78 pages • 2 hours read
The Whipping Boy
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Chapters 17-20Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 17 Summary: “Petunia to the Rescue”
When they see Betsey’s bear charging toward them, Billy and Cutwater quickly release Jemmy and Prince Horace and run away. Seeing that the boys are safe, Betsey calls Petunia back to her side. She reassures the boys that Petunia is as “gentle as a kitten” (60), and praises the prince for being brave and not crying out while being whipped; Jemmy is also impressed. Betsey suggests that the boys travel with her and Petunia to ensure that no one else bothers them.
Jemmy, Prince Horace, and Betsey run into Captain Nips, whose wagon has tipped over again. The group helps him, and then climbs into the wagon to travel toward the city. They encounter some soldiers who are looking for the missing prince, but the soldiers are afraid of Petunia and don’t search closely.
Chapter 18 Summary: “Of Assorted Events in Which the Plot Thickens Thicker”
The group arrives at the city, and heads to the fairgrounds. Betsy leaves the group to perform with Petunia. Jemmy is anxious to be left alone, but Captain Nips offers to prepare and share a meal with the boys before they depart. He notices that Prince Horace is eager to help with preparing the meal; the prince comments that, “I’ve never been allowed to carry anything! Not in my entire life” (64).
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