AtDDtA1: 26-31 #2

[Paul Nightingale]

The second part of this phase features Professor Vanderjuice, who appears
surprised: "Galloping gasbags, but it's just capital to see you fellows
again!" (29). The Chums are immediately restored to the status of
(intrepid?) adventurers by Vanderjuice's reference to New Orleans, and then
Ray Ipsow's reference to "that Khartoum business". Apologies for jumping
ahead, but when Lew first appears he claims never to have heard of the Chums
(36). Interesting here (back on 29) is Randolph's exchange with the
Professor, "gastric memories" of New Orleans segueing into shop-talk that
makes the boy commander appear more authoritative. As does Lindsay,
transformed into "the Unit Historian" (30).

Possibly Vanderjuice isn't listening, however, distracted by the sight of
Merle. The allusion to "olden days in Connecticut, long before your time,
fellows" seals the relationship between these "partners in crime", in the
process excluding the Chums. Lindsay confesses his redundancy: "No need for
introductions, then."

The final page or so of this phase leaves the Chums behind, changing
direction rapidly. Vanderjuice's behaviour at the restaurant is odd and he
quickly makes his excuses. Ray insists he'll "keep an eye on him",
confirming that the Chums are out of the loop (in the process establishing
Ray's role as narrative agent; to this point we have learned hardly anything
about him).

Vanderjuice is clearly in a hurry here, and the text's refusal to offer any
information about his destination recalls Randolph's visit to Nate: his
sudden disappearance (16, "soundlessly into the great fragrant darkness")
begs the question, followed by his reappearance "still on duty" several
pages later (24). In each case the arrival at the Chicago Fair is a cover
for 'business' as indeed it is for Scarsdale Vibe himself (31).

Filtered through Ray Ipsow's pov, Scarsdale Vibe is introduced as "evil", a
term that has already appeared in the title of a Chums' novel (5). The
eponymous Evil Halfwit might or might not be President Bush, as has been
suggested; the term itself is certainly part and parcel of political
discourse pre-dating 9-11. Note, however, that Lindsay speaks of "a sinister
affliction" (6); and Randolph confines himself to "vicious and debased
elements (16). Even Nate goes no further than "that gang of anarchistic
murderers" (25).