The Crime at Black Dudley · Chapter
XXVII: A Journey by Night explained
Abbershaw, Prenderby, and Martin pursue the disguised Rolls-Royce through the night, navigating traffic and then open roads.
What happens
Abbershaw, Prenderby, and Martin pursue the disguised Rolls-Royce through the night, navigating traffic and then open roads. The chase becomes dangerous when a shot is fired at them, but they persist, following the car through Chelmsford and into narrow lanes until dawn. The Rolls stops on desolate saltings near the sea, and after an exchange of gunfire, Whitby signals surrender with a white handkerchief.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Resourcefulness
The trio persists in the chase despite danger, including a bullet fired at them, and adapts to the difficult terrain and darkness.
Isolation and Entrapment
The pursuit leads to desolate saltings far from civilization, creating a sense of isolation and impending confrontation.
Characters to notice
- Michael Prenderby
Drives the Riley in the chase, carefully keeping distance after a bullet is fired at them, and navigates the difficult roads.
- Martin Watt
Exultant and convinced his theory is correct; he urges Prenderby to pursue aggressively and fires back at the Rolls.
- Dr. George Abbershaw
Doubtful about the legality and wisdom of the chase, but agrees to follow; he suspects the Rolls may have spotted them and suggests they run the car to earth.
- Dr. White Whitby
Occupant of the Rolls; fires a shot at the pursuers and later signals surrender with a white handkerchief.
Key passages
“For the first few miles, while they were still in the traffic, Prenderby contented himself with keeping the disguised Rolls in sight.”
Prenderby stayed behind the Rolls in London traffic to avoid being noticed.
Establishes the cautious start of the chase.
“The little rear window opened suddenly and a bullet hit the road directly in front of them.”
A shot from the Rolls nearly hit their tire, forcing Prenderby to swerve.
Escalates the danger of the pursuit.
“Whitby thrust his hand into his coat pocket and pulled out a large white handkerchief which he shook at them solemnly, waving it up and down.”
Whitby waved a white handkerchief as a sign of surrender.
Ends the chase with a truce signal.