# I: Anthony Cade Signs On explained — The Secret of Chimneys

> Chapter companion for The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Anthony Cade, working as a tour guide for Castle's Select Tour in Bulawayo, meets his old friend Jimmy McGrath. McGrath proposes that Anthony deliver a manuscript of Count Stylptitch's memoirs to London in exchange for a thousand pounds, offering Anthony a quarter of the fee. The chapter includes their discussion of Herzoslovakia, the late Count Stylptitch, and the assassination of King Nicholas IV and Queen Varaga.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Risk-Taking

Anthony Cade's willingness to take on the risky delivery of the memoirs and his history of seeking out trouble reflect the theme of adventure.

### Political Intrigue and Diplomacy

The discussion of Count Stylptitch's political machinations and the Herzoslovakian royal history highlights the theme of political intrigue.

### Wealth and Power

The promise of a thousand pounds and the deal between Anthony and Jimmy underscore the theme of wealth and its pursuit.

## Character check-ins

### Anthony Cade

Working as a tour guide for Castle's Select Tour in Bulawayo; meets old friend Jimmy McGrath and agrees to deliver Count Stylptitch's memoirs to London.

### Jimmy McGrath

Old friend of Anthony Cade; proposes that Anthony deliver Count Stylptitch's memoirs to London for a thousand pounds, offering a quarter share.

### Count Stylptitch

Deceased former prime minister of Herzoslovakia; his memoirs are the subject of the deal between Anthony and Jimmy.

### King Victor

Mentioned in the context of Herzoslovakia's history; not directly present.

### Queen Varaga

Mentioned as the wife of King Nicholas IV of Herzoslovakia, assassinated during an uprising.

### Prince Nicholas Obolovitch

Mentioned indirectly as part of the Herzoslovakian royal family history.

## Key lines

> What the hell are you doing with this pack of females?

Jimmy McGrath asks Anthony Cade why he is leading a group of women tourists.

_Shows the casual and familiar tone between the two friends._

> If there's any trouble brewing, Anthony Cade is sure to be in it sooner or later, I know that.

Jimmy comments on Anthony's tendency to get involved in conflicts.

_Highlights Anthony's adventurous nature._

> I begin to perceive your drift, James. You go gold hunting as planned, and I collect the thousand pounds for you. How much do I get out of it?

Anthony realizes Jimmy wants him to deliver the memoirs while Jimmy goes prospecting, and asks about his share.

_Sets up the agreement between the two characters._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/i-anthony-cade-signs-on
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters