The Riddle of the Sands · Chapter
We Achieve Our Double Aim explained
Carruthers escapes from the stranded tug and reunites with Davies aboard the Dulcibella.
What happens
Carruthers escapes from the stranded tug and reunites with Davies aboard the Dulcibella. They confront Dollmann at his villa, accusing him of treason, but Dollmann claims to be in British service. After a tense standoff, they force Dollmann and Clara to accompany them on a desperate sail to Holland. During the voyage, Dollmann (X⸺) disappears overboard, and Carruthers and Davies eventually reach England.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Loyalty
Dollmann's ambiguous allegiance—claiming British service while aiding German plans—creates a crisis of trust for Carruthers and Davies.
Deception and Appearance
Carruthers uses bluff and misdirection (claiming to know the invasion plan) to force Dollmann's hand; Dollmann's smile masks his internal debate.
Adventure and Self-Discovery
Carruthers and Davies achieve their goal of exposing the conspiracy, culminating in a harrowing sea escape and personal growth.
Characters to notice
- Carruthers
Narrator; escapes tug, reunites with Davies, confronts Dollmann, and sails to Holland.
- Arthur H. Davies
Reunites with Carruthers; helps confront Dollmann and navigates the escape.
- Dollmann
Confronted by Carruthers and Davies; claims to be in British service; later disappears overboard.
- Fräulein Dollmann
Clara; accompanies the escape and assists on deck.
- Commander von Brüning
Mentioned as a source for a false message to gain entry to Dollmann's villa.
- Grimm
Mentioned as having called for the Kormoran's men.
- Herr Böhme
Mentioned as being safe and not a threat.
- Lieutenant X⸺
Revealed to be Dollmann; disappears overboard near Rottum.
Key passages
“Full speed on a falling tide! They were pinned there for five hours sure.”
The tug was stuck fast until the tide rose again, giving Carruthers a five-hour head start.
Carruthers exploits the tidal conditions to escape.
“I pulled furiously up the harbour past a sleeping ferry-steamer and—praise Heaven!—came on her warped alongside the jetty.”
Carruthers rows desperately back to Norderney and finds the Dulcibella safely moored.
Reunion with Davies is imminent.
“A traitor in German service”
Davies accuses Dollmann of being a double agent working against Germany.
Central accusation of the confrontation.
“I'm in British service! You're wrecking the work of years—and on the very threshold of success.”
Dollmann claims he is actually a British spy, and their interference is ruining his long-term mission.
Dollmann's counter-claim creates doubt.
“He must have slipped over quietly … He had an ulster and big boots on.”
Dollmann likely jumped overboard deliberately, weighted down by his heavy clothing.
Dollmann's fate is left ambiguous but suggests suicide or escape.
