The Courts of the Morning · Chapter
The Trap in the Old Quarter explained
In a dark hut in the oldest quarter of the city, a group of conspirators gathers to ambush the man they believe is the mastermind behind the revolution.
What happens
In a dark hut in the oldest quarter of the city, a group of conspirators gathers to ambush the man they believe is the mastermind behind the revolution. The prisoner, revealed to be Sandy Arbuthnot, uses his wits and a timely rescue to turn the tables on his would-be executioners.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
The conspirators betray their cause by turning on each other, while Sandy's old school tie with Tim Lariarty creates a moment of unexpected loyalty.
Identity and Disguise
Sandy's true identity as Arbuthnot is revealed only at the critical moment, and his calm demeanor masks his peril.
Characters to notice
- Sandy Arbuthnot
The prisoner who narrowly escapes execution by using his charm and quick thinking, revealing his identity as Arbuthnot.
- Tim Lariarty
The sphinx-like man on the barrel, an old school acquaintance of Sandy's, who grants him five minutes to speak.
- Mollison
The bearded giant who captures Sandy and is later shot dead during the rescue.
- Bechstein
A fever-stricken conspirator present at the ambush.
- Radin
One of the conspirators, dazed and pinioned during the rescue.
- Molinoff
Another conspirator, also pinioned during the rescue.
Key passages
“How many's left? ... Let's put our salvage at half a dozen. Enough to do the job, say I, if there's any luck left to us.”
The doorkeeper estimates that only about six of their group remain after the day's losses, but believes that is sufficient for their plan if fortune favors them.
The conspirators assess their dwindling numbers after the day's violence.
“I had to make myself ground-bait if we were to catch these pike.”
Sandy explains that he deliberately acted as bait to lure the conspirators into a trap.
Sandy reveals his risky strategy to Peters after the rescue.