The Black Mask · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Black Mask by E. W. Hornung.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
No Sinecure
Raffles and Bunny are living in a small flat in Albany, where Raffles is restless and bored with their quiet life. He decides to take up a new challenge: breaking into a house in the country, but the plan goes awry when they discover the house is occupied by a woman who recognizes Raffles. The chapter explores Raffles' identity and his inability to settle into a normal life.
Chapter 2
I
Raffles and Bunny discuss the impact of the Boer War on their criminal activities. Initially enthusiastic about the war, they become depressed by British losses. Raffles decides to dye his hair and enlist in the Imperial Yeomanry, and Bunny resolves to join him. They depart for the Cape in February.
Chapter 3
II
Bunny reflects on his ineptitude as a soldier compared to Raffles, who thrives in the irregular squadron. He describes the bullying Corporal Connal, who targets Bunny until Raffles fights and subdues him. Bunny suspects Connal is a traitor after a suspicious patrol leads the troop into Boer lines under a white flag. Raffles reveals he has long known Connal is a spy and plans to expose him personally.
Chapter 4
Chapter III
Raffles and Bunny confront Corporal Connal, who has been stealing horses for the enemy. They capture him, but Connal reveals he knows their true identities as the notorious criminals Raffles and Bunny. Despite the exposure, Raffles confesses to the commanding officer, who decides to let them continue fighting.
Chapter 5
A Jubilee Present
Raffles steals a historic gold cup from the British Museum's Room of Gold during the Diamond Jubilee, but his obsession with the artifact leads him to devise a risky plan to hide it in plain sight. After a reconnaissance visit turns into an impulsive theft, Raffles and Bunny evade capture and return to their lodgings, where Raffles displays the cup triumphantly while the police search for it.
Free preview
15 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.
15 more companions → free preview