The Duke’s Children · Chapter
The Meeting at The Bobtailed Fox explained
Major Tifto faces a hostile meeting of the Runnymede hunt members at the Bobtailed Fox inn, called to oust him as Master due to his alleged involvement in laming the horse.
What happens
Major Tifto faces a hostile meeting of the Runnymede hunt members at the Bobtailed Fox inn, called to oust him as Master due to his alleged involvement in laming the horse. Despite his defiant defense and proposal to refer the matter to Lord Silverbridge, the meeting votes to remove him.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
The conflict between local gentry and London-based riders reflects class tensions within the hunt.
Money and Debt
The financial scandal of the lamed horse and Tifto's alleged fraud underpin the meeting's purpose.
Characters to notice
- Major Tifto
Attends the meeting in his best scarlet coat, defends himself against accusations of laming the horse, and proposes to refer the matter to Lord Silverbridge.
- Lord Silverbridge
Referenced as the injured party in the horse-laming scandal; Tifto suggests leaving the decision to him.
- Old Mr. Topps
Chairs the meeting as a well-known old sportsman, expresses sadness over the situation.
- Mr. Jawstock
Leads the accusation against Tifto, speaking at length about the disgrace and calling for his removal.
Key passages
“This is a very disagreeable position, very disagreeable indeed. As for the nail in the horse’s foot I know no more about it than the babe unborn.”
Tifto claims ignorance of the horse-laming incident, calling the situation unpleasant.
Tifto's defensive statement at the meeting.
“I say they belong to me. If anybody tries his hand at anything else the law will soon set that to rights.”
Tifto asserts ownership of the hounds and threatens legal action.
Tifto's claim of authority over the hunt's hounds.