The Special Correspondent · Chapter
XXVI explained
Claudius Bombarnac visits Zinca Klork to inform her of Kinko's death, but Kinko unexpectedly appears alive after being thrown from the train during the explosion.
What happens
Claudius Bombarnac visits Zinca Klork to inform her of Kinko's death, but Kinko unexpectedly appears alive after being thrown from the train during the explosion. Despite his survival, Kinko is arrested by Chinese police when his fraudulent travel in a box is discovered. The chapter also depicts the arrival in Peking, the departure of various passengers, and a final encounter with the silent Sir Francis Trevellyan.
Themes in this chapter
Journalism and Observation
Claudius Bombarnac, as a reporter, observes and narrates the emotional scene with Zinca Klork and the dramatic reappearance of Kinko, highlighting his role as a detached yet involved witness.
Danger and Heroism
Kinko's survival of the train explosion and his subsequent arrest underscore the perils of the journey and the heroism of enduring such dangers for love.
Marriage and Partnership
The chapter contrasts the loving bond between Kinko and Zinca with the strained, formal relationship of the Ephrinells, who now address each other as 'Mr.' and 'Mrs.'
Characters to notice
- Claudius Bombarnac
Visits Zinca Klork to break the news of Kinko's death, witnesses Kinko's miraculous reappearance, and attempts to intervene after Kinko's arrest.
- Zinca Klork
Kinko's betrothed, initially devastated by the news of his death, then overjoyed when he appears alive, but ultimately distraught as he is arrested.
- Kinko
Survives the train explosion and arrives in Peking in his box, but is discovered and arrested by police after the box is damaged in a collision.
- Major Noltitz
Remains with Claudius at the Hotel of Ten Thousand Dreams and laughs at Sir Francis Trevellyan's rudeness.
- Fulk Ephrinell
Departs the station with Mrs. Ephrinell, but they address each other formally and separate in different directions.
- Sir Francis Trevellyan
Takes a light from Claudius's cigar without a word of thanks, then throws the cigar away and leaves without acknowledgment.
Key passages
“I go up to the first floor. I read the name of Madame Zinca Klork on a door. I knock. The door is opened. I am in the presence of a young lady who is perfectly charming, as Kinko said.”
Claudius climbs to the first floor, sees Zinca Klork's name on a door, knocks, and finds her as lovely as Kinko described.
Claudius's first impression of Zinca Klork, confirming Kinko's description.
“Suddenly there is a great noise in front of the house. Shouts are heard. There is a tremendous to-do, and amid the tumult I hear a voice. Good Heavens! I cannot be mistaken. That is Kinko's voice!”
A commotion outside reveals Kinko's voice, astonishing Claudius who believed him dead.
The dramatic moment of Kinko's unexpected return.
“And Kinko has jumped out like a jack-in-the-box—but alive, very much alive!”
Kinko emerges from the damaged box, very much alive, like a toy springing out.
Claudius's vivid description of Kinko's miraculous survival.
“Mr. ! Mrs. ! And not so long ago they were calling each other Fulk and Horatia.”
The Ephrinells now address each other formally as 'Mr.' and 'Mrs.', a stark contrast to their earlier intimacy.
Claudius notes the cold formality between the newlyweds.
