The major theme of this novel is that the timing of events in life may lead to fortune of misfortune. For example, the close call David has at the stairs of the tower may have been his death if not for the lightning flash at just the right moment. (23) This close call emphasizes that timing is key. Had the lightning flashed earlier, David wouldn’t have been as shocked, and perhaps less mad at his uncle, thus altering the course of the story. In addition, when David oversleeps his lookout shift, and the redcoats catch up to them proves that timing is instrumental. (134) Had David awoke earlier, they would have avoided the stress of evading the soldiers. Their lives would have been much easier if they had left hours prior instead of being stuck
