The Four Feathers · Chapter
XXII: Durrance Lets His Cigar Go Out explained
Durrance visits Captain Willoughby at his club, ostensibly to ask him to look out for Harry Feversham in the Sudan, but actually to probe Willoughby's knowledge of the dinner party where Feversham received the telegram that led to his disgr
What happens
Durrance visits Captain Willoughby at his club, ostensibly to ask him to look out for Harry Feversham in the Sudan, but actually to probe Willoughby's knowledge of the dinner party where Feversham received the telegram that led to his disgrace. Through careful questioning, Durrance confirms that Castleton sent the telegram, which ordered Feversham's regiment to active service, and that this triggered Feversham's cowardice and resignation. Durrance pieces together the full sequence of events, realizing Feversham is atoning for his act of cowardice, and plans to tell Sutch.
Themes in this chapter
Cowardice and Redemption
Durrance concludes that Feversham's act of cowardice is being atoned for through his suffering and service in the Sudan, emphasizing the theme of redemption through endurance.
Perception and Reality
Durrance, though blind, perceives the truth through subtle cues and traps, while Willoughby believes he has deceived Durrance, highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality.
Friendship and Loyalty
Durrance's concern for Feversham and his desire to help him, despite the past, underscores the loyalty of friendship, even when the friend has fallen.
Characters to notice
- Durrance
Blind but perceptive, Durrance uses conversation to uncover the truth about Feversham's past, letting his cigar go out as he focuses on his investigation.
- Captain Willoughby
A bore at his club, Willoughby is wary of Durrance's visit and tries to deflect questions, but inadvertently reveals details about the dinner and the telegram.
- Harry Feversham
Though absent, Feversham is the central subject of Durrance's inquiries; his past actions and current atonement are the focus of the chapter.
- Colonel Trench
Mentioned as one of the dinner guests, Trench is part of the group that witnessed Feversham's receipt of the telegram.
- Major Castleton
Revealed as the sender of the telegram that brought news of the regiment's active service, which triggered Feversham's cowardice.
- Lieutenant Sutch
Durrance plans to astonish Sutch with his discovery, indicating Sutch's ongoing involvement in the mystery.
Key passages
“He took a pull at his cigar and added, 'By the way, there was a third man present.'”
Durrance casually mentions that there was another guest at the dinner, testing Willoughby's reaction.
Durrance uses a seemingly offhand remark to gauge Willoughby's memory and honesty.
“And we shall never dine with Castleton again,' he said slowly. 'Castleton wasn't there,' Willoughby exclaimed.”
Durrance mentions Castleton, and Willoughby quickly corrects him, revealing that Castleton was not at the dinner but was expected.
Willoughby's quick correction betrays his detailed recollection of the event, which Durrance uses to his advantage.
“You said that you did not let your cigars go out. This one's stone cold.”
Willoughby points out that Durrance's cigar has gone out, contradicting his earlier claim.
This moment symbolizes Durrance's preoccupation with the investigation, as he forgets his cigar while deep in thought.