The Man in the Brown Suit · Chapter
XXVII explained
Anne recounts her adventures to Harry, who is astonished to learn the diamonds were in her possession via Suzanne.
What happens
Anne recounts her adventures to Harry, who is astonished to learn the diamonds were in her possession via Suzanne. They discuss the identity of the Colonel, suspecting Guy Pagett or Colonel Race, and consider Pagett's possible innocence. Harry devises a plan for Anne to escape to Beira while he handles the situation. Their reunion is interrupted by an attack from the red-bearded Dutchman and natives, which they repel with rifle fire.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Trust
Harry and Anne debate the true identity of the Colonel, questioning whether Pagett or Race is deceiving them, and establish a code to avoid being hoodwinked by fake messages.
Adventure and Romance
The chapter blends a romantic reunion with a violent attack, as Harry and Anne plan her escape and defend themselves with rifles.
Characters to notice
- Anne Beddingfeld
Narrates her story to Harry, discusses the Colonel's identity, and participates in the defense against the attack.
- Harry Rayburn
Listens to Anne's account, analyzes the Colonel's identity, plans Anne's escape, and leads the defense against the attackers.
- Colonel Race
Suspected by Harry of being the Colonel; noted as being in South Africa during the Kimberley robbery and possibly using camouflage.
- Guy Pagett
Considered as a possible Colonel; his actions on the Kilmorden Castle and in Marlow are debated; Harry suggests he may be innocent.
- Suzanne Blair
Mentioned as having held the diamonds; Anne is to stay with her and await instructions.
- Sir Eustace Pedler
Mentioned as dictating to Miss Pettigrew when Anne left the hotel.
Key passages
“Harry listened attentively whilst I recounted all the events that I have narrated in these pages.”
Harry paid close attention as Anne told him everything that had happened.
Anne summarizes her adventures for Harry.
“The one thing we came back to, again and again, was the identity of the Colonel. Was he, or was he not, Guy Pagett?”
They repeatedly debated whether the Colonel was actually Guy Pagett.
Central mystery of the chapter.
“Any message that comes genuinely from me will have the word ‘and’ crossed out in it.”
Harry tells Anne that genuine messages from him will have the word 'and' crossed out as a code.
They establish a code to avoid deception.
“A hail of bullets splattered round us. Fortunately neither of us was hit.”
Bullets flew around them, but both escaped injury.
The attack on the hut begins.