XXII: A Victim of Treachery explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Justice and Injustice

  The king is framed for a crime he did not commit, highlighting the injustice of the legal system and the abuse of power by those like Hugo.

• Power and Corruption

  Hugo and Canty abuse their authority over the king, using their positions within the gang to torment and betray him.

• Compassion and Empathy

  The stranger who removes the poultice from the king's leg and Miles Hendon's rescue both demonstrate compassion in a hostile environment.

Characters to notice

• Edward VI

  The king, still captive among the tramps, endures abuse from Hugo and Canty, fights Hugo with a cudgel, and is later framed for theft before being rescued by Miles Hendon.

• Hugo

  Hugo plots revenge against the king, attempts to create a false sore on his leg, and later frames him for stealing a package from a woman.

• Miles Hendon

  Miles Hendon appears at the end of the chapter to rescue the king from the crowd, using his sword to disperse the mob.

• John Canty

  John Canty is mentioned as one of the tramps who dislikes the king and assists Hugo in his schemes.

Key passages

• “Twice he stepped upon the king’s toes⁠—accidentally⁠—and the king, as became his royalty, was contemptuously unconscious of it and indifferent to it; but the third time Hugo entertained himself in that way, the king felled him to the ground with a cudgel, to the prodigious delight of the tribe.”

  Hugo stepped on the king's toes twice, pretending it was an accident, and the king ignored it. The third time, the king hit Hugo with a stick, which the crowd found very amusing.

  This shows the king's dignity and his ability to defend himself despite his captivity.

• “Hugo thrust the bundle into the king’s hands without halting, saying⁠— “Now speed ye after me with the rest, and cry ‘Stop thief!’ but mind ye lead them astray!””

  Hugo quickly gave the stolen package to the king and told him to run and shout 'Stop thief!' while leading the pursuers in the wrong direction.

  Hugo frames the king for theft, setting him up to be caught by the law.

• “The king sprang to his deliverer’s side, with flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, exclaiming⁠— “Thou hast lagged sorely, but thou comest in good season, now, Sir Miles; carve me this rabble to rags!””

  The king ran to Miles Hendon, excited and happy, and said, 'You took your time, but you've arrived just in time. Now, Sir Miles, cut this crowd to pieces!'

  The king's relief and trust in Miles Hendon are evident as he calls for action against the mob.