The Shakespeare Stealer

Chapter 17 opens with Widge, dazed from being hit on the head, sitting up as he realizes that it is Falconer who has accosted him. Widge begins making excuses for not delivering a copy of the script as Falconer grows increasingly more frustrated and threatening. Finally, Falconer declares, “there’s nothing left to do, then, but to take the book” (125). Falconer instructs Widge to steal the playbook promptly and report back to him.

Shaken, Widge makes his way to the Globe and arrives late for his fencing lesson. He is paired with Julian, and the two bond over being orphans. Julians’s mother has also died, and his father is a criminal who Julian believes is destined to be hanged. Widge confesses that he is worried his master will come after him, and Julian says he hopes this doesn’t happen since Widge is starting to show real promise as an actor. Widge blushes and is pleased by the compliment.

Later, Widge prepares for his debut on the stage, of which he says, “my actual moment of glory is a blank in my memory” (131). While he does not remember exactly what happened, his performance went well.