# XXV: The Man in the Car explained — The Avenger

> Chapter companion for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearances

Adele reflects on her own self-repression and the contrast between her inner nerves and her outward composure; the mysterious car and its occupant embody hidden identities and deceptive calm.

### The Macabre and Grotesque

The discovery of Foss's head and the whispered invitation from the car contribute to a growing atmosphere of horror and the grotesque.

## Character check-ins

### Adele Leamington

Waits for Michael Brixan for tea, then goes out at night and is frightened by the man in the closed car.

### Jack Knebworth

Gives Adele the afternoon off, later receives news from Michael Brixan about Foss's head and discusses the case.

### Lawley Foss

Mentioned as having been seen speaking to the occupant of the closed car; his head has been discovered.

### Mike Brixan

Fails to meet Adele for tea, later calls Jack Knebworth to report the discovery of Foss's head.

### Stella Mendoza

Mentioned as a possible key witness who may know the author of the manuscript.

### Sir Gregory Penne

Suspected by Michael Brixan of being the Headhunter and of killing Foss.

## Key lines

> Life is largely made up of little things, but perspective in human affairs is not a gift common to youth.

Youth often lacks the perspective to see that life's small details matter.

_Opening reflection on Adele's youthful perspective._

> No: the moment I hear the camera turning, I feel that I am the character I’m supposed to be.

As soon as filming starts, Adele fully inhabits her role.

_Adele describes her acting process to Jack Knebworth._

> Pretty lady—come with me!

An attractive woman, come with me!

_The whispered invitation from the man in the car that frightens Adele._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters/xxv-the-man-in-the-car
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters