The Prince and the Pauper: Chapter 21 Summary & Analysis

The hermit watches Edward sleep for hours. His mind wanders, but suddenly he’s aware that Edward is awake and that he is staring at the hermit horror. The hermit commands Edward to say his final prayers. While Edward struggles and weeps, the hermit joyfully continues whetting the knife. As the sun rises, the hermit tells Edward to close his eyes and prepare to die. Just then, they hear voices outside. The hermit hurriedly covers Edward with a sheepskin as they hear what sounds like fighting outside. A voice calls for someone to open the door—Edward recognizes that it is Miles Hendon. The hermit answers, and Hendon asks where the boy is. The hermit says that Edward left on an errand and he will be back shortly, but Hendon expresses disbelief that Edward would take orders from any man. The hermit explains that he’s an archangel, not a man. Hendon believes that Edward might run errands for an archangel.

As Edward continues struggling, Hendon hears the noise and asks what it is. The hermit suggests that it’s the wind or else something in a copse nearby, and they go to investigate. Edward tries to scream, but his mouth is tied shut and the heavy blanket prevents much noise from getting out. Edward hears Hendon and the hermit return and he prepares to try to get Hendon’s attention again. Hendon says that he can’t wait for Edward and he asks the hermit what way the boy went. The hermit offers to show Hendon the way himself, and Hendon gratefully accepts. Edward is devastated, thinking he’ll never see Hendon again. Suddenly, he hears more sounds and then someone comes crashing into the hut. He closes his eyes, but when he opens them, he sees John and Hugo there. They untie Edward and carry him out.