# IX: The Four vs. the Hundred explained — The Council of Justice

> Chapter companion for The Council of Justice by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Vigilante Justice vs. Legal System

The Four Just Men execute terrorists outside the law, while the police acknowledge their effectiveness but are bound by legal constraints.

### Anarchism and Political Terrorism

The Red Hundred's bomb plots and assassinations are central to the chapter's conflict.

### Failure of the Legal System

The police are unable to prevent the terrorists' acts, and the Four Just Men step in where the law fails.

### Public Opinion and Media Influence

The commissioner's comment about 'humiliating confession' and the public's reaction to the executions reflect media and public sentiment.

## Character check-ins

### Superintendent Falmouth

Dines with the commissioner, receives news of the executions, and pursues Von Dunop, only to find him dead.

### Herr Von Dunop

The third terrorist, attempts to bomb the Home Secretary's house but is killed by the Four Just Men while in police custody.

### Lauder Bartholomew

Not directly present, but referenced as part of the Red Hundred's leadership.

### George Manfred

Implied to be involved in the executions, possibly as the 'tall policeman' who arrests Von Dunop.

### Leon Gonsalez

Likely one of the Four Just Men involved in the operations described.

### Poiccart

Likely one of the Four Just Men involved in the operations described.

### Sir William Seddon

The Home Secretary, whose house is targeted by Von Dunop.

## Key lines

> It’s a humiliating confession,” said the chief commissioner when they brought the news to him, “but the presence of these men takes a load off my mind.

The chief commissioner admits that the Four Just Men's actions are embarrassing for the police, but he is relieved they are dealing with the terrorists.

_Highlights the police's conflicted view of vigilante justice._

> This is going to settle the Red Hundred,” said Falmouth. “These people are fighting them with their own weapons—assassination with assassination, terror with terror. Where do we come in?”

Falmouth believes the Four Just Men will defeat the Red Hundred by using the same violent methods, and questions the police's role.

_Emphasizes the theme of vigilante justice versus legal authority._

> It is incredible; it is impossible! he was running till the constable caught him, and he has not been out of our hands! Where is the officer who held him?”

Falmouth is astonished that Von Dunop was killed while in police custody, and demands to know what happened to the officer who arrested him.

_Shows the Four Just Men's ability to act undetected even under police surveillance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_council_of_justice_se/chapters/ix-the-four-vs-the-hundred
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_council_of_justice_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_council_of_justice_se/chapters