The Special Correspondent · Chapter
XXVII explained
Claudius and his companions work to free Kinko from Chinese prison after his arrest for defrauding the Grand Transasiatic Company, despite his heroism in saving the train.
What happens
Claudius and his companions work to free Kinko from Chinese prison after his arrest for defrauding the Grand Transasiatic Company, despite his heroism in saving the train. Pan-Chao acts as interpreter and advocate in court, but Kinko is sentenced to six months in prison. However, the next day Kinko is triumphantly freed and joins the group at Madame Caterna's home.
Themes in this chapter
Danger and Heroism
Kinko's selfless act of saving the train and passengers at risk of his life is central to the chapter.
Journalism and Observation
Claudius reflects on his duty as a special correspondent and recounts the story of the journey.
Cultural Diversity and Ethnography
Depiction of Chinese court proceedings, the judge's inflexibility, and Pan-Chao's role as a cultural intermediary.
Characters to notice
- Claudius Bombarnac
Narrator and special correspondent; leads the effort to free Kinko and recounts the full story of Kinko's heroism.
- Kinko
Arrested for fraud but saved the train; sentenced to six months in prison but later freed and triumphantly returns.
- Pan-Chao
Acts as interpreter and advocate in court, arguing passionately for Kinko's release; son of a wealthy Peking merchant.
- Major Noltitz
Supports the effort to free Kinko and participates in the discussion with the company manager.
- Madame Caterna
Emotionally embraces Zinca Klork and offers maternal protection; suggests a benefit performance if needed.
- Monsieur Caterna
Actor who cheers for Kinko and uses theatrical language; joins the group to the company offices.
- Zinca Klork
Kinko's sweetheart; weeps and pleads for his salvation; left in Madame Caterna's care.
- Faruskiar
Mentioned as the one Claudius surprised about to commit a crime; Claudius sent a telegram to him that never arrived.
Key passages
“The morning after I arrived in the Chinese capital I received a telegram thus worded, in reply to the one I had sent from Lan-Tcheou: 'Claudius Bombarnac, Peking, China. Twentieth Century requests its correspondent, Claudius Bombarnac, to present its compliments and respects to the heroic Seigneur Faruskiar.'”
The next day, Claudius got a telegram from his newspaper asking him to give his regards to Faruskiar, but he never delivered it.
Claudius admits he failed to pass on the message to Faruskiar.
“If ever the expression, 'sinking in sight of port,' could be used in its precise meaning, it evidently can in this case.”
This is a perfect example of failing just before success.
Claudius uses a nautical metaphor to describe Kinko's predicament.
“We must not let this brave fellow suffer!”
We have to prevent this courageous man from being punished.
Major Noltitz insists on helping Kinko.
