# XXI explained — Room 13

> Chapter companion for Room 13 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Mr. Reeder visits Peter Kane at his home, revealing that he is an investigator tracking the source of forged banknotes. He demonstrates the quality of the forgeries by showing Peter a perfect counterfeit note. Marney Kane joins them and quickly deduces that Jeffrey Legge is the 'Big Printer' behind the forgeries. Mr. Reeder explains the key figures involved in the forgery operation and expresses his desire to capture Legge for his crimes, not for bigamy. The chapter ends with the arrival of Emanuel Legge, whom Mr. Reeder and Marney decline to see.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

The chapter centers on the investigation of forged banknotes and the pursuit of Jeffrey Legge, highlighting the criminal enterprise and the quest for justice.

### Deception and Identity

Mr. Reeder's disguise as a poultry expert and the perfect counterfeit notes underscore themes of deception and hidden identities.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Peter Kane's refusal to inform on Legge, despite the investigator's appeals, illustrates a code of loyalty within the criminal underworld.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Reeder

Visits Peter Kane, reveals his role as an investigator of forged banknotes, demonstrates a perfect counterfeit note, and discusses the forgery operation with the Kanes.

### Peter Kane

Hosts Mr. Reeder, learns about the forged notes, and refuses to inform on Jeffrey Legge despite the investigator's probing.

### Marney Kane

Joins the conversation, recognizes the connection between the forged notes and Jeffrey Legge, and declines to see Emanuel Legge.

### Barney

Announces Mr. Reeder's arrival to Peter, reads Marney's letter to Johnny upside down, and is warned by Peter about his nosiness.

### Jeff Legge

Identified as the 'Big Printer' responsible for the forged notes, though not present in the chapter.

### Emanuel Legge

Arrives at Peter Kane's house seeking to see someone, but Mr. Reeder and Marney decline to meet him.

## Key lines

> I know nothing of Jeffrey Legge except that he's a blackguard. But if I did, if I had the key to his printing works, if I had evidence in my pocket of his guilt... I should not squeak, because that is not the way.

Peter Kane tells Mr. Reeder that even if he had proof of Legge's crimes, he would not inform on him, adhering to a personal code of honor.

_This exchange highlights Peter's loyalty to the criminal underworld's code of silence._

> I want this man very badly, and it is a matter of interest for you, young lady, because I could get him tomorrow—for bigamy. Which I shall not do. I want Jeff the Big Printer, not Jeff the bigamist.

Mr. Reeder explains that he could arrest Legge for bigamy but chooses to wait to catch him for the more serious crime of forgery.

_This reveals Mr. Reeder's strategic approach to justice and his focus on the larger crime._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/room_13_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/room_13_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/room_13_se/chapters