The Spy in Black · Chapter
IV: The Nails explained
Von Belke encounters a suspicious farmer who signals to a motorcyclist pursuer.
What happens
Von Belke encounters a suspicious farmer who signals to a motorcyclist pursuer. He escapes by using a ruse, then throws nails to disable the pursuer's motorcycle and cuts a telegraph wire. He later observes the Grand Fleet's gunnery practice from a hidden vantage point near his rendezvous.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Espionage
Von Belke uses a cant phrase to deceive the farmer and employs nails and wire-cutting to evade pursuit.
The Cost of War
Von Belke reflects on the destructive power of the Grand Fleet and the high stakes of his mission.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant von Belke
Narrator and protagonist; evades capture by using nails and cutting telegraph wire; spies on the Grand Fleet.
- Commander Wiedermann
Mentioned as having supplied von Belke with nails for contingencies.
Key passages
“I threw a handful behind me, and at the next turn of the road glanced round to see results. The man was still going strong.”
Von Belke scatters nails on the road to puncture the pursuer's tires, but the motorcyclist continues initially.
Shows von Belke's resourcefulness under pressure.
“I knew what they meant! Then came a dip, and then a very steep long hill through moorland country. And then quite suddenly and abruptly I came to the top.”
Von Belke recognizes the sounds of naval gunfire and reaches a hilltop overlooking the Grand Fleet.
Highlights his expertise and the strategic importance of his observation.