# Under a Crimson Sky explained — Lost Man’s Lane

> Chapter companion for Lost Man’s Lane by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Lucetta prepares to confront Mr. Trohm alone, leaving behind a will and letters. Loreen breaks her promise and leads Miss Butterworth through a secret path to follow her. They witness Mr. Trohm's madness as Lucetta disappears into a hidden trapdoor on the lawn. Mr. Gryce and his men rescue Lucetta, and Mr. Trohm is exposed as a murderer and maniac.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

Mr. Trohm's hidden well and his ability to pass as a decent man underscore the theme of concealed evil.

### Justice and Morality

Lucetta's heroic sacrifice and Mr. Gryce's intervention bring about the exposure and capture of the criminal.

### Superstition and the Supernatural

Miss Butterworth experiences a 'supernatural dread' and a sense of the unseen, heightening the eerie atmosphere.

## Character check-ins

### Lucetta

Leaves a will and letters, then goes alone to confront Mr. Trohm; falls into a hidden well but is rescued.

### Amelia Butterworth

Follows Loreen through a secret path to spy on Lucetta's confrontation; helps find the spring to open the trapdoor.

### Miss Knollys

Loreen breaks her promise to Lucetta and leads Miss Butterworth to the scene; shows deep fear and loyalty.

### Mr. Gryce

Oversees the operation, covers Mr. Trohm with a pistol, and rescues Lucetta, carrying her to safety.

### Mr. Trohm

Revealed as a maniac who delights in his crimes; leaps in triumph after Lucetta disappears, then is handcuffed.

## Key lines

> She has prepared herself for death!

Lucetta has made a will and written farewell letters, indicating she expects to die.

_Miss Butterworth realizes the gravity of Lucetta's mission._

> Six! and room for two more!

Mr. Trohm exults that he has killed six people and has space for additional victims.

_Reveals the extent of his murders and his madness._

> I thought I saw Albert! He was not dead, and I—

Lucetta, upon waking, believes she saw her lover Albert alive.

_Suggests a possible twist regarding Albert's fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxix-under-a-crimson-sky
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters