Room 13 · Chapter
XXVI explained
Johnny Gray and Peter Kane attend a dinner party at the Highlow Club hosted by Emanuel and Jeffrey Legge.
What happens
Johnny Gray and Peter Kane attend a dinner party at the Highlow Club hosted by Emanuel and Jeffrey Legge. After a tense meal where a hidden printing press is revealed, Johnny is drugged via his water glass and both men are subdued by Pietro. They are carried to a car, and Emanuel later calls Marney, disguising his voice, to lure her away.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Emanuel disguises his voice on the phone to deceive Marney, and the Legges conceal a printing press within a buffet.
Power and Control
Emanuel and Jeffrey orchestrate the drugging and abduction of Johnny and Peter, demonstrating their control over the situation.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Stevens warns Johnny about the danger, showing loyalty, while the Legges betray their guests' trust.
Characters to notice
- Johnny Gray
Arrives first, is warned by Stevens, sits facing the buffet, drinks drugged water, and is knocked unconscious by Pietro.
- Peter Kane
Arrives with a gun, is suspicious of the Legges, is struck by Emanuel after Johnny is drugged, and is carried to the car.
- Emanuel Legge
Hosts the dinner, orchestrates the drugging, orders the disposal of evidence, and calls Marney disguised as her father.
- Jeff Legge
Reveals the hidden printing press, helps carry the unconscious men, and leaves for a two o'clock engagement.
- Pietro
Hides in the cupboard, injects Johnny with a sedative, carries both men to the car, and burns their coats and hats.
- Marney Kane
Receives a deceptive phone call from Emanuel Legge disguised as her father.
Key passages
“I never thought you were a mug. Any man who has been in prison is, ex officio, one of the Ancient Order of Muggery.”
Stevens implies that Johnny should be cautious because his prison experience makes him a target.
Stevens warns Johnny to be alert.
“The point is— said Emanuel, and at that moment Johnny took a long sip from the glass. The liquid had hardly reached his throat when he strove vainly to reject it.”
Emanuel begins speaking, and Johnny drinks from his glass, immediately realizing he has been poisoned.
Johnny is drugged during the dinner.
“Got you! hissed Emanuel, glaring down at his enemy. Got you, Peter, my boy! Never been in boob, have you? I'll give you a taste of it!”
Emanuel exclaims triumphantly that he has captured Peter and threatens to imprison him.
Emanuel gloats over subduing Peter.