The Thirty-Nine Steps · Chapter
The Dry-Fly Fisherman explained
Hannay meets Sir Walter Bullivant, who initially doubts Scudder's story about the Black Stone and Karolides, but a phone call confirms Karolides was assassinated.
What happens
Hannay meets Sir Walter Bullivant, who initially doubts Scudder's story about the Black Stone and Karolides, but a phone call confirms Karolides was assassinated. Hannay then travels south, disguised as a shepherd, and eventually meets a fisherman who whistles 'Annie Laurie' and recognizes him as 'Twisdon'.
Themes in this chapter
Espionage and National Security
The chapter revolves around decoding Scudder's notebook and the assassination of Karolides, highlighting spy networks and national threats.
Identity and Disguise
Hannay adopts multiple disguises (shepherd, farm-laborer) and uses the alias 'Twisdon' to evade detection.
Survival and Resourcefulness
Hannay endures physical pain, hunger, and harsh weather while navigating the countryside to reach safety.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Narrator and protagonist; meets Sir Walter, travels south in disguise, and encounters the fisherman.
- Sir Walter Bullivant
Foreign Office official; initially skeptical of Scudder's story but is convinced after learning of Karolides' assassination.
- Mr. Scudder
Deceased; his notebook is analyzed by Hannay and Sir Walter, revealing the plot.
- Karolides
Assassinated at seven o'clock, confirming part of Scudder's story.
- Mr. Turnbull
Hannay's former host; Hannay plans to retrieve his belongings from Turnbull's cottage.
- Twisdon
Alias used by Hannay; the fisherman addresses him by this name.
Key passages
“I don't know what to make of it. He is right about one thing—what is going to happen the day after tomorrow. How the devil can it have got known? That is ugly enough in itself. But all this about war and the Black Stone—it reads like some wild melodrama.”
Sir Walter expresses doubt about Scudder's claims, acknowledging the accuracy of the imminent event but dismissing the broader conspiracy as melodramatic.
Sir Walter's initial skepticism contrasts with the later confirmation of Karolides' assassination.
“I apologize to the shade of Scudder. Karolides was shot dead this evening at a few minutes after seven.”
Sir Walter admits his error after learning that Karolides has been assassinated, validating Scudder's information.
This moment shifts Sir Walter's belief and underscores the gravity of the plot.
“I made Turnbull accept five pounds for my lodging, and a hard job I had of it. There never was a more independent being. He grew positively rude when I pressed him, and shy and red, and took the money at last without a thank you.”
Hannay struggles to compensate Turnbull for his stay, as Turnbull's pride makes him reluctant to accept payment.
Highlights Turnbull's character and Hannay's sense of obligation.