The Riddle of the Sands · Chapter
A Change of Tactics explained
Carruthers and Davies return to their yacht after a tense encounter with von Brüning, Böhme, and Dollmann.
What happens
Carruthers and Davies return to their yacht after a tense encounter with von Brüning, Böhme, and Dollmann. They discover that Dollmann's book has been moved, confirming their suspicion that the others do not trust him. Carruthers deduces that Dollmann hid the book to conceal his identity and his past. They discuss their next moves, debating whether to continue investigating or to change their approach. Carruthers argues for altering their tactics due to increased risks, while Davies initially favors sticking to their original plan. The chapter ends with them preparing for supper and contemplating their strategy.
Themes in this chapter
Espionage and Secrecy
The chapter revolves around hidden motives, concealed evidence (Dollmann's book), and the protagonists' efforts to uncover a plot.
Deception and Appearance
Characters engage in bluffing and misdirection, such as Carruthers and Davies hiding their true activities and Dollmann hiding his book.
Betrayal and Loyalty
Tensions between Dollmann and the others suggest potential betrayal, while Carruthers and Davies debate their loyalty to their mission.
Characters to notice
- Carruthers
Analyzes the situation, deduces Dollmann's motives, and advocates for a change in tactics.
- Arthur H. Davies
Returns to the yacht with Carruthers, discusses the clues, and initially resists changing their plan.
- Dollmann
Subject of suspicion; his book was hidden, suggesting he is concealing his past from von Brüning and Böhme.
- Commander von Brüning
Leads the group that visits the yacht; his banter and actions suggest distrust of Dollmann.
- Herr Böhme
Accompanies von Brüning; Carruthers suspects him of being the 'engineer from Bremen' and a key figure in the plot.
- Grimm
Mentioned as being sent to watch Dollmann during the earlier meeting.
Key passages
“I believe it's working out as I thought it would. Von Brüning, and through him Böhme (who is the 'engineer from Bremen'), know the story of that shortcut and suspect that it was an attempt on your life.”
Carruthers explains that von Brüning and Böhme are aware of the shortcut incident and believe it was a murder attempt on Davies.
Highlights the growing suspicion among the German officers and the danger Davies faces.
“The position of that book proves it.”
The fact that Dollmann's book was hidden confirms that he is trying to conceal his identity from the others.
Key piece of evidence linking Dollmann's past to the current plot.
“We must chance it, and bluff for all we're worth.”
Carruthers decides they must take a risk and pretend they have nothing to hide.
Reflects the high-stakes deception they are engaged in.