The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
LXIV: The March by Night explained
Harry Fairfield, under cover of night, escapes from Noulton Farm with the help of Tom Orange.
What happens
Harry Fairfield, under cover of night, escapes from Noulton Farm with the help of Tom Orange. After a long and arduous journey through rain and fear, he faces several dangers, including a policeman, a suspicious innkeeper, and a terrifying encounter with Sergeant-Major Archdale, before finally reaching Hatherton.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Entrapment
Harry feels trapped at Noulton Farm and escapes into the isolating night, facing loneliness and fear on the road.
Secrecy and Deception
The entire escape is conducted in secret, with Harry sneaking out and Tom Orange aiding him covertly.
Characters to notice
- Harry Fairfield
The boy protagonist who runs away from Noulton Farm, enduring a night march, rain, and fear of being caught.
- Tom Orange
Harry's accomplice who helps him escape, guides him part of the way, and provides food and drink before parting.
- Sergeant-Major Archdale
The feared Sergeant-Major who Harry sees reflected in a shop window, causing him great terror.
- Tony
A servant at Noulton Farm who goes to bed early, allowing Harry to escape unnoticed.
Key passages
“The boy lay down in his bed at the accustomed early hour. The old woman had taken away his candle and shut the door. He lay with his eyes wide open listening with a palpitating heart for every sound.”
Harry went to bed at the usual time, but lay awake, anxiously listening for any noise.
Shows Harry's tension and anticipation before his escape.
“He made it fast to the bedpost, and began to let himself down the wall. The rope was too short, and he dangled in air from the end of it for a second or two, and then dropped to the ground.”
Harry tied a rope to the bedpost and lowered himself out the window, but the rope was too short, causing him to fall the last few feet.
Illustrates the physical risk and improvisation of his escape.
“The policeman looked down not unkindly now, at the little wayfarer. There was something piteous, I dare say. He looked a grave, thoughtful man, of more than fifty, and he put his hand on the child's shoulder.”
The policeman, seeing Harry's pitiful state, spoke to him gently and offered help.
Highlights the kindness of a stranger amidst Harry's ordeal.