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Chapter 20
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Kidnapped, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Political Conflict and National Identity
Trust and Betrayal
Justice vs. Injustice
Coming of Age
Summary
Analysis
Alan and David reach their destination before sunrise: a high mountain cleft called the Heugh of Corrynakiegh, which overlooks the sea and offers views of both Appin and Mamore. They stay hidden for five days in a shallow cave, sleeping on beds of heather under Alan’s coat. During the day, they pass the time fishing for trout in the stream and grilling them over a small fire. Their main food supply is this trout and a bit of oatmeal, and they compete good-naturedly in fishing. When not fishing, Alan gives David stern lessons in swordplay, berating him fiercely but gradually helping him improve.
The days spent hiding in the mountain cleft show a rare period of steadiness in David and Alan’s journey. The routine of fishing, cooking, and sword practice gives them a rhythm they haven’t had since the Covenant. Alan uses the time to train David with real intensity, not as a distraction, but to prepare him. The physical closeness of the cave, the shared tasks, and the harsh lessons strengthen their bond through familiarity. These conditions reveal how much trust has developed between them, even when it goes unspoken.
Themes
Knowing they cannot stay hidden forever, Alan decides to send word for money. He builds a kind of symbolic message—a blackened wooden cross tied with birch and pine branches, marked with the silver button David returned to him. Alan explains that the cross resembles a fiery cross, the clan’s call to arms. The silver button will tell John Breck Maccoll, a friend in the nearby hamlet of Koalisnacoan, that Alan is in trouble. The choice of pine and birch is meant to suggest the specific forest where they are hiding. Though David jokes that a simple note would be easier, Alan explains that John cannot read anyway. That night, Alan sneaks down and leaves the cross in John’s window.
Alan’s decision to use a symbolic message shows how much he values tradition and signaling over practicality. His use of the fiery cross, with its layered meaning, places their need for help within a cultural system that favors image and association over direct communication. David does not mock it, but he sees its inefficiency. The silver button returns to the story as a tool of recognition. Alan’s explanation reflects his understanding of the landscape and the people around it.
Themes
Three days later, John returns with money and grim news: redcoats are everywhere, James has been arrested, and both Alan and David are being hunted for the Red Fox’s murder. He also brings one of the wanted posters, which describes Alan in great detail, especially his French clothes. David’s own description matches the clothes he wore days ago, so he feels somewhat safer. He suggests Alan change outfits too, but Alan refuses, wanting to look respectable if he ever reaches France. David privately realizes that Alan’s presence is a risk—he is too conspicuous and requires more money to escape—but out of loyalty, he says nothing. When John momentarily pretends to have lost the silver button, Alan threatens him playfully until it is returned. Alan gives the button back to David, and with their funds secured, the two companions take to the road once again.
The return of the silver button marks another shift in responsibility. Alan gives it back to David as a sign of continued connection. Meanwhile, David sees more clearly that Alan’s presence puts them both at risk. His loyalty remains, but his awareness has sharpened. He no longer needs Alan to explain the stakes. The moment with the wanted poster makes the danger more visible, but it also confirms what David already suspects: Alan will not compromise his image, even if it limits his safety. David chooses to stay beside him because he feels loyal to Alan and also because he wants to see true justice served. However, he cannot deny that doing so puts his life in significant danger.
Themes
