Cue for Treason

“I asked, weren’t we taking the pistol, or anyhow the long, murderous-looking pike which has hung across our broad kitchen chimney ever since I can remember?”

Geoffrey Trease packs historical, geographical, and social detail into this short opening sentence, introducing the book’s context immediately. This passage is the first example of the recurring motif of weaponry. This opening question also immediately introduces a sense of danger and the potential need for protection. The weapons’ presence in the kitchen reflects the rural early modern society they live in, in which ordinary people often possessed weapons for domestic defense, or feudal military duties, particularly in Peter’s locale near the Scottish border, with its history of raids. The family’s ownership of a pistol reflects their middling status as yeomen. Peter words show that the weapons are rarely used, reflecting the relative stability under Elizabeth I as well as the family’s peaceful intent in protesting. This peaceful intent will contrast with the later violence of Sir Philip and his men.

“[I]t’s no good crying over spilt milk, and perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing after all.”

This passage is indicative of Peter’s retrospective narration that reveals hindsight. Though Peter’s words foreshadow immediate danger, they also promise a happy ending building intrigue. This helps Trease create excitement that is not distressing, catering to younger readers. This quote also adds to Trease’s introduction of Peter’s personality through this first section: The “spilt milk” shows his youth, sense of humor, and stoic approach to life.