The Maid of Sker · Chapter
XXI: Cross-Examination explained
Davy Llewellyn recounts a visit from Justice Anthony Stew and Sir Philip Bampfylde, who come to question him about his boat and a previous incident.
What happens
Davy Llewellyn recounts a visit from Justice Anthony Stew and Sir Philip Bampfylde, who come to question him about his boat and a previous incident. Davy feels harassed by the justice system but finds some relief in Sir Philip's more courteous manner. The chapter highlights Davy's resentment of 'chaff' and his pride in his integrity, as well as his ongoing legal troubles.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
Davy's interactions with the magistrates highlight class tensions: he resents being bullied by Stew but responds positively to Sir Philip's gentlemanly demeanor, showing how class shapes his reactions.
Truth and Narrative Reliability
Davy insists on his own integrity and truthfulness, while Stew accuses him of being slippery and dishonest. The chapter questions whose version of events is reliable.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy presents himself as a moral man wronged by the system, but his past violence (breaking heads) and Stew's corrupt dealings suggest hypocrisy on both sides.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Davy is the narrator and subject of the cross-examination. He feels persecuted by Justice Stew but appreciates Sir Philip's gentlemanly conduct.
- Justice Anthony Stew
Squire Stew is the aggressive magistrate who interrogates Davy, accusing him of selling bad fish and threatening him with the stocks.
- Sir Philip Bampfylde
Sir Philip accompanies Stew and treats Davy with more respect, intervening to keep the questioning fair.
- Colonel Lougher
Colonel Lougher is mentioned as the only magistrate who has been a comfort to Davy, having previously fined him lightly for assault.
- Dyo
Dyo is addressed by Stew in the opening lines, questioned about the origin of his boat.
Key passages
“Put a Taffy on his mettle, he’ll boil Old Nick in his own fish-kettle.”
If you provoke a Welshman, he will outdo the devil himself.
Davy quotes a proverb to express his defiance against Stew's aggressive questioning.
“Nothing irritates me more than what low Englishmen call 'chaff.'”
I am most annoyed by the teasing that vulgar Englishmen engage in.
Davy reveals his irritation at being mocked, which sets the tone for his resistance.
“My integrity is well known; not only in this parish, but for miles and miles round.”
Everyone far and wide knows that I am an honest man.
Davy defends his reputation against Stew's insinuations.
“If you had only dropped your eyes, instead of wondering so much—but never mind, stare as you may, some day we shall be sure to have you.”
If you had looked guilty instead of innocent, you might have been convicted; but we will catch you eventually.
Stew threatens Davy, implying that his acquittal was due to his innocent expression rather than actual innocence.