The Powerhouse · Chapter
I: Beginning of the Wild-Goose Chase explained
Leithen recounts how Tommy Deloraine, frustrated with parliamentary life, announces a mysterious journey.
What happens
Leithen recounts how Tommy Deloraine, frustrated with parliamentary life, announces a mysterious journey. Tommy reveals that Charles Pitt-Heron has vanished after becoming involved with a strange circle of foreigners and a laboratory. Tommy obtains a clue from a Russian embassy clerk suggesting Pitt-Heron may have gone to Moscow, and he decides to follow. Leithen, initially skeptical, grows uneasy after visiting Mrs. Pitt-Heron and sensing deeper trouble.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the protagonist’s nervousness and indecision drop away, replaced by pride and o…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Adventure and Escapism
Tommy's restless desire to escape Parliament and Pitt-Heron's wild past journeys set the stage for a chase into unknown territories.
- The Double Life
Pitt-Heron hides a secret laboratory and a circle of foreign contacts, leading a double existence beneath domestic respectability.
- Hidden Power and Crime
The mysterious embassy passport, secretive meetings, and Pitt-Heron's sudden flight hint at a hidden network of influence and possible wrongdoing.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Leithen
The narrator and barrister; becomes reluctantly drawn into the mystery after Tommy's confidence.
- Tommy Deloraine
Restless MP and friend; reveals Pitt-Heron's disappearance and his plan to pursue him to Moscow.
- Charles Pitt-Heron
Eccentric former adventurer who has vanished after secretive scientific work and contact with foreigners.
- Ethel Pitt-Heron
Pitt-Heron's wife; anxious and evasive, she hints at odd happenings in the household.
- Mr. Chapman
Labour MP and guest at Tommy's dinner; called 'Chipmunk' by Tommy.
Key passages
“I've taken on a queer job, Leithen, and I want you to hear about it. None of my family know, and I would like to leave someone behind me who could get on to my tracks if things got troublesome.”
Tommy confides in Leithen about a strange mission, asking him to be a contact in case of danger.
Tommy reveals the seriousness of his undertaking to Leithen.
“Charles Pitt-Heron is blowing up for a most thundering mess.”
Tommy warns that Pitt-Heron is heading toward a major crisis.
Tommy's assessment of Pitt-Heron's situation.
“I had a sort of presentiment that I was going to be mixed up in the affair more than I wanted.”
Leithen feels an uneasy premonition that he will become deeply involved.
Leithen's growing sense of foreboding about the case.
