The Mysterious Benedict Society: Chapter 29 Summary & Analysis

Kate notices a door behind the tables, and what she sees horrifies her. She fetches the others, and they find an underground warehouse with a sign designating it “Memory Terminal.” It is full of brainsweeping devices. The children leave the secret passages and return to the dorms, where Sticky relays their findings to Mr. Benedict. Mr. Benedict asks them to wait for a reply. As they wait, Reynie hopes that Mr. Benedict finds a way to save everyone without demanding anything more from Reynie, who feels too exhausted to continue. He is worried that the Whisperer has revealed who is truly is.

When Mr. Benedict at last responds, the message is simply, “Know thine enemy.” The children don’t understand, so Sticky asks Mr. Benedict to clarify which enemy. There is no response, so Sticky tries again. Reynie stops him from trying a third time, pointing out that there must be a reason for Mr. Benedict’s silence. Kate checks the island with her spyglass and is alarmed to see a Recruiter standing by the bridge. He seems to be looking up at their window. Reynie finds it odd that a Recruiter is standing in the shadows alone in a position where only they could see him. Kate looks through the spyglass again and realizes the man is Milligan in disguise. They realize this must be the “enemy” they should know. Sticky signals to the mainland. The response urges them to hurry to Milligan, repeating “hurry” even as the children rush outside.

The children quickly sneak through the nights and meet Milligan. He looks and even smells like a Recruiter, but his lack of a smile gives him away. He informs the children their mission is completed, and he has come to take them off the island. Reynie is relieved, but Kate resists. She asks if Mr. Benedict has formed a plan, and Mulligan reluctantly says that he has not, but he wants the children off the island for their safety. Kate points out that Constance is in danger no matter where they go, since they don’t know what will happen to her once Mr. Curtain boosts the power all the way. Reynie realizes that they can’t leave. He is ashamed that it took Kate to show him, but he knows now that they have to stay for Constance and all the people Mr. Curtain has brainswept.

Reynie thanks Milligan, but he says that he plans to stay. Kate hugs Reynie and says the same. Sticky looks longingly toward the mainland, but he agrees that they are the only chance Mr. Benedict’s plan has. Milligan tells them that Mr. Benedict prepared a message in case the children insisted on staying. He reminds them that each of them is essential to their success, and that they must rely on one another. They must also rely on Milligan, who will be remaining on the island.