The Thirty-Nine Steps · Chapter
The Milkman Sets Out on His Travels explained
Hannay resolves to carry on Scudder's mission after discovering his body.
What happens
Hannay resolves to carry on Scudder's mission after discovering his body. He disguises himself as a milkman to evade both the police and Scudder's enemies, then flees London by train to Galloway, Scotland, where he plans to hide until he can contact the government.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resourcefulness
Hannay uses quick thinking and disguise to evade capture, demonstrating resourcefulness under pressure.
The Ordinary Man as Hero
Hannay, an ordinary man, takes on a dangerous mission to thwart a conspiracy, driven by a sense of duty.
Identity and Disguise
Hannay adopts a milkman's disguise and later plans to pass as a Scotsman, highlighting themes of hidden identity.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Decides to continue Scudder's work, disguises himself as a milkman, and flees to Scotland.
- Mr. Scudder
Found dead in Hannay's flat; his murder sets Hannay on the run.
- Paddock
Hannay's servant, expected to arrive at 7:30; Hannay avoids him by leaving early.
Key passages
“I am an ordinary sort of fellow, not braver than other people, but I hate to see a good man downed, and that long knife would not be the end of Scudder if I could play the game in his place.”
Hannay sees himself as an average person, but feels compelled to avenge Scudder and continue his mission.
Highlights Hannay's sense of justice and ordinary heroism.
“I must vanish somehow, and keep vanished till the end of the second week in June.”
Hannay decides to go into hiding until mid-June to avoid capture and complete Scudder's plan.
Sets the timeline for Hannay's evasion and the conspiracy's deadline.
“I stuck on his flat blue hat and his white overall, picked up the cans, banged my door, and went whistling downstairs.”
Hannay quickly puts on the milkman's uniform and leaves the flat, pretending to be the milkman.
Illustrates Hannay's resourceful disguise and escape.