The Council of Justice · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Council of Justice by Edgar Wallace.
Chapter 1
I: The Red Hundred
The chapter introduces the Four Just Men, a vigilante council that executes justice outside the law, and contrasts them with the Red Hundred, an anarchist organization holding its first international congress in London. The narrative follows the abduction of three German anarchist delegates by men impersonating police, and culminates in the Woman of Gratz's speech at the Phoenix Hall, where she reveals the Red Hundred's fear of the Four Just Men.
Chapter 2
The Fourth Man
After the shooting at Phoenix Hall, Superintendent Falmouth orchestrates a meticulous identification process to catch the perpetrators. George Manfred and Poiccart manage to escape with the help of a mysterious young man who vouches for them, later revealed to be Bernard Courtlander, a Hungarian prince. Courtlander offers his wealth and loyalty to the Four Just Men, passing their test of character. Meanwhile, Falmouth faces the press, and the Woman of Gratz is escorted home by François and Rudulph Starque, who makes an unwelcome romantic advance.
Chapter 3
III: Jessen, Alias Long
Charles Garret, a reporter for the Megaphone, initially refuses a dangerous assignment to contact the Four Just Men but later independently seeks out his informant, Mr. Jessen (alias Long), in Presley Street. Jessen runs a secret guild for reformed criminals, giving them better tools and techniques. Charles suggests the Four Just Men might approach Jessen for help, but Jessen dismisses the idea. Shortly after, Jessen disappears, leaving a note claiming the Four Just Men have taken him, causing alarm at the Home Office and Scotland Yard.
Chapter 4
IV: The Red Bean
The Inner Council of the Red Hundred meets in Greek Street, London, with members including Starque, François, Hollom, Mirtisky, Grabe, and Lauder Bartholomew. Bartholomew, a disgraced former British officer, has risen quickly in the organization due to his lies about aristocratic connections and his exploitation of the group's funds. During the meeting, the Woman of Gratz arrives, causing tension between Starque and Bartholomew. Bartholomew reveals he received two beans—one black, one red—which he claims are from a past incident involving a traitor. The group is terrified by the threat of the Four Just Men, and a bomb is discovered under the table, forcing a panicked escape. The chapter highlights Bartholomew's deceitful past and the growing fear within the Red Hundred.
Chapter 5
The Council of Justice
Lauder Bartholomew, seeking to escape the Red Hundred, plans to flee to Uganda but is intercepted by the Four Just Men. They coerce him into becoming their informant against the Red Hundred, revealing his past betrayal for a bribe. Bartholomew learns of the Red Hundred's plots against the Prince of the Escorial and the Bank of England, and meets Menshikoff, who pays him and suggests taking the Woman of Gratz with him.
Chapter 6
Princess Revolutionary
Bartholomew attempts to persuade the Woman of Gratz to flee with him, revealing his fear of the Four Just Men and the Red Hundred. Starque and François interrupt, accuse Bartholomew of betrayal, and execute him. Manfred arrives with a live wire, subdues Starque and François, and confronts the Woman of Gratz, humiliating her before allowing her to leave.
Chapter 7
VII: The Government and Mr. Jessen
The chapter details the aftermath of the Carlby Mansions tragedy, where the bodies of Lauder Bartholomew, Rudolph Starque, and Henri Delaye François are discovered. Superintendent Falmouth investigates the scene, noting a large hole in the floor and a note from the Four Just Men taking responsibility. The Prince of the Escorial visits the scene, revealing his sympathy with the Red Hundred. The police suppress details at the inquest, leading to a verdict of 'person or persons unknown.' Charles Garret confronts Falmouth, who reveals Jessen's role as a government agent. Jessen reappears at the Guild, having been reinstated by the Home Secretary after presenting mysterious documents.
Chapter 8
An Incident in the Fight
The Woman of Gratz becomes the leader of the Red Hundred after Starque's death, and the Four Just Men (Council of Justice) wage a secret war against them. The police struggle to keep up, and the Prince of the Escorial is targeted for assassination. The Four Just Men secretly rescue the prince, substituting an anarchist assassin in his place, and the prince escapes to the Continent. The assassin is killed by his own comrade, and the prince later marries, bringing relief to European royalty.
Chapter 9
IX: The Four vs. the Hundred
The Four Just Men execute Franz Kitsinger and two other members of the Red Hundred, thwarting their terrorist plots. The police find Kitsinger hanged with a label declaring his execution. The second man is discovered in a garden after a note leads police to him. Von Dunop, the third man, is killed while attempting to bomb the Home Secretary's house, despite being in police custody. The chapter highlights the Four Just Men's efficiency and the police's helplessness.
Chapter 10
X: The Trial
The Red Hundred, led by the Woman of Gratz, conducts a trial for one of the men who killed Starque and François. The prisoner, who is revealed to be Jessen, the public executioner of England, calmly admits to killing Starque and many others. He is released after revealing his identity, and the Red Hundred's power is broken. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard observes the exodus of Red Hundred members from London.
Chapter 11
XI: Manfred
Manfred sits alone in his Lewisham house, reflecting on the toll of the fight against the Red Hundred and the broader mission of the Four Just Men. He is visited by the Woman of Gratz, who confesses her love and her betrayal—she has led the police to him. Manfred, having anticipated this, burns incriminating papers and calmly surrenders to Superintendent Falmouth, who arrests him on suspicion of being a member of the Four Just Men.
Chapter 12
In Wandsworth Jail
Charles Garrett, a journalist for the Megaphone, learns of Manfred's arrest via a telegraph message and mobilizes the newspaper's resources to cover the story. The chapter details Manfred's preliminary examination, his refusal to plead guilty or not guilty, and his time in Wandsworth Jail awaiting trial. Manfred interacts with Superintendent Falmouth and the prison governor, maintaining a calm demeanor and repeatedly asserting that he will escape. He receives books, including 'Three Months in Morocco' by Leon Gonsalez, and refuses to prepare a defense.
Chapter 13
XIII: The “Rational Faithers”
Gonsalez and Poiccart discuss the 'Rational Faithers,' a protest group led by Peter Sweeney, and their potential use as cover for a prison rescue plan. Gonsalez creates detailed prison plans, which are later discovered by Falmouth after a sting operation at a Gower Street boarding house. Falmouth shows the plans to the Commissioner, then informs Manfred, who reacts with calm amusement and asks to see a solicitor to make a will.
Chapter 14
At the Old Bailey
Manfred's trial at the Old Bailey unfolds with unusual calm. The prosecution presents its case without the typical emotional appeals, and Manfred, representing himself, delivers a philosophical defense acknowledging the justice of English law while justifying the Four Just Men's actions as a necessary deterrent. A masked witness, later implied to be the Prince of the Escorial, appears to claim equal responsibility. The jury quickly returns a guilty verdict, and the judge passes a sentence of death without the usual somber words, leaving observers uncertain whether a reprieve or escape is expected.
Chapter 15
XV: Chelmsford
Manfred is transferred from Wandsworth to Chelmsford Prison, where he receives coded messages from Leon Gonsalez via advertisements and a book. The Four Just Men prepare a rescue operation, involving machinery, a car, and a plan to cut telegraph wires. The Woman of Gratz is persuaded to leave, and Bernard Courtlander visits to offer assistance.
Chapter 16
The Execution
Manfred awaits execution at Chelmsford Prison, maintaining calm and engaging with warders and the doctor. He meets with Jessen, discusses the Guild, and refuses spiritual ministrations. On the morning of execution, a dramatic escape occurs when the trapdoor opens to a smoke-filled pit and a tunnel, revealing a pre-planned rescue.
Chapter 17
Endnotes
This chapter contains only endnotes, providing source citations and explanatory notes for the main text.
