The Valley of Fear · Chapter
V: The Darkest Hour explained
Jack McMurdo's arrest and acquittal boost his standing among the Scowrers, but his relationship with Ettie Shafter suffers as her father forbids him from the house.
What happens
Jack McMurdo's arrest and acquittal boost his standing among the Scowrers, but his relationship with Ettie Shafter suffers as her father forbids him from the house. Ettie confronts McMurdo about a secret letter, sensing guilt and fear. The chapter details the Society of Freemen's reign of terror in Vermissa Valley, including the murders of mine manager Josiah H. Dunn and engineer Menzies, carried out by McMurdo and others. McMurdo remains resolute, viewing the violence as war.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Terror
The Scowrers' reign of terror is described in detail, including the murder of Dunn and Menzies in front of a hundred helpless miners, and the broader climate of fear that grips Vermissa Valley.
Loyalty and Betrayal
McMurdo's loyalty to the lodge is tested against his relationship with Ettie; Ettie's suspicion of McMurdo's secret letter hints at potential betrayal of trust.
Identity and Deception
McMurdo's hidden nature is revealed when he reacts with violent guilt upon being startled by Ettie, and his secret letter suggests a concealed identity or purpose.
Characters to notice
- John McMurdo
Rises in popularity after arrest and acquittal; confronts Ettie over a secret letter; participates in the murder of Dunn and Menzies.
- Ettie Shafter
Visits McMurdo to plead with him; suspects him of guilt and fear after startling him; demands to see a letter he was writing.
- Councillor McGinty
Views McMurdo as a supremely able instrument; holds him like a bloodhound in leash for future work.
- Ted Baldwin
Resents McMurdo's rapid rise but keeps clear of him due to McMurdo's readiness to fight.
- Brother Scanlan
Accompanies McMurdo to the Crow Hill mine murder; is subdued afterward, finding the killing less funny than expected.
- Jacob Shafter
Refuses to allow McMurdo into his house, opposing his daughter's relationship with a criminal.
Key passages
“He felt like a man holding a fierce bloodhound in leash. There were curs to do the smaller work; but some day he would slip this creature upon its prey.”
McGinty saw McMurdo as a dangerous tool to be unleashed for major crimes, while lesser members handled minor tasks.
Illustrates McGinty's strategic view of McMurdo as a weapon for future violence.
“All her woman's instinct told her that it was not the mere fright of a man who is startled. Guilt—that was it—guilt and fear!”
Ettie sensed that McMurdo's reaction came from a guilty conscience, not just surprise.
Highlights Ettie's intuition and the theme of deception.
“Sure, it is like a war. What is it but a war between us and them, and we hit back where we best can.”
McMurdo rationalized the murders as acts of war against their enemies.
Shows McMurdo's justification for violence and his commitment to the Scowrers' cause.