# XVII explained — The Little Nugget

> Chapter companion for The Little Nugget by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kidnapping and Custody

The chapter centers on the custody battle for Ogden Ford, with Sam Fisher positioning himself as a professional mediator and guardian.

### Wealth and Corruption

The Fords' wealth enables their manipulative negotiations, and Sam's proposal exploits their financial power for personal gain.

### Parenthood and Neglect

Both parents display a lack of genuine care for Ogden, treating him as a bargaining chip rather than a child.

## Character check-ins

### Peter Burns

Mistaken for Smooth Sam Fisher by Mrs. Ford and Mr. Ford; defends himself and criticizes Ogden Ford.

### Mrs. Elmer Ford

Arrives at Sanstead House with Mrs. Drassilis, mistakes Peter for Sam, later negotiates with Sam for her son.

### Mrs. Drassilis

Accompanies Mrs. Ford, identifies Peter, and is dismissed by Mrs. Ford.

### Elmer Ford

Arrives separately, mistakes Peter for Sam, and engages in negotiation with Sam.

### Smooth Sam Fisher

Reveals himself in disguise, proposes a reconciliation between the Fords and a job as guardian, admits to double-crossing Buck.

### Ogden Ford

Referred to as 'Oggie' and 'the Little Nugget'; his parents discuss his behavior and Sam's plan.

## Key lines

> Whatever he offers I’ll double!

Mrs. Ford declares she will outbid any offer made by her ex-husband.

_Demonstrates the competitive and transactional nature of the custody dispute._

> I am not Smooth Sam Fisher.

Peter Burns corrects the mistaken identity for the second time in the chapter.

_Highlights the recurring confusion between Peter and Sam._

> I sneaked the Nugget away from him next day. It’s not worth talking about; it was too easy.

Sam Fisher casually admits to double-crossing Buck MacGinnis by stealing the child.

_Reveals Sam's cunning and the ease with which he outmaneuvers his partner._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_nugget_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_nugget_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_nugget_se/chapters