal, who has been stealing horses for the enemy. They capture him, but Connal reveals he knows their true identities as the notorious criminals Raffles and Bunny. Despite the exposure, Raffles confesses to the commanding officer, who decides to let them continue fighting.
Chapter 5
A Jubilee Present
Raffles steals a historic gold cup from the British Museum's Room of Gold during the Diamond Jubilee, but his obsession with the artifact leads him to devise a risky plan to hide it in plain sight. After a reconnaissance visit turns into an impulsive theft, Raffles and Bunny evade capture and return to their lodgings, where Raffles displays the cup triumphantly while the police search for it.
Chapter 6
The Fate of Faustina
Raffles recounts his tragic love affair with Faustina in Italy, her murder by Stefano and Count Corbucci, and his subsequent revenge and escape back to London.
Chapter 7
The Last Laugh
Raffles and Bunny are followed by Italian organ-grinders connected to the Camorra. Raffles reveals that Count Corbucci and a subordinate have been tracking him. After a tense night, Raffles and Bunny discover the two men dead in their flat, having been poisoned. Raffles orchestrates a cover-up, and the chapter ends with a grim resolution.
Chapter 8
To Catch a Thief
Raffles and Bunny are drawn into a case involving a stolen diamond necklace. They identify Lord Ernest Belville as the thief and plan a confrontation at King John's Mansions to recover the jewels.
Chapter 9
I
Raffles and Bunny discuss the impact of the Boer War on their criminal activities. Initially enthusiastic about the war, they become depressed by British losses. Raffles decides to dye his hair and enlist in the Imperial Yeomanry, and Bunny resolves to join him. They depart for the Cape in February.
Chapter 10
II
Bunny reflects on his ineptitude as a soldier compared to Raffles, who thrives in the irregular squadron. He describes the bullying Corporal Connal, who targets Bunny until Raffles fights and subdues him. Bunny suspects Connal is a traitor after a suspicious patrol leads the troop into Boer lines under a white flag. Raffles reveals he has long known Connal is a spy and plans to expose him personally.
Chapter 11
Chapter III
Raffles and Bunny confront Corporal Connal, who has been stealing horses for the enemy. They capture him, but Connal reveals he knows their true identities as the notorious criminals Raffles and Bunny. Despite the exposure, Raffles confesses to the commanding officer, who decides to let them continue fighting.
Chapter 12
An Old Flame
Raffles and Bunny encounter an old flame of Raffles, leading to a tense reunion that threatens to expose their criminal past.
Chapter 13
I
Raffles and Bunny discuss the impact of the Boer War on their criminal activities. Initially enthusiastic about the war, they become depressed by British losses. Raffles decides to dye his hair and enlist in the Imperial Yeomanry, and Bunny resolves to join him. They depart for the Cape in February.
Chapter 14
II
Bunny reflects on his ineptitude as a soldier compared to Raffles, who thrives in the irregular squadron. He describes the bullying Corporal Connal, who targets Bunny until Raffles fights and subdues him. Bunny suspects Connal is a traitor after a suspicious patrol leads the troop into Boer lines under a white flag. Raffles reveals he has long known Connal is a spy and plans to expose him personally.
Chapter 15
The Wrong House
Raffles and Bunny attempt to burgle a house in Surbiton, but due to the fog they mistakenly target the wrong house, which is an army crammer's residence full of boys. Raffles gets his hand caught while cutting through a door panel, and the boys hold him prisoner. Bunny, wearing a mask, manages to bluff his way in, strangle the boy holding Raffles, and free him. They lock the boy in the pantry and escape by pretending to be helpful cyclists, though they are nearly discovered by the crammer.
Chapter 16
The Knees of the Gods
Raffles and Bunny are in South Africa during the Boer War, where Raffles has enlisted under an assumed name. The chapter details their military experiences, the dangers of war, and Raffles' final heroic act leading to his death.
Chapter 17
I
Raffles and Bunny discuss the impact of the Boer War on their criminal activities. Initially enthusiastic about the war, they become depressed by British losses. Raffles decides to dye his hair and enlist in the Imperial Yeomanry, and Bunny resolves to join him. They depart for the Cape in February.
Chapter 18
II
Bunny reflects on his ineptitude as a soldier compared to Raffles, who thrives in the irregular squadron. He describes the bullying Corporal Connal, who targets Bunny until Raffles fights and subdues him. Bunny suspects Connal is a traitor after a suspicious patrol leads the troop into Boer lines under a white flag. Raffles reveals he has long known Connal is a spy and plans to expose him personally.
Chapter 19
Chapter III
Raffles and Bunny confront Corporal Connal, who has been stealing horses for the enemy. They capture him, but Connal reveals he knows their true identities as the notorious criminals Raffles and Bunny. Despite the exposure, Raffles confesses to the commanding officer, who decides to let them continue fighting.
Chapter 20
IV
Raffles and Bunny are under heavy fire on the veldt. Bunny is wounded in the thigh, and Raffles tends to him while continuing to shoot. They reminisce about their early thoughts on the war. Corporal Connal is executed for his crimes. Bunny reflects on his permanent limp and the day's events.
