The Avenger · Chapter
Michael Knows for Sure explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Longvale's obsessive hero-worship of his ancestor Sanson drives him to commit murders as a twisted continuation of the executioner's legacy.
The Macabre and Grotesque
The discovery of Longvale's secret cave, the pulley system, and the groaning prisoner create a macabre atmosphere.
Deception and Appearances
Longvale's courteous, scholarly demeanor hides his true nature as a homicidal lunatic.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Pursues Penne, confronts Longvale, and is captured and lowered into a cave.
- Sampson Longvale
Revealed as the descendant of Sanson, the French executioner, and the headhunter; captures Brixan and Penne.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Flees after his car fails, is drugged by Longvale, and ends up in the cave with Brixan.
Key passages
“Your great-uncle was Sanson, otherwise Longval, hereditary executioner of France!”
Michael reveals that Longvale's ancestor was the official executioner of the French monarchy.
Key revelation linking Longvale to the historical Sanson family.
“Is it not better that a man should pass out of life through no act of his own, than that he should commit the unpardonable crime of self-murder?”
Longvale argues that killing others is preferable to allowing them to commit suicide.
Longvale's twisted justification for his murders.