Atdtda23: All kiddin aside, 637-638

[Paul Nightingale]

Gunther reappears to reacquaint Frank with Kit; their exchange recaps action
from earlier chapters, eg the duel that wasn't. Hence the reader compares
Gunther's recollection with the record; and recalls that the duel was
transformed into a dispute over maths (601), none of which is mentioned
here. Moreover, the Kit that Gunther describes isn't immediately
recognisable to Frank: another example of the mismatch between
representation and 'reality'. Frank's preference for Arbuckle's coffee (638)
shock's Gunther, pretty much as, earlier, he had been shocked by Kit's
preference for pistols (600). In each case, the American might be said to
lack cultural refinement; however, in each case, this appears a provocative
pose, neither Kit nor Frank quite taking Gunther's posturing seriously. What
Gunther does seem to have in common with Kit/Frank is a sense of "duty to
the family firm" (638). A different take on tradition/custom/disposition is
provided by Frank: "I've always been an Arbuckle's man ..." etc.