# XIX: The Night of the First of June—Later explained — The Three Hostages

> Chapter companion for The Three Hostages by John Buchan.

## What happens

Sandy Arbuthnot reveals himself as Kharáma, exposing Medina's crimes and proposing a deal: silence in exchange for David Warcliff's return. Mary Hannay confronts Medina with a terrifying ultimatum, threatening to disfigure him if he does not restore the boy's soul.

## Themes in this chapter

### Good versus Evil

The confrontation between Mary and Medina embodies a stark battle between moral righteousness and malevolent ambition.

### Identity and Deception

Sandy's impersonation of Kharáma and the revelation of his true identity drive the chapter's turning point.

### The Cost of Peace

The proposed deal—silence for David's return—highlights the moral compromises required to achieve a peaceful resolution.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Hannay

Present throughout the confrontation, initially helpless but later supports Mary's ultimatum.

### Sandy Arbuthnot

Reveals he has been impersonating Kharáma, presents evidence against Medina, and proposes a deal.

### Dominick Medina

Confronted by Sandy and Mary, initially defiant but shows fear when Mary threatens him.

### Mary Hannay

Delivers a powerful ultimatum to Medina, demanding the return of David Warcliff's soul.

### Lavater

Called in by Sandy as a witness against Medina.

## Key lines

> Rather a cad’s trick, you will say, and I agree, but in an affair like this one has no choice of weapons.

Sandy admits that borrowing Kharáma's name was dishonorable, but justifies it as necessary in their desperate struggle.

_Sandy explains his deception to Medina._

> You may damage me with your lies, but I will be even with you. You will find me hard to beat.

Medina acknowledges the threat but vows to retaliate, asserting his resilience.

_Medina's defiant response to Sandy's exposure._

> I am going to destroy your body, and nothing will ever repair it.

Mary threatens to permanently disfigure Medina if he does not restore David Warcliff's soul.

_Mary's ultimatum to Medina._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_hostages_se/chapters/xix-the-night-of-the-first-of-june-later
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_hostages_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_hostages_se/chapters