The Scarlet Deluge

Questions and Answers

Why is this chapter called 'The Scarlet Deluge'?

The chapter is called The Scarlet Deluge because it means 'the red flood', which relates to blood loss and the death of Pumpkin.

What sort of spy system did Paul Revere organize?

Paul Revere organized a spy system where Johnny is assigned to spy on Colonel Smith and other officers living at the Afric Queen.

What important information do Mr. Lorne, Rab, and Johnny figure out from the love letter?

They figure out that Colonel Smith is going to be part of a large raid on Portsmouth.

How do Rab and Johnny get Dove to talk, and what do they learn from him?

They give Dove ale spiked with brandy hoping he will reveal useful information, but he doesn't know much. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the British order Johnny horsewhipped, and who helps him escape the punishment?

The British order Johnny to be horsewhipped because they discover he works for the Boston Observer. Pumpkin helps him escape. Signup and view all the answers

Why do so many of the British desert, and with whom do these deserters side?

So many British desert because they support the rebels and are secretly Whigs. Signup and view all the answers

What does Johnny do for Pumpkin, and why?

Johnny helps Pumpkin by bringing him clothes, a wig, and connecting him with a farmer to hide him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pumpkin die, and how does Johnny feel about Pumpkin's death?

Pumpkin is shot by firing squad for trying to desert, and Johnny feels terrified but also relieved he won't have to go into battle. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 9 is titled "The Scarlet Deluge," symbolizing the "red flood" of bloodshed, including the death of Pumpkin.

Spy System

Paul Revere organizes a spy system where Johnny is tasked with watching Colonel Smith and other officers.
Johnny is instructed to stay close to Dove for potential intel regarding an upcoming British action against the rebels.

Important Information from the Love Letter

Mr. Lorne, Rab, and Johnny reconstruct a love note revealing Colonel Smith's involvement in a planned raid on Portsmouth.
This discovery prompts Revere to ride to Portsmouth to warn the rebels of the British approach.

Extracting Information from Dove

Johnny lures Dove into revealing information by giving him ale mixed with brandy.
Dove eventually admits he doesn’t know much, affirming his lack of useful intelligence.

Johnny's Punishment and Escape

The British order Johnny to be horsewhipped after discovering his connections to the Boston Observer.
Pumpkin aids Johnny's escape by discreetly advising him to use his spurs to gallop away from danger.

British Desertion

Many British soldiers desert due to their secret allegiance to the Whigs and support for the rebel cause.

Johnny's Act of Kindness towards Pumpkin

Johnny provides Pumpkin with disguise items and connects him to a farmer for employment, aiming to protect him from the British.
Johnny feels indebted to Pumpkin for facilitating his own escape from punishment.

Pumpkin's Death

Pumpkin is executed by firing squad for attempting to desert.
Johnny is horrified by Pumpkin’s execution yet feels a sense of relief at the prospect of avoiding battle himself.

Description

This quiz covers Chapter 9, 'The Scarlet Deluge,' from the book, exploring the themes of bloodshed and espionage. Key events include Johnny's spying efforts, the decoding of a love letter, and his subsequent punishment. Test your knowledge of these pivotal moments in the narrative.