The Three Hostages · Chapter
How a German Engineer Found Strange Fishing explained
Hannay and Gaudian reconnoiter Snaasen, observing Newhover's predecessor depart and confirming Medina's plan.
What happens
Hannay and Gaudian reconnoiter Snaasen, observing Newhover's predecessor depart and confirming Medina's plan. They explore the area at night and plan further surveillance. Hannay later meets Gaudian, who shares his disillusionment with post-war Germany, and they discuss the terrain. Hannay travels to Merdal, where he encounters a mysterious man who offers to help him find lodging.
Themes in this chapter
The Cost of Peace
Gaudian's lament about the harshness of foreign powers and the destruction of Germany reflects the ongoing consequences of the war.
Loyalty and Friendship
Hannay and Gaudian form a trusting partnership, with Gaudian agreeing to help despite his initial reluctance.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Narrator and protagonist; conducts reconnaissance of Snaasen and travels to Merdal.
- Herr Gaudian
German engineer and ally; assists Hannay in surveillance and shares his pessimistic views on Germany's future.
- Dr. Newhover
Medina's subordinate; observed relieving his predecessor at Snaasen.
- Johan
Hannay's boatman; left at Hauge with instructions to wait.
- Peter Bojer
Local farmer; Gaudian lodges with him and Hannay later seeks a bed there.
Key passages
“I swear by all that’s holy I am telling you the plain truth, and the full truth. Newhover may have done anything you jolly well like in the War. That’s all washed out. I’m after him to get a line on a foul business which is English in origin. I want to put a spoke in the wheel of English criminals, and to save innocent lives.”
Hannay assures Gaudian that his pursuit of Newhover is not about wartime grievances but about stopping an English criminal plot to save lives.
Hannay convinces Gaudian of his honorable intentions.
“Reason is not listened to, and I fear there is no salvation till my poor people have passed through the last extremity. You foreign Powers have hastened our destruction, when you had it in your hands to save us. I think you have meant well, but you have been blind, for you have not supported our moderate men and have by your harshness played the game of the wreckers among us.”
Gaudian criticizes foreign powers for failing to support moderate Germans, thereby worsening the country's post-war crisis.
Gaudian expresses his disillusionment with the post-war order.