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The Little Nugget · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Little Nugget by P. G. Wodehouse.

  1. Chapter 1

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  2. Chapter 2

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  3. Chapter 3

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  4. Chapter 4

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  5. Chapter 5

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  6. Chapter 6

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  7. Chapter 7

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  8. Chapter 8

    III

    Peter Burns is dispatched to London to retrieve Ogden Ford and Augustus Beckford, who have run away from Sanstead House. Audrey Blake reveals her role as Ogden's guardian and her fear of losing Mr. Ford's support. After a raid by Buck MacGinnis, Peter escapes through a window and attacks Buck in a fury.

  9. Chapter 9

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  10. Chapter 10

    III

    Peter Burns is dispatched to London to retrieve Ogden Ford and Augustus Beckford, who have run away from Sanstead House. Audrey Blake reveals her role as Ogden's guardian and her fear of losing Mr. Ford's support. After a raid by Buck MacGinnis, Peter escapes through a window and attacks Buck in a fury.

  11. Chapter 11

    IV

    Peter Burns arrives at Sanstead House School and is introduced to the boys and staff. He meets Mr. Abney, the headmaster, and is given a tour of the school. Peter observes the boys, including Ogden Ford, and begins to understand the dynamics of the school. He also encounters Mrs. Drassilis, who visits the school, and learns more about the situation with Ogden and the various schemes surrounding him.

  12. Chapter 12

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  13. Chapter 13

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  14. Chapter 14

    V

    Peter Burns and Audrey Blake confront their painful past after unexpectedly reuniting at Sanstead House. Their conversation oscillates between bitterness and tentative reconciliation, as they agree to be 'old friends' while Peter receives a letter from his fiancée Cynthia.

  15. Chapter 15

    VI

    Peter Burns, now a master at Sanstead House, reflects on his situation and the characters around him, including the troublesome Ogden Ford and the mysterious Smooth Sam Fisher. He observes the dynamics of the school and the ongoing schemes involving the wealthy Ford family.

  16. Chapter 16

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  17. Chapter 17

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  18. Chapter 18

    VII

    Peter Burns and Audrey Blake share intimate conversations by the fire at Sanstead House, reminiscing about their past engagement and discussing Audrey's difficult years working as a nurse, waitress, and governess. A moment of physical contact reveals Peter's lingering romantic feelings for Audrey, challenging his loyalty to Cynthia.

  19. Chapter 19

    VIII

    Peter Burns is expelled from Sanstead House after being caught in a compromising situation with a woman, who is revealed to be Audrey Blake. He learns that Smooth Sam Fisher is also at the school, and that Mrs. Drassilis has been scheming to separate him from Cynthia. Peter decides to stay on at the school undercover to protect Ogden Ford.

  20. Chapter 20

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  21. Chapter 21

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  22. Chapter 22

    III

    Peter Burns is dispatched to London to retrieve Ogden Ford and Augustus Beckford, who have run away from Sanstead House. Audrey Blake reveals her role as Ogden's guardian and her fear of losing Mr. Ford's support. After a raid by Buck MacGinnis, Peter escapes through a window and attacks Buck in a fury.

  23. Chapter 23

    IX

    Peter Burns and Smooth Sam Fisher, having been expelled from Sanstead House, take refuge at the Feathers inn. Sam reveals his true identity as a crook and explains his plan to kidnap Ogden Ford for a ransom. Peter is drawn into the scheme, and they prepare for a siege by Buck MacGinnis and his gang.

  24. Chapter 24

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  25. Chapter 25

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  26. Chapter 26

    Chapter X

    Peter Burns tracks down Ogden Ford and Augustus Beckford at a children's party in London, where he confronts the Nugget and decides to return him to Sanstead School rather than proceed with the original plan. Smooth Sam Fisher later visits Peter, revealing he witnessed Peter with the Nugget and proposes a partnership, but Peter refuses, insisting on returning the boy to school.

  27. Chapter 27

    XI

    After the runaways return, Mr. Abney handles the situation with oratory rather than physical punishment, and Ogden's bed is moved to a cubbyhole adjoining Peter's room for safety. The school settles back into routine, but Peter experiences acute mental unrest over his feelings for Cynthia and Audrey. He receives a letter from Cynthia asking if his feelings are still the same, and he writes a passionate reply affirming his love. However, upon meeting Audrey, he feels a thrill that undermines his resolve, leading to resentment and a growing coldness between them.

  28. Chapter 28

    XII

    Peter Burns, having been expelled from Sanstead House, returns to London and finds himself drawn back into the chaotic affair of the Little Nugget. He encounters Smooth Sam Fisher, who reveals his true identity and proposes a partnership to kidnap Ogden Ford for a larger ransom. Peter reluctantly agrees, but their plan is complicated by the arrival of Buck MacGinnis and his gang, leading to a tense standoff and a final siege at the stables.

  29. Chapter 29

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  30. Chapter 30

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  31. Chapter 31

    XIII

    Peter Burns, expelled from Sanstead House, returns secretly to warn Audrey Blake that White is actually Smooth Sam Fisher, a professional kidnapper. Despite her suspicion and emotional outburst accusing him of being manipulated by Mrs. Ford, Peter insists on his warning. Later, he spots Buck MacGinnis at the Feathers, signaling further danger.

  32. Chapter 32

    XIV

    Peter Burns, having been expelled from Sanstead House, returns to London and meets with Cynthia Drassilis. Cynthia reveals that her mother has been in contact with Mrs. Ford and that the kidnapping plot is more complex than Peter realized. Peter decides to return to Sanstead to rescue Ogden Ford, despite the risks.

  33. Chapter 33

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  34. Chapter 34

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  35. Chapter 35

    XV

    Peter Burns is expelled from Sanstead House after being caught in a compromising situation with Mrs. Drassilis. He leaves the school and encounters Smooth Sam Fisher, who reveals his true identity and proposes a partnership to kidnap Ogden Ford. Peter agrees, and they plan to execute the scheme.

  36. Chapter 36

    I

    Peter Burns attempts a sortie from Sanstead House with Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) during a storm, facing resistance from Ogden and the threat of kidnappers Buck MacGinnis and Smooth Sam Fisher. After a failed escape, they return to the stable, where Peter discovers he left his ammunition behind, leaving the garrison vulnerable.

  37. Chapter 37

    II

    Peter Burns, Audrey Blake, and Ogden Ford (the Little Nugget) are besieged in a stable by Buck MacGinnis and his gang. After a tense standoff, Ogden voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers, leaving Peter and Audrey alone. Audrey breaks down in tears, and Peter, overwhelmed by tenderness, forgets his engagement to Cynthia and embraces her.

  38. Chapter 38

    XVI

    Peter Burns and Audrey Blake confront their love and moral obligations. Audrey confesses she tried to steal Peter from Cynthia, but now insists he must honor his engagement. Peter refuses to give her up, but their emotional climax is interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Drassilis. Peter then wanders through the night, tormented by conscience, and after two days in London returns to Sanstead to say goodbye, reaffirming his love for Audrey while accepting the consequences of his past.

  39. Chapter 39

    XVII

    Peter Burns encounters Mrs. Drassilis and Mrs. Elmer Ford at Sanstead House, who mistake him for Smooth Sam Fisher. After clarifying his identity, both Mr. and Mrs. Ford arrive for a meeting with Sam, who proposes a reconciliation and a job as the child's guardian. Sam reveals he double-crossed Buck MacGinnis and has the Nugget.

  40. Chapter 40

    XVIII

    Mrs. Drassilis visits Peter at Sanstead to inform him that Cynthia has fallen in love with Lord Mountry and wishes to be released from her engagement. After initial confusion, Peter agrees to write to Cynthia releasing her and even suggests telling her he plans to marry someone else. Later, Mrs. Drassilis complains about being stranded by the Fords, and she and Peter walk down the drive as she reveals the purpose of her visit.

The Little Nugget — Chapters Explained