Kidnapped: Chapter 23 Summary & Analysis

David and Alan climb to Cluny Macpherson’s hideout, a steep hillside shelter called “Cluny’s Cage.” Cluny, who has lived in hiding since the 1745 Jacobite uprising, moves between various secret shelters depending on how close the soldiers come. When the two arrive, Cluny greets Alan warmly and accepts David with great courtesy after Alan introduces him as the “Laird of Shaws.” Cluny insists they toast to the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy and promises a hot meal.

Cluny lives in rigid routine, mixing hospitality with strange habits developed from years of isolation. He still commands authority in his clan, arbitrating disputes and issuing decisions from hiding. Though soldiers patrol nearby, Cluny’s men continue to deliver news and provisions, and they treat him like a chief. After supper, Cluny eagerly proposes a game of cards, but David refuses. He explains that gambling goes against a promise he made to his father. Cluny takes offense at the perceived insult, but Alan defuses the tension, assuring Cluny that David means no harm and is simply tired. Then David goes to bed, feeling ill.

During their second day at the cage, Alan asks David for a loan. Feverish and weak, David hands over his purse without much thought. When he wakes up on the third day, he feels better, though still frail. Alan comes to him and confesses he has lost not only his own money but David’s as well. For his part, Cluny immediately insists he meant only to pass the time and never intended to keep their winnings. David, troubled by the moral ambiguity, pulls Cluny aside. He thanks him for the offer to return the money but questions the honor of accepting it. Cluny returns the money anyway, telling David not to worry.