# Michael Knows for Sure explained — The Avenger

> Chapter companion for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters/xxxix-michael-knows-for-sure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters