The Special Correspondent · Chapter
XIII explained
After dinner, Claudius Bombarnac plans to interview Kinko, the young Romanian hidden in a packing case.
What happens
After dinner, Claudius Bombarnac plans to interview Kinko, the young Romanian hidden in a packing case. He waits until the other passengers are asleep, then visits the luggage van. Kinko explains his story: he is traveling to Peking to marry Mademoiselle Zinca Klork, having been shipped as freight due to lack of funds. Bombarnac promises to help and keep his secret, and they part as friends.
Themes in this chapter
Journalism and Observation
Bombarnac's meticulous planning and execution of the interview with Kinko exemplifies the reporter's craft of gathering a story.
Travel and Adventure
The clandestine journey of Kinko in a packing case across Central Asia highlights the perilous and romantic nature of travel.
Marriage and Partnership
Kinko's entire journey is motivated by his love for Zinca Klork and their plan to marry in Peking.
Characters to notice
- Claudius Bombarnac
The narrator and reporter who orchestrates a secret interview with Kinko.
- Kinko
The young Romanian hidden in a packing case, traveling to Peking to marry Zinca Klork.
- Major Noltitz
Observed keeping an eye on Faruskiar during dinner.
- Faruskiar
The Mongol lord under suspicion by Major Noltitz.
- Popof
The train attendant who exchanges a few words with Bombarnac before retiring.
- Zinca Klork
Kinko's beloved, a Romanian milliner now in Peking.
Key passages
“That is what I want to know; that is what I will ask him. It is not so very much. And in the first place let us wait until the car is asleep.”
Bombarnac resolves to question Kinko thoroughly once the other passengers are asleep.
Shows Bombarnac's determination as a reporter.
“I had only money enough to buy a packing case, a few provisions, and get myself sent off by an obliging friend.”
Kinko explains he could only afford to be shipped as freight.
Reveals Kinko's poverty and resourcefulness.
“Think now—what a heading for a column: 'A Lover in a Box! Zinca and Kinko!! 1,500 Leagues through Central Asia in a Luggage Van!!!'”
Bombarnac imagines the sensational newspaper story Kinko's journey will make.
Highlights Bombarnac's journalistic instincts.