# IX: Chris Kennedy Scores a Try Only explained — The Crime at Black Dudley

> Chapter companion for The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham.

## What happens

Abbershaw comforts Meggie after discovering the mask has been replaced. The group realizes they are trapped by Dawlish and Gideon, who demand the return of a mysterious small object. Chris Kennedy returns from checking the cars, finding them disabled. After Kennedy is shot in the wrist, a note from Gideon reiterates that no one may leave until they get what they want. Anne Edgeware suddenly screams that Albert Campion has vanished from beside her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Entrapment

The entire party is trapped in Black Dudley, with cars disabled and a note stating no one may leave until the captors get what they want.

### Courage and Resourcefulness

Abbershaw resolves to outwit the criminals, Kennedy attempts a reckless escape despite being wounded, and the group discusses strategies to overcome their captors.

### Deception and Disguise

Campion's sudden disappearance and the mysterious replacement of the mask suggest hidden passages or trickery, and the captors' true intentions remain concealed.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. George Abbershaw

Comforts Meggie, resolves to escape and investigate the criminal organization, bandages Kennedy's wound, and advises against confronting the captors.

### Meggie Oliphant

Trembling and scared after seeing the mask replaced, she expresses relief at Abbershaw's presence.

### Albert Campion

Makes a fatuous remark about theft, then mysteriously vanishes from beside Anne Edgeware, causing panic.

### Chris Kennedy

Returns from checking the cars, reports they are disabled, is shot in the wrist while attempting to escape, and is bandaged by Abbershaw.

### Wyatt Petrie

Apologizes for the situation, leads Kennedy to the drinks cupboard, and reads Gideon's note aloud.

### Anne Edgeware

Screams hysterically when Campion vanishes from beside her, insisting he disappeared into thin air.

## Key lines

> Once out of the house he himself could get an immediate inquiry instituted by the highest authorities.

Abbershaw plans to contact top officials as soon as he escapes.

_Shows Abbershaw's determination to involve the highest authorities._

> We are not joking. No one leaves this house until we have what we want.

Gideon's note warns that the group is trapped until their demands are met.

_Reinforces the theme of entrapment._

> He went from my side just as if he had disappeared into the air.

Anne Edgeware claims Campion vanished without a trace.

_Highlights the mysterious and deceptive nature of Campion's disappearance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crime_at_black_dudley_se/chapters/ix-chris-kennedy-scores-a-try-only
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crime_at_black_dudley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crime_at_black_dudley_se/chapters