The Secret Adversary · Chapter
XX: Too Late explained
Tommy and Julius, after a council with Sir James Peel Edgerton, travel to Holyhead and then to Treaddur Bay to retrieve the hidden packet from the crevice in the cliff.
What happens
Tommy and Julius, after a council with Sir James Peel Edgerton, travel to Holyhead and then to Treaddur Bay to retrieve the hidden packet from the crevice in the cliff. Despite Tommy's unease and fears of failure, Julius retrieves the oilskin packet. When they open it, they find a blank sheet of paper, but Tommy suspects sympathetic ink. Heating the paper reveals a message: 'With the compliments of Mr. Brown.'
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
The blank paper and the hidden message from Mr. Brown underscore the theme of deception; the protagonists are tricked into thinking they have succeeded, only to find the enemy has anticipated them.
Adventure and Escapism
The journey to Holyhead and the cliffside treasure hunt embody the adventurous spirit of the novel, with Tommy and Julius acting like amateur spies.
Post-War Disillusionment and Opportunity
Tommy's reflection on the impossibility of the packet surviving five years in the open reflects a post-war skepticism; yet the mission itself represents an opportunity for reinvention and purpose.
Characters to notice
- Tommy Beresford
Travels with Julius to retrieve the packet; experiences unease and doubt; suggests using heat to reveal hidden ink.
- Julius P. Hersheimmer
Travels with Tommy; retrieves the packet from the crevice; admits his romantic feelings for Jane Finn have changed after meeting her in person.
- Sir James Peel Edgerton
Advises Tommy and Julius before their departure; warns them not to underestimate Mr. Brown; expresses regret that he cannot accompany them due to a speaking engagement.
- Jane Finn
Referenced as the girl Julius originally came to find; her photograph had a powerful effect on Julius, but meeting her in person changed his feelings.
- Mr. Brown
Implied as the adversary; the message left in the packet is signed with his compliments, indicating he has outmaneuvered the protagonists.
Key passages
“Never underestimate your adversary.”
Always respect the capabilities of your opponent.
Sir James warns Julius and Tommy not to be overconfident about Mr. Brown.
“I guess romance is a mighty queer thing!”
Romance is very strange and unpredictable.
Julius reflects on how his feelings for Jane Finn changed after meeting her in person.
“With the compliments of Mr. Brown.”
This message is sent with greetings from Mr. Brown.
The hidden message reveals that Mr. Brown has outwitted them, leaving a taunting note.