The Avenger · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.
Chapter 1
I: The Headhunter
Captain Mike Brixan, a Foreign Office Intelligence agent, is recalled from Berlin just as he was close to solving the mystery of the Slovak Treaty. His chief, Major George Staines, assigns him to investigate the latest victim of a serial killer known as 'The Headhunter'—Francis Elmer, a clerk who had embezzled funds and disappeared. Elmer's head was found in a box near Esher, and Brixan is to interview Elmer's niece, Adele Leamington, who works for the Knebworth Film Corporation in Chichester. Brixan reluctantly accepts the task, noting a curious coincidence involving the word 'extra.'
Chapter 2
II: Mr. Sampson Longvale Calls
Adele Leamington approaches director Jack Knebworth to ask for a better part in his film, but he brusquely dismisses her, advising her to return home. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Sampson Longvale, an eccentric, old-fashioned gentleman who offers his haunted house, the Dower House, for Knebworth's film location. Longvale reveals an interest in cinema and a desire to be filmed in the role of his illustrious ancestor. After Longvale departs, Knebworth dismisses Adele again, leaving her no closer to her goal.
Chapter 3
III: The Niece
Adele Leamington, a struggling film actress, receives an early morning visit from a man claiming to be a reporter. He questions her about her uncle, Francis Elmer, who has disappeared. Adele reveals she barely knows him, having seen him only twice. The man, Mike Brixan, later investigates a news shop where Elmer had picked up a letter and finds a newspaper with a suspicious agony advertisement marked.
Chapter 4
IV: The Leading Lady
Adele Leamington is unexpectedly cast as the lead in Jack Knebworth's film after star Stella Mendoza quits in a rage. While studying her script, she encounters Michael Brixan, who recognizes the typed pages as matching the Headhunter's death tales.
Chapter 5
V: Mr. Lawley Foss
Michael Brixan, a detective from the Foreign Office, visits a film studio to investigate a mysterious sheet of script that may be linked to the Headhunter murders. He meets Jack Knebworth, the director, and the troubled scenario manager Lawley Foss, who is described as clever but difficult. Brixan reveals to Adele Leamington that her uncle was murdered, and his head was found at Esher. Foss is given the incriminating page to examine, though Brixan is uneasy about him.
Chapter 6
The Master of Griff
Adele Leamington is nervous about filming at Griff Towers, the home of Sir Gregory Penne, whom she detests. Michael Brixan joins the film crew as an extra to stay close to her, causing tension with the leading man Reggie Connolly. Sir Gregory's unwelcome attention toward Adele becomes apparent, and Jack Knebworth grows wary of the situation.
Chapter 7
VII: The Swords and Bhag
Michael Brixan is left alone with Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers. Penne, displaying a mix of insolence and sudden amiability, invites Michael to view his extensive sword collection. During the tour, Penne reveals a Borneo sword he claims to have taken from a man he killed, and speaks of his disdain for England and his annual voyages to the East. He then introduces Michael to his 'perfect servant,' a sinister figure named Bhag, by opening a hidden panel in the library.
Chapter 8
Bhag
Michael Brixan meets Sir Gregory Penne's trained orangutan, Bhag, who demonstrates remarkable intelligence and obedience. Penne boasts of Bhag's loyalty and protective abilities. Later, during a film shoot at Penne's estate, Penne attempts to persuade Adele Leamington to dine with him, but she refuses. Michael rebuffs Penne's request to bring her, and the chapter ends with Michael observing Penne and Foss together, and shuddering at the sight of Bhag in the library window.
Chapter 9
IX: The Ancestor
Michael Brixan and the film company arrive at the Dower House, the dilapidated home of Sampson Longvale. Brixan is struck by the old-world charm of Longvale and the beauty of Adele Leamington, whom he watches perform a scene. He learns that Foss is late, having stopped to speak with Sir Gregory Penne, and that Knebworth distrusts Foss's financial habits. In the study, Brixan sees a portrait of Longvale's great-great-uncle, Charles Henry, and is visibly shaken when Longvale mentions the name. Later, a mysterious face appears at the window, and Brixan, armed with a Browning, goes to investigate, eventually admitting he saw a face.
Chapter 10
X: The Open Window
Michael Brixan visits a former teacher in Chichester to research in his library, then borrows a heavier pistol. He returns to the Dower House and learns from Sampson Longvale that a giant figure (likely Bhag) was seen lurking. Brixan questions Adele Leamington about her belongings and her stay at Griff Towers. That night, Adele wakes to find a hairy arm and hand grabbing her wrist through the open window.
Chapter 11
XI: The Mark on the Window
A monstrous ape, Bhag, climbs to Adele Leamington's window and attempts to abduct her, but Michael Brixan, who has been watching in the garden, fires a pistol and scares the creature away. Brixan reveals he expected the attack, having seen the ape earlier and suspecting Sir Gregory Penne used a lost glove to scent-mark Adele's room. Later, Brixan confronts Lawley Foss about a white disc he placed on Adele's window, which Brixan believes was a signal for Bhag. Foss claims it was a camera boundary mark, but Knebworth denies giving such instructions, and Brixan concludes the mark was placed at Penne's request to guide the ape.
Chapter 12
A Cry from a Tower
Michael Brixan, acting on his suspicions, takes a shortcut to Griff Towers at dawn. He discovers a postern door ajar and hides near the tower, where he hears a window break and a terrified scream from the top room. He rings the bell and is admitted by Sir Gregory Penne, whom he confronts about Bhag's attempt to abduct Adele Leamington. Brixan reveals his identity as a detective, and Penne, visibly shaken, claims the scream came from a mad servant. Penne leaves to investigate but locks Brixan in the library, then extinguishes the lights.
Chapter 13
XIII: The Trap That Failed
Michael Brixan confronts Sir Gregory Penne after a failed ambush in his study, firing at a shutter lock to scare off an intruder. He finds a silk scarf left behind and warns Penne of Nemesis. Meanwhile, Jack Knebworth praises Adele Leamington's film performance, criticizes the British film industry, and rejects Stella Mendoza's return to the picture, supported by Reggie Connolly's threat to quit unless Mendoza is reinstated.
Chapter 14
Mendoza Makes a Fight
Stella Mendoza confronts Adele Leamington over her replacement role, then argues with Jack Knebworth about her dismissal. Lawley Foss is also fired after being implicated in a kidnapping plot.
Chapter 15
Two from the Yard
Mike Brixan meets with Detective Inspector Lyle and Sergeant Walters from Scotland Yard, who have been placed under his orders. They provide information about Sir Gregory Penne, including his criminal record for assault and his background in Borneo, as well as details about his companion Bhag, an orangutan. Brixan arranges for Adele to be watched by a Scotland Yard man for her safety.
Chapter 16
XVI: The Brown Man from Nowhere
Lawley Foss, Stella Mendoza, and Reggie Connolly conspire against Jack Knebworth. Foss reveals he has a secret source of funding and a 'pull' with a friend in London. Stella plans to form her own picture corporation. After the meeting, Stella sees Mike Brixan in Chichester helping a mysterious brown-skinned native from Borneo who is searching for a man named 'Truji'.
Chapter 17
Mr. Foss Makes a Suggestion
Adele Leamington struggles to concentrate on her script, preoccupied with thoughts of Michael Brixan and the Headhunter. Lawley Foss visits and pressures her to dine with Sir Gregory Penne, revealing Penne's past connection to Stella Mendoza. Adele refuses, and Foss leaves, carrying a manuscript from the Headhunter's typewriter that he plans to use for profit.
Chapter 18
XIX: The Midnight Visit
Michael Brixan, equipped with a hook-ladder and tools, breaks into Griff Towers at night to investigate. He discovers a woman imprisoned in a tower room, whom he recognizes from a photograph, and observes Bhag bringing her food. After narrowly avoiding detection, he makes his way to the library, where he overhears a tense argument between Sir Gregory Penne and Stella Mendoza. Stella threatens Penne with exposure of his murderous secrets, and Penne forces her into a dark room—where Brixan is hiding. Brixan escapes through a window, pursued by the monstrous Bhag, and loses his pistol in the flight.
Chapter 19
XX: A Narrow Escape
Michael Brixan has a narrow escape from the monstrous Bhag, who is driven off by a mysterious brown-faced man with a curved sword. Afterward, Brixan retrieves his pistol, observes Stella Mendoza leaving Griff Towers, and retrieves his hook ladder. He returns home, doubts his initial solution to the Headhunter mystery, and is visited the next morning by Major Staines, who brings a newspaper cutting found in Francis Elmer's pocket—an advertisement for a 'Benefactor' that may be linked to the murders. Staines warns Brixan to be cautious and not to underestimate the killer.
Chapter 20
The Erasure
Michael Brixan investigates an erased entry in a manuscript ledger at the film studio, linking Sir Gregory Penne to submitted scenarios. He learns that Lawley Foss has been taking bribes from authors and is missing. Meanwhile, Mr. Longvale reveals he was called to attend a servant and saw Foss late at night. Jack Knebworth expresses disdain for Stella Mendoza's character.
Chapter 21
XXII: The Head
Stella Mendoza intercepts Mike Brixan outside the studio and invites him to her home, where she hints at a confession but is interrupted by a telephone call from Sir Gregory Penne. She postpones her revelation. Later, Brixan receives a telegram from Major Staines about a head found on Chobham Common; at the police station, he identifies the head as that of Lawley Foss.
Chapter 22
XXIII: Clues at the Tower
Michael Brixan confronts Sir Gregory Penne about the murder of Lawley Foss, whose head was found on Chobham Common. Penne claims a Malayan intruder attacked him, but Brixan discovers a blood-stained sword and signs of a struggle. Despite Penne's denials, Brixan presses for answers and searches the tower, uncovering further evidence.
Chapter 23
The Marks of the Beast
Michael Brixan confronts Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers, demanding to see the room where a violent struggle occurred. He discovers bloodstains, a broken chair, and a handprint that he identifies as Bhag's. Brixan reconstructs the scene, finding a broken sword and evidence of a fight. He searches the house and Bhag's quarters, finding a hidden exit. With police assistance, he traces a trail of blood and footprints through the grounds, suggesting bodies were carried away by Bhag. Inspector Lyle suspects Penne is the Headhunter, but Brixan remains uncertain.
Chapter 24
XXV: The Man in the Car
Adele Leamington prepares for a tea meeting with Michael Brixan, but he fails to appear. Later that evening, she encounters the same mysterious closed car she saw Lawley Foss speaking to the previous night. A white hand with a sparkling diamond beckons her, but she flees in terror to a policeman. Meanwhile, Michael Brixan informs Jack Knebworth of the discovery of Foss's head and discusses the possibility that Sir Gregory Penne is the Headhunter, with Mendoza as a potential key witness.
Chapter 25
XXVI: The Hand
Michael Brixan and Jack Knebworth visit Stella Mendoza late at night to inform her of Lawley Foss's murder. Stella reveals details about Sir Gregory Penne's character, his relationship with her, and his past raids in Borneo, including 'lifting' a woman. Brixan learns that Bhag can use a sword. The next morning, Brixan encounters Adele Leamington, who claims she saw the hand of the murderer at nine o'clock the previous night. Later, Sampson Longvale reveals he has been sheltering the brown-faced man and the woman from the tower, both wounded, confirming Penne's story. Longvale also produces a sword the man had with him.
Chapter 26
The Caves
Michael Brixan visits his old schoolmaster Mr. Scott to research local caves, learning of a historical landslide that entombed knights under Sir John Dudley. He maps the location to Sir Gregory Penne's estate and the ancient Griff Tower. Later, at Jack Knebworth's home, Adele Leamington joins them for dinner and shares two discoveries: a bottle of butyl chloride (a knockout drug) and a broken handcuff link, both found near a mysterious car track.
Chapter 27
XXVIII: The Tower
Michael Brixan, perturbed by the closed car incident, reinstates a guard on Adele's house. He examines the butyl chloride and broken handcuff found by Adele. Inspector Lyle reports from Griff Towers that Bhag is missing, and a bloodstained derby hat from Tjandi is found. Brixan joins the film crew at Griff Tower, where a scene is shot of Reggie Connolly carrying Adele down a rope. After the shoot, they spot Bhag emerging from the tower, still wearing broken handcuffs.
Chapter 28
Bhag's Return
Bhag, Sir Gregory Penne's orangutan, reappears from hiding in the old tower, startling Adele and the film crew. Michael Brixan pursues the ape but loses him, then deduces that someone had handcuffed Bhag, as evidenced by a broken link. Later, Brixan visits Sir Gregory, who confirms Bhag's return and reveals he removed the irons. Their conversation turns to the missing Lawley Foss and a hypothetical murder scenario, leading Brixan to suspect that Penne killed a servant years ago and that Stella Mendoza may have been a witness. Brixan also probes Penne about a hat lost in caves, but Penne feigns ignorance.
Chapter 29
The Advertisement
Michael Brixan investigates the advertisement trail, tracing letters through a series of intermediaries. He meets Sampson Longvale to discuss local caves near Griff Tower, and later intercepts an old woman collecting responses to the 'Benefactor' advertisement, uncovering another link in the Headhunter's network.
Chapter 30
XXXI: John Percival Liggitt
Adele feels out of sorts despite praise from Jack Knebworth for her acting. Reggie Connolly boasts about his abilities and Hollywood offers, but Knebworth dismisses his claims. A disheveled tramp waits outside the studio with a letter for Michael Brixan, refusing to hand it to anyone else. Adele later narrowly avoids a car driven recklessly by Stella Mendoza, who is in a hurry to reach Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers.
Chapter 31
XXXII: Gregory's Way
Stella Mendoza visits Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers to negotiate financial support for her new company, but the encounter takes a dark turn. Penne, drunk and menacing, reveals his obsession with Adele Leamington and demands Stella's help in luring her to Griff. When Stella refuses and attempts to leave, Penne imprisons her in a barred room. After overcoming her fear, Stella retrieves a hidden Browning pistol, but her resolve is shaken when a terrifying tramp's face appears at the window.
Chapter 32
The Trap That Failed
In disguise as a tramp, Michael Brixan attempts to trap the Headhunter by waiting near Jack Knebworth's house. After being warned by a policeman and visiting Knebworth to gather information, Brixan ambushes a car he believes contains the killer, but is thwarted when the driver sprays a blinding substance in his face and escapes. Knebworth and a policeman find Brixan disoriented on the ground, and he resigns in frustration.
Chapter 33
XXXIV: The Search
Michael Brixan, disguised, is unmasked by Jack Knebworth after being attacked with ammonia. He reveals he knows the Headhunter's identity and has a special force ready. Adele Leamington is lured away from her lodgings by a fake message from Knebworth, driven off in a closed car by a chauffeur. Brixan and Knebworth rush to Griff Towers, finding the door open, Stella Mendoza in a faint, and signs of a struggle. Bhag appears holding Adele's torn cloak, is shot at, and escapes. A scream from Gregory Penne is heard, heightening the crisis.
Chapter 34
XXXV: What Happened to Adele
Adele Leamington is lured from her lodgings under the pretense of a summons from Jack Knebworth, only to be abducted by Sir Gregory Penne, who drives her to Griff Towers. There, she is locked in a room and finds Stella Mendoza, revealing the abduction as part of Penne's scheme.
Chapter 35
At the Tower Again
Adele flees from Griff Towers, pursued by the monstrous Bhag. She manages to escape into the tower using a ladder left by Jack Knebworth, but after Bhag retreats, she falls down a hidden shaft inside the tower.
Chapter 36
XXXVIII: The Cavern of Bones
Adele falls into a hidden cave beneath Griff Tower, discovering a labyrinth of grottos littered with human bones and headless corpses. She finds strategically placed lanterns, suggesting someone inhabits the cavern. As she explores deeper, she hears Sir Gregory Penne's terrified cries for help.
Chapter 37
Michael Knows for Sure
Michael Brixan pursues Sir Gregory Penne after his car fails, but instead finds Sampson Longvale, who reveals himself as the hereditary executioner of France and the headhunter. Longvale captures Brixan and Penne, lowering them into a cave beneath his house.
Chapter 38
The Widow
Michael Brixan discovers a guillotine, referred to as 'The Widow,' in a cave, where Sampson Longvale reveals his morbid fascination with the device. Sir Gregory Penne is terrified, pleading for his life. Meanwhile, Jack Knebworth and Inspector Lyle search Longvale's house, finding evidence of Brixan's gun and a hidden car, leading them to a trapdoor beneath a pulley, suggesting Brixan is in grave danger.
Chapter 39
XLI: The Death
In the climactic conclusion, Michael Brixan and Inspector Lyle confront Sampson Longvale in the cave beneath Griff Towers. Longvale attempts to execute Sir Gregory Penne on a guillotine, but Bhag, the great ape, intervenes and turns the machine on Longvale instead. Adele Leamington, who had fallen into the cave, tries to shoot Longvale but her pistol fails. Bhag executes Longvale, and Michael rescues Adele. The chapter ends with Michael explaining Longvale's method of luring suicidal victims using vanishing ink and a complex mail system.
Chapter 40
XLII: Camera!
Three months after the Dower House revelations, Gregory Penne has served part of his sentence. The guillotine is in a police museum. Michael Brixan visits a film studio where Jack Knebworth directs a love scene with Reggie Connolly and Adele Leamington. Stella Mendoza watches. Michael jokes about making an arrest—Adele. They discuss marriage, and Michael confesses his love. Adele is noncommittal but later, outside, they share a kiss.
