Colonel Samsey, viewpoint character, is confronted by a masked man whom the omniscient narrator refers to as "Naysmith." However, since the viewpoint character does not know his assailant's name, the narrator should not use it.
Samsey is rendered unconscious but this narrative section continues so the Colonel can no longer be the viewpoint character. We read a third person account of Naysmith easing Samsey onto the bed, then Naysmith takes over as viewpoint character:
"Naysmith had been through this before, but he grimaced..." (p. 79)
After reviving Samsey, Naysmith confirms Donner's death by unmasking to the Colonel and asking the latter to identify him:
"'Donner - but you're dead. We killed you in Chicago. You died, you're dead.'" (p. 81)
This could have been yet another chapter in the legend of the immortal Un-man. However, Naysmith now fakes Samsey's suicide, regarding this death as an act of war. Samsey could hardly have complained. He had accepted an order to kill a man called Barney Rosenberg without knowing why. Those who live by the sword...
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Unfortunately, this kind of lethal strife happens in the real world, and sometimes has to happen if agents of powers serving a better cause want to keep their enemies in check. Flandry would understand!
Ad astra! Sean
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