Ogden Ford

Cynthia Drassilis

Cynthia is Ogden's governess, tasked with managing and educating the difficult child.

Smooth Sam Fisher

Sam Fisher manipulates and pursues Ogden as a target for kidnapping, while Ogden is a cunning and resistant victim.

Peter Burns

Ogden is a troublesome student who constantly tests and opposes Peter's authority as a teacher and guardian.

Mennick

Mennick is a servant or minder assigned to watch over Ogden, often clashing with the boy's rebellious nature.

Mrs. Elmer Ford

Mrs. Ford is Ogden's mother, who is alternately indulgent and exasperated by her son's behavior.

Audrey Blake

Audrey interacts with Ogden as part of the school community, often with strained patience.

Lord Mountry

Lord Mountry is a fellow student or visitor at the school who interacts with Ogden.

White

White is one of Ogden's would-be kidnappers, with Ogden often outsmarting him.

Reggie

Reggie is a fellow student and occasional companion or foil to Ogden.

Cynthia Drassilis

Cynthia is Ogden's governess, tasked with managing and educating the difficult child.

Mennick

Mennick is a servant or minder assigned to watch over Ogden, often clashing with the boy's rebellious nature.

Audrey Blake

Audrey interacts with Ogden as part of the school community, often with strained patience.

I

The unpleasant, sophisticated child who is returned to his mother.

II

The boy at the center of the custody dispute; referred to as 'The Little Nugget' by kidnappers.

I

The wealthy boy targeted for kidnapping, currently a student at Sanstead House School.

II

Ogden is the kidnapped boy, referred to as 'The Little Nugget.' Cynthia has taken him from the country to reunite him with his mother, Mrs. Ford.

III

The boy to be kidnapped; described as about thirteen years old and soon to attend Sanstead House.

II

The Little Nugget; arrives at Sanstead House; described as spoiled, blasé, and physically violent.

III

The Little Nugget; introduced tobacco-chewing and gambling, broke windows after being caned, and is the likely target of the strange Americans.

IV

A student at Sanstead, noted for his wealth and troublesome nature.

II

The Little Nugget; appears smoking a cigarette, identifies the intruder as likely a kidnapper like Buck MacGinnis, and mentions past kidnapping attempts.

VI

The wealthy and troublesome boy at the center of the custody and kidnapping plot.

I

Referred to as 'the Little Nugget'; the target of the kidnapping plot.

VII

The 'Little Nugget'; Audrey's former charge who took a mild liking to her.

VIII

The target of the kidnapping plot; Peter decides to stay to protect him.

I

The target of the raid, referred to as 'the Nugget'; not present in the classroom at the time of the attack.

III

Missing from Sanstead House; believed to have run away to London with Augustus Beckford.

IX

The target of the kidnapping plot, currently at Sanstead House.

I

The Little Nugget; Peter gives him money and an address to travel to London, but his departure complicates Peter's later intentions.

II

Referenced as the target of the kidnapping plot; Peter gave him money to go to London.

Chapter X

The Little Nugget; found at the party, negotiates with Peter, eventually agrees to return to school.

XI

His bed is moved to a cubbyhole adjoining Peter's room for safety after the raid.

XII

The target of the kidnapping plot, referred to as the Little Nugget.

II

Ogden is the boy at the center of the custody dispute. Mr. Ford requests that he stay at the school during the holidays, prompting the events of the chapter.

XIII

Mentioned as being in bed; Peter advises Audrey to lock his door and bring the key.

XIV

The target of the kidnapping plot, still at Sanstead House.

I

Seen lounging in a deck-chair, apparently asleep, during the garden confrontation.

XV

Target of the kidnapping plot devised by Sam and Peter.

I

The Little Nugget, reluctant and complaining about the rain, views the situation as a game.

II

The Little Nugget; complains about the cold and voluntarily surrenders to the kidnappers.

XVII

Referred to as 'Oggie' and 'the Little Nugget'; his parents discuss his behavior and Sam's plan.