# XXIII explained — Room 13

> Chapter companion for Room 13 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Emanuel Legge manages his London affairs, including dealing with the fallout from the Highlow club's closure and replacing the elevator boy Benny. He receives a visit from Fenner, a former convict he betrayed, who demands £15,000 in compensation for a flogging. Legge deflects by offering £200 and later entices Fenner with a burglary opportunity at a house in Berkeley Square, providing duplicate keys. Legge also tips off Sergeant Shilto about Fenner's planned crime.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

Fenner's flogging and Legge's manipulation of criminal justice illustrate the cycle of crime and retribution.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Legge betrays Fenner to the authorities, then later betrays him again by setting up a risky burglary.

### Power and Control

Legge exerts control over Fenner, Stevens, and the police, using money and threats to maintain his influence.

## Character check-ins

### Emanuel Legge

Central figure in the chapter; manages club affairs, negotiates with Fenner, and orchestrates a burglary setup.

### Fenner

Former convict seeking revenge and money from Legge; reluctantly accepts a burglary offer.

### Stevens

Porter at the Highlow club; reinstated after defending Johnny Gray, argues with Legge about staff.

### Sergeant Shilto

Police contact tipped off by Legge about Fenner's planned burglary.

### Benny

Elevator boy replaced after being accused of squeaking on Legge.

## Key lines

> I’m sick of getting news about my murder

Emanuel Legge is tired of hearing threats that he will be killed.

_Shows Legge's dismissive attitude toward Fenner's threats._

> Benny squeaked on me

Stevens claims that Benny informed on him.

_Highlights the theme of betrayal and informants in the criminal world._

> You’ll get no fifteen thousand from me—not fifteen thousand cents, not fifteen thousand grains of sand

Legge refuses to pay Fenner any amount, no matter how small.

_Demonstrates Legge's stubbornness and contempt for Fenner._

## Links

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