The Riddle of the Sands · Chapter
The Theory explained
Davies lays out his detailed theory about the strategic importance of the Frisian coast and estuaries, explaining why Dollmann tried to drown him.
What happens
Davies lays out his detailed theory about the strategic importance of the Frisian coast and estuaries, explaining why Dollmann tried to drown him. He argues that the intricate channels between the islands and estuaries could be used by small torpedo craft in wartime, and that Dollmann, though not German, is working with German naval authorities to keep this area secret. Carruthers listens, initially skeptical, as Davies recounts how Dollmann pumped him for information and then tried to mislead him into disaster.
Themes in this chapter
Espionage and Secrecy
Davies theorizes that Dollmann is keeping the coastal channels secret for German naval purposes, and that his own exploration was seen as a threat.
Military Preparedness
Davies discusses how the intricate channels could be used by torpedo craft in war, and laments that the British fleet lacks knowledge of these waters.
Deception and Appearance
Davies explains how Dollmann initially appeared rude then friendly, but was actually pumping him for information and later tried to mislead him onto the sandbank.
Characters to notice
- Arthur H. Davies
Davies presents his theory about the strategic value of the Frisian coast and recounts how Dollmann tried to drown him.
- Carruthers
Carruthers listens to Davies' theory, makes conjectures, and remains only half convinced of the truth of the affair.
- Dollmann
Dollmann is discussed as the man who tried to drown Davies, has headquarters on the coast, and is in with German naval authorities.
- Bartels
Bartels is mentioned as the skipper of the galliot that Davies refers to as an example of shallow coasters.
Key passages
“He’s not a German, but he’s in with Germans, and naval Germans too. He’s established on that coast, and knows it by heart. And he tried to drown me. Now what do you think?”
Davies asserts that Dollmann, though not German, collaborates with German naval officers, knows the coast intimately, and attempted to kill him.
Davies summarizes his key accusation against Dollmann.
“It strikes me that in a war a lot might depend on these, both in defence and attack, for there’s plenty of water in them at the right tide for patrol-boats and small torpedo craft, though I can see they take a lot of knowing.”
Davies argues that the shallow channels could be crucial for small warships in wartime, but require expert local knowledge.
Davies explains the strategic military value of the tidal channels.
“The whole thing was luck from beginning to end.”
Davies attributes his survival entirely to chance, not skill.
Davies reflects on his narrow escape from the sandbank.