The Powerhouse · Chapter
I: Beginning of the Wild-Goose Chase explained
Leithen recounts how Tommy Deloraine, frustrated with parliamentary life, announces a mysterious journey.
What happens
Leithen recounts how Tommy Deloraine, frustrated with parliamentary life, announces a mysterious journey. Tommy reveals that Charles Pitt-Heron has vanished after becoming involved with a strange circle of foreigners and a laboratory. Tommy obtains a clue from a Russian embassy clerk suggesting Pitt-Heron may have gone to Moscow, and he decides to follow. Leithen, initially skeptical, grows uneasy after visiting Mrs. Pitt-Heron and sensing deeper trouble.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Escapism
Tommy's restless desire to escape Parliament and Pitt-Heron's wild past journeys set the stage for a chase into unknown territories.
The Double Life
Pitt-Heron hides a secret laboratory and a circle of foreign contacts, leading a double existence beneath domestic respectability.
Hidden Power and Crime
The mysterious embassy passport, secretive meetings, and Pitt-Heron's sudden flight hint at a hidden network of influence and possible wrongdoing.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Leithen
The narrator and barrister; becomes reluctantly drawn into the mystery after Tommy's confidence.
- Tommy Deloraine
Restless MP and friend; reveals Pitt-Heron's disappearance and his plan to pursue him to Moscow.
- Charles Pitt-Heron
Eccentric former adventurer who has vanished after secretive scientific work and contact with foreigners.
- Ethel Pitt-Heron
Pitt-Heron's wife; anxious and evasive, she hints at odd happenings in the household.
- Mr. Chapman
Labour MP and guest at Tommy's dinner; called 'Chipmunk' by Tommy.
Key passages
“I've taken on a queer job, Leithen, and I want you to hear about it. None of my family know, and I would like to leave someone behind me who could get on to my tracks if things got troublesome.”
Tommy confides in Leithen about a strange mission, asking him to be a contact in case of danger.
Tommy reveals the seriousness of his undertaking to Leithen.
“Charles Pitt-Heron is blowing up for a most thundering mess.”
Tommy warns that Pitt-Heron is heading toward a major crisis.
Tommy's assessment of Pitt-Heron's situation.
“I had a sort of presentiment that I was going to be mixed up in the affair more than I wanted.”
Leithen feels an uneasy premonition that he will become deeply involved.
Leithen's growing sense of foreboding about the case.