Outlander Book Club: Written in My Own Heart’s Blood Chapter 51 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

The chapter starts with John deciding that he will remain with Woodsworth’s militia for the time being. He knows that while he is in a lot of pain and would like to get home, sticking with the militia is the safest option. The last thing he needs to do is tip anyone off that he’s actually part of the Crown’s Army.

He is so distracted by someone singing Yankee Doodle and thinking of earlier versions, he doesn’t see who comes up to him with a johnnycake. John is too nauseated to eat, and he feels even worse when he sees Germain stood there. He doesn’t immediately remember Germain’s name, but he knows that Germain could get him into trouble.

He decides to tell people in the militia that the boy is Bobby Higgins, the son of a neighbor in Philadelphia. Germain explains that he was looking for his grandfather when his mule and supplies were taken. When the militia get bored of this seemingly innocent boy, John and Germain get a chance to talk.

Germain wants to know if John is a spy. That wasn’t the intention, but it’s clear that he is going to take information if he can. John makes it clear that if Germain says anything to anyone, then John could be hanged for his actions. It’s clear that Germain isn’t going to let that happen, but John thinks he hears Germian chuckle as he walks away.