# Spike Mullins — A Gentleman of Leisure character guide > Spike Mullins in A Gentleman of Leisure by P. G. Wodehouse. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Spike, Mullins, the Mullins, Mr. Mullins **First appearance:** 0002-i-jimmy-makes-a-bet ## Snapshot A crimson-haired Bowery burglar with a soft spot for Jimmy, whose cheerful loyalty complicates every respectable plan his boss attempts. ## Who they are Spike Mullins is a reformed-ish cracksman from the Bowery who attaches himself to Jimmy Pitt with the devotion of a disciple, shuffling into scenes with furtive glee and mangled vowels. He has no use for marriage, girls, or respectability, and his professional instincts keep threatening to resurface at the worst possible moments. His presence is a running joke and a genuine liability — a reminder that Jimmy's past and his polished new life do not mix cleanly. ## Relationships ### [Jimmy Pitt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/jimmy_pitt) _friendship_ Jimmy and Spike are close friends and allies, with Spike serving as Jimmy's loyal and resourceful accomplice in various schemes. ### [John McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/john_mceachern) _professional_ John and Spike are former associates in criminal activities, with John now trying to distance himself from that life. ### [Molly McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/molly_mceachern) _friendship_ Molly and Spike develop a friendly rapport, with Spike assisting her and Jimmy in their romantic plans. ### [Jimmy Pitt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/jimmy_pitt) _friendship_ Jimmy and Spike are close friends and allies, with Spike serving as Jimmy's loyal and resourceful accomplice in various schemes. ### [John McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/john_mceachern) _professional_ John and Spike are former associates in criminal activities, with John now trying to distance himself from that life. ### [Jimmy Pitt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/jimmy_pitt) _friendship_ Jimmy and Spike are close friends and allies, with Spike serving as Jimmy's loyal and resourceful accomplice in various schemes. ### [Molly McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/molly_mceachern) _friendship_ Molly and Spike develop a friendly rapport, with Spike assisting her and Jimmy in their romantic plans. ### [Molly McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/molly_mceachern) _friendship_ Molly and Spike develop a friendly rapport, with Spike assisting her and Jimmy in their romantic plans. ### [John McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/john_mceachern) _professional_ John and Spike are former associates in criminal activities, with John now trying to distance himself from that life. ## In the story ### [A Gentleman of Leisure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/a-gentleman-of-leisure) A burglar who inspires Jimmy's bet and later becomes his accomplice. ### [Mr. McEachern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/iii-mr-mceachern) Mentioned in the opening line as invading Jimmy's slumbers; not directly present in this chapter. ### [V: A Thief in the Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/v-a-thief-in-the-night) Spike is the red-haired burglar who breaks into Jimmy's room. He is initially scared but becomes respectful and awed by Jimmy's supposed expertise. ### [An Exhibition Performance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/vi-an-exhibition-performance) Spike, eager to prove himself, follows Jimmy's lead and demonstrates his basic burgling skills, though his clumsiness nearly ruins their operation. ### [Getting Acquainted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/vii-getting-acquainted) Accompanies Jimmy on the burglary, reveals he was set up by a Swede, and nervously interacts with the bulldog Rastus. ### [IX: A New Friend and an Old One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/ix-a-new-friend-and-an-old-one) Mentioned as Jimmy's young disciple in burglary who vanished after the night at McEachern's. Jimmy has searched for him in the Bowery without success. ### [X: Jimmy Adopts a Lame Dog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/x-jimmy-adopts-a-lame-dog) Arrives in London in poor condition, reveals McEachern's name, and is taken in by Jimmy. ### [At the Turn of the Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xi-at-the-turn-of-the-road) Spike returns from the tailor's in a bright tweed suit, and later embarrasses himself in front of Lady Julia before being sent to the luggage cart. ### [Spike's Views](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xiii-spike-s-views) Enters Jimmy's room, reports seeing Mr. McEachern, and expresses nostalgia for past burglaries. He is tempted by the valuable necklace in the house. ### [Check, and a Countermove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xiv-check-and-a-countermove) Present during the confrontation, leaves when Jimmy allows him to go. ### [XVIII: The Lochinvar Method](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xviii-the-lochinvar-method) Identifies Galer and the valet as detectives; steals a necklace but is ordered by Jimmy to return it. ### [Loathsome Gifts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xxi-loathsome-gifts) Spike is animated and excited, eventually confessing that he has stolen Lady Julia's diamond necklace. ### [XXII: How Two of a Trade Did Not Agree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xxii-how-two-of-a-trade-did-not-agree) Proudly presents the stolen diamonds, narrates the detectives' fight, and is disappointed when Jimmy makes him return the jewels. ### [XXV: Explanations and an Interruption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xxv-explanations-and-an-interruption) Referenced as the one who stole the necklace and brought it to Jimmy. ### [XXVII: A Declaration of Independence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xxvii-a-declaration-of-independence) Mentioned as having handed the stones to Jimmy, leading to the discovery of the fake necklace. ### [XXX: Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/chapters/xxx-conclusion) Returns to America, plans to enter politics, learns the necklace was paste. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters/spike_mullins - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_gentleman_of_leisure_se/characters