The Avenger · Chapter
The Caves explained
Michael Brixan visits his old schoolmaster Mr.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Justice
Adele's discoveries of a knockout drug and a broken handcuff link point to criminal activity, and Michael's investigation into the caves suggests a hidden crime scene.
Deception and Appearances
The seemingly innocent dinner conversation masks a deeper investigation into murder and mystery, and the historical caves hide a sinister secret.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Investigates local caves and history with Mr. Scott; dines with Jack Knebworth and Adele Leamington; examines Adele's finds.
- Adele Leamington
Joins Michael and Jack for dinner; shares her detective work, producing a bottle of butyl chloride and a broken handcuff link.
- Jack Knebworth
Hosts dinner for Michael and Adele; identifies the butyl chloride as a knockout drug; plans to shoot at Griff Tower.
- Mr. Scott
Michael's old schoolmaster; provides historical information about caves and the Griff Tower.
- Lawley Foss
Mentioned as the previous visitor who asked about caves.
- Sir Gregory Penne
His estate is identified as the likely location of the caves and the Griff Tower.
Key passages
“I’m looking for an old history of Chichester.”
Michael asks Mr. Scott for a historical book about Chichester.
Michael's research into the caves begins.
“I have an idea it stands either within or about Penne’s property—a very old, circular tower, about twenty feet high, and anything up to two thousand years old.”
Mr. Scott suggests the Griff Tower is on or near Penne's land and is very ancient.
Links the tower to Penne's estate.
“It’s the central link of a handcuff, the link that has the swivel.”
Michael identifies the broken piece of steel as part of a handcuff.
Adele's second discovery is a clue to possible restraint or violence.