The Gold Bat · Chapter
XIII: Victim Number Three explained
Trevor receives a threatening letter from the League claiming they have the gold bat and demanding that Barry be dropped from the first fifteen.
What happens
Trevor receives a threatening letter from the League claiming they have the gold bat and demanding that Barry be dropped from the first fifteen. Despite the risk to O'Hara, Trevor resolves to keep Barry on the team for the Ripton match. He consults Clowes, who advises not telling O'Hara. Trevor then visits Milton at Seymour's to arrange a house-match, only to find Milton's study has also been wrecked by the League, with photographs slashed and ink spilled.
Themes in this chapter
Authority and Rebellion
Trevor defies the League's threat to keep Barry on the team, prioritizing the school's performance over personal safety.
Friendship and Betrayal
Trevor and Clowes decide to keep the League's threat from O'Hara to spare him anxiety, highlighting loyalty amid potential betrayal.
Secrecy and Detection
The League operates in secret, wrecking studies and sending anonymous threats, while Trevor and Clowes try to manage the hidden danger.
Characters to notice
- Trevor
Receives the League's threatening letter and decides to keep Barry on the team despite the risk to O'Hara; visits Milton to arrange the house-match.
- Clowes
Advises Trevor not to tell O'Hara about the letter and supports the decision to play Barry.
- Milton
His study is wrecked by the League; he is distraught over the destruction of his photographs and ink.
- Barry
Mentioned as the best man for the Ripton match; Trevor insists he must play despite League threats.
- O'Hara
At risk of expulsion if the gold bat incident is revealed; Trevor and Clowes decide not to inform him.
Key passages
“With reference to our last communication, it may interest you to know that the bat you lost by the statue on the night of the 26th of January has come into our possession. We observe that Barry is still playing for the first fifteen.”
The League writes to Trevor, claiming they have the gold bat and noting that Barry is still on the team.
The League's letter serves as a threat to force Trevor to drop Barry.
“Barry must play. That was certain. All the bluff in the world was not going to keep him from playing the best man at his disposal in the Ripton match.”
Trevor is determined to play Barry regardless of the League's threats.
Trevor prioritizes the team's success over personal risk.
“If fifty mad Irishmen were to be expelled, Barry must play against Ripton. He was the best man, and in he must go.”
Clowes insists that Barry must play even if it means O'Hara's expulsion.
Clowes supports Trevor's decision with a pragmatic view.