"Kidnapped" by Robert L. Stevenson Quiz

Answer: The death of his father.

Just before he died David's father gave to the local minister a sealed letter which described David's inheritance. The letter was to be taken to his uncle Ebenezer at the House of Shaws near Edinburgh. At the beginning of the book David lived in the Borders village of Essendean.

Answer: Blood built it; blood stopped the building of it; blood shall bring it down.

It is interesting to note how Stevenson built up the suspense as David approaches the ancestral home of his family. As he asks for directions he notices that people look at him strangely. Later one man tries to warn him not to go on. Finally Jennet Clouston comes out with her strange curse-like prediction.

Answer: He sent him up a pitch-black staircase that had not been finished.

Ebenezer's trap is very cunning. First he gives David a large sum of money and then asks him to climb the tower to get his "old uncle" a treasure chest.His clear meanness makes it plausible that he gives David no candle. David is only saved by a sudden flash of lightning that reveals the missing steps and the chasm into which he would fall.

Answer: The Covenant

It is Captain Elias Hoseason who has the main part in the kidnapping of David though Uncle Ebenezer is the man with the idea. David wants to see what the inside of a ship looks like and he foolishly trusts the friendly and honest-looking Hoseason. Once on board he is soon overpowered and taken below.

Answer: Mr. Shuan - the first mate.

It is drunkenness which is the curse of the mates on board the Covenant. When he drinks Mr. Shuan has no idea what he is doing and when he is sober he can't remember what he has done. The Captain is going to cover up the crime by saying that the cabin-boy went over the side.

Answer: smallish in stature, sunburnt and pitted with the smallpox

Alan Breck Stewart is a character of considerable magnetism in his personality. However, his appearance is not that of a romantic hero. He is neither big, nor strong and is not outwardly handsome. He has, however, a natural agility and grace and a remarkable degree of self-confidence, experience and genuine courage.

Answer: fifteen

Alan has no choice but to defend his life and the money he carries for his clan leader. David decides to help him because he recognises the one honest man in the midst of a gang of villains. This is remarkable because Alan is a rebel Jacobite and David is a loyal servant of King George. Basic decency comes before politics.

Answer: the Campbells

Alan feels that the Stewarts have been persecuted by the Campbells who have been granted lots of land after the failure of the Jacobite rebellion. He regards the Campbells as working for King George whereas his clan leader has always held to the Jacobite cause.

Answer: All of these reasons.

Any one of these reasons would be good enough for him to be put to death. They are also all good reasons why David should dislike him. David doesn't change his politics and doesn't approve of what Alan has done but he recognises a man of courage and resolution whose opinions differ from his. Friendship breaks the barriers between them.

Answer: He didn't realise he could cross to the mainland when the tide was out.

If only he had started to think about it properly David would have realised that the channel between the islet and the mainland was passable when the tide was out. All his suffering had been unnecessary. It also meant that he got separated from Alan and the rest of the crew of the Covenant.

Answer: a silver button from his coat

Later in the story Alan borrows back the silver button so that he can use it to make contact with one of the local farmers from whom they need help.

Answer: He is shot by an unknown assassin.

This is Stevenson's version of the famous Appin Murder of Colin Roy Campbell. As David is standing talking to him and then runs away it seems that he is implicated in the killing. Alan Breck is lurking nearby in the woods and there was a possibility he was the killer. Stevenson hints that it was really a Cameron from Mamore.

Answer: He plays cards with Cluny MacPherson

Alan loses all his money to Cluny. He borrows money from David and loses that as well. They need the money to help with their escape. This provokes a serious quarrel between Alan and David. David learns the important lesson that you go on loving your friends in spite of their faults. Cluny gives them the money back.

Answer: By playing tunes on the bagpipes.

To David's relief they settle for a night playing tunes on the bagpipes. Alan Breck is a formidable player but Robin Oig is without doubt not just the better player on the night but the best player any of them have ever heard. Alan graciously admits, "I am not fit to play in the same kingdom with ye."

Answer: Alan persuades a girl in Limekilns to row them across the firth.

It is Alan who is able to use guile and charm to persuade an honest young girl in Limekilns to feel sorry for David. The name of the honest lawyer, Mr.Rankeillor, helps to convince her. She rows them across the firth and the next day David is able to walk into Queensferry and claim his inheritance.