Cue for Treason

Peter’s attacker is Kit, a boy a couple of years younger than him who wants to join the troupe. Peter says there are no vacancies, afraid that if someone else from Cumberland joins the company it will increase the risk that he is traced and caught. Kit accuses him of lying and Peter realizes it was Kit who he sensed watching them. To Peter’s chagrin, William Desmond invites Kit to join the company, impressed by his perfect curtseying and acting skills. Kit is brilliant at performing the women’s roles but is cagey about his past. Peter notices his refined habits and sophisticated writing skills, suggesting a gentlemanly background. When they write letters home, Kit sends two and Peter notices that one is addressed to Sir Philip.

Peter is afraid that Kit has revealed where he is to Sir Philip or will turn him in, but this doesn’t happen. Peter and the other boys dislike Kit: He gets all the best roles and won’t play or swim with them. Peter enjoys touring life, despite challenges. They have to get permission from each town’s officials to perform. In Puritan areas they are sometimes denied this and looked down on.