The Council of Justice · Chapter
The Fourth Man explained
After the shooting at Phoenix Hall, Superintendent Falmouth orchestrates a meticulous identification process to catch the perpetrators.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Vigilante Justice vs. Legal System
Manfred and Poiccart evade the police identification process, demonstrating the Four Just Men's ability to operate outside the law.
Anarchism and Political Terrorism
The Red Hundred congress and the shooting at Phoenix Hall illustrate the anarchist movement's methods and the authorities' response.
Public Opinion and Media Influence
The press swarms Falmouth after the raid, and Smith of the Megaphone comments on the sensationalism surrounding the Four Just Men.
Intelligence and Cunning as Weapons
Manfred and Poiccart use false names and Courtlander's quick thinking to outwit the police, showcasing their strategic minds.
Characters to notice
- George Manfred
The tall man with a trim beard who fired the shot; coolly escapes the police identification by using a false name and being vouched for by Courtlander.
- Poiccart
Manfred's taciturn companion; also escapes the police line using a false name and Courtlander's identification.
- Superintendent Falmouth
Leads the police raid and identification process at Phoenix Hall; later faces reporters' questions about the Four Just Men.
- Bernard Courtlander
A young, pale-faced visionary who identifies Manfred and Poiccart at the police line; later reveals himself as a wealthy Hungarian prince willing to join the Four Just Men.
- The Woman of Gratz
Observed the shooting; escorted home by François and Starque, she remains quiet and resists Starque's advances.
- François
A detective who assists Falmouth and later escorts the Woman of Gratz home.
- Rudulph Starque
A fleshy, well-off man who escorts the Woman of Gratz and makes a romantic overture that she rejects.
- Smith of the Megaphone
A journalist who observes the scene at Phoenix Hall and comments on the anarchists' respectability.
Key passages
“Separating the lambs from the goats with a vengeance”
Sorting the innocent from the guilty in a thorough manner.
Manfred comments on the police identification process.
“The Four who were three, to the Fourth who died and the Fourth who is born.”
A toast to the original four members, one of whom died and has now been replaced by Courtlander.
Manfred's toast at Reggiori's, symbolizing the renewal of the group.
“you can advocate the assassination of kings, so long as you don't specify which king”
English law allows general calls for regicide but not specific threats.
Falmouth explains the limits of free speech to the Red Hundred delegates.
