The Little Nugget · Chapter
XIII explained
Peter Burns, expelled from Sanstead House, returns secretly to warn Audrey Blake that White is actually Smooth Sam Fisher, a professional kidnapper.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Smooth Sam Fisher's disguise as White the detective is exposed, highlighting the theme of hidden identities and deceit.
Love and Selfishness
Audrey's accusation that Peter's actions are driven by infatuation with Mrs. Ford underscores the conflict between romantic motives and selfish acts.
Kidnapping and Custody
The central plot revolves around the planned kidnapping of Ogden Ford, with Peter and Sam both involved in custody schemes.
Characters to notice
- Peter Burns
Returns to Sanstead after expulsion, warns Audrey about Smooth Sam Fisher, and arms himself with a pistol.
- Audrey Blake
Meets Peter secretly; initially suspicious, she accuses him of being manipulated by Mrs. Ford but eventually listens to his warning.
- Smooth Sam Fisher
Revealed to be posing as White, a Pinkerton detective; Peter warns Audrey of his true identity as a kidnapper.
- Buck MacGinnis
Spotted by Peter at the Feathers, indicating his continued involvement in the plot.
- Ogden Ford
Mentioned as being in bed; Peter advises Audrey to lock his door and bring the key.
- Mrs. Elmer Ford
Accused by Audrey of manipulating Peter into kidnapping Ogden; referenced in the emotional confrontation.
Key passages
“I suppose she told you that he had ill-treated her and didn’t appreciate her higher self, and all that sort of thing? She looked at you with those big brown eyes of hers—I can see her—and drooped, and cried, till you were ready to do anything she asked you.”
Audrey accuses Peter of being manipulated by Mrs. Ford's feigned distress and emotional appeals.
Audrey's outburst reveals her jealousy and suspicion of Peter's motives.
“The man who poses as a Pinkerton’s detective, and is staying in the house to help you take care of Ogden Ford, is Smooth Sam Fisher, a professional kidnapper.”
Peter reveals that White is actually Smooth Sam Fisher, a known kidnapper.
This is the key revelation of the chapter, shifting Audrey's trust.
“I would show him that I was still a factor in the game. If the house was closed to me, was there not the Feathers? I could lie in hiding there, and observe his movements unseen.”
Peter decides to stay at the Feathers inn to secretly monitor Sam Fisher's actions.
Peter's determination to remain involved despite being expelled.