Bulldog Drummond · Chapter
IX: In Which He Has a Near Shave explained
Drummond and the American detective Mr.
What happens
Drummond and the American detective Mr. Green observe Carl Peterson in disguise as the Comte de Guy dining with wealthy industrialists in Paris. Drummond reveals Peterson's criminal nature and his involvement with revolutionaries. Later, Drummond survives an assassination attempt via poisoned darts. On the return boat to England, Drummond taunts a seasick Peterson. Back in London, Peter Darrell reports that Toby Sinclair has been attacked at Godalming.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Hugh's romantic a…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Villainy and Moral Ambiguity
Peterson is portrayed as a super-criminal who dines with both revolutionaries and millionaires, blurring lines between crime and high society.
- Deception and Disguise
Peterson's disguise as the Comte de Guy, Jerningham's waiter act, and the use of a blowpipe and poisoned darts highlight pervasive deception.
- Heroism and Masculinity
Drummond's coolness under attack, his taunting of Peterson, and his protective role toward friends exemplify a rugged, adventurous heroism.
Characters to notice
- Captain Hugh Drummond
Narrates the chapter; taunts Peterson on the boat; survives poisoned dart attack.
- Carl Peterson
Disguised as the Comte de Guy in Paris; later seasick on the boat; orchestrates assassination attempt.
- Mr. Jerome K. Green
American detective; identifies Peterson as a master criminal; helps remove a dart from Drummond's sleeve.
- Ted Jerningham
Disguised as a waiter in Paris; pilots Potts to safety; accompanies Drummond on the boat.
- Peter Darrell
Meets Drummond at Half Moon Street; reports Toby Sinclair's disappearance at Godalming.
- Toby Sinclair
Reported to have been attacked during a phone call from Godalming.
Key passages
“Captain, you have me guessing.”
The American detective expresses confusion about Drummond's motives.
Opens the chapter with Mr. Green's bewilderment.
“He's the biggest proposition we've ever been up against on this little old earth, and he's done us every time.”
Mr. Green describes Peterson as an elusive master criminal who always escapes.
Highlights Peterson's reputation as a genius villain.
“Not far off getting you that time, Captain.”
Mr. Green warns Drummond that the poisoned dart nearly struck him.
Underlines the narrow escape from assassination.
“Some day, I'll—”
Peterson starts to threaten Drummond but is cut off.
Shows Peterson's fury and Drummond's taunting.
“There's something doing down at Godalming I don't like.”
Peter Darrell reports trouble at the Godalming house.
Sets up the next crisis involving Toby Sinclair.
