# VII: The Government and Mr. Jessen explained — The Council of Justice

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Vigilante Justice vs. Legal System

The Four Just Men take responsibility for the killings at Carlby Mansions, challenging the official legal process.

### Failure of the Legal System

The police suppress evidence at the inquest, and the verdict of 'person or persons unknown' highlights the system's inability to address the Four Just Men's actions.

### Public Opinion and Media Influence

The media's sensational coverage of Jessen's disappearance and the Carlby Mansions tragedy contrasts with the government's efforts to control information.

## Character check-ins

### Superintendent Falmouth

Investigates the Carlby Mansions tragedy, discusses the case with the Prince of the Escorial, and later reveals Jessen's government role to Charles Garret.

### Mr. Jessen

Reappears after his disappearance, visits the Home Office with documents that explain his position, and is reinstated by the Home Secretary.

### Lauder Bartholomew

Found dead at Carlby Mansions, identified as one of the victims of the Four Just Men.

### Rudulph Starque

Found dead at Carlby Mansions, identified as a revolutionary propagandist.

### François

Found dead at Carlby Mansions, identified as a French propaganda worker.

### Charles Garret

Attends the inquest as a journalist, confronts Falmouth about the suppressed details, and learns of Jessen's secret role.

### Carlos Ferdinand Bourbon

The Prince of the Escorial visits the crime scene, expresses sympathy with the Red Hundred, and discusses the case with Falmouth.

## Key lines

> “Nothing,” said the detective stolidly; “hush up the inquest until we can lay the Four Just Men by the heels.”

Falmouth plans to suppress the inquest details to catch the Four Just Men.

_Reveals the police strategy of secrecy to apprehend the vigilantes._

> “The Government,” said Falmouth in his best official manner, smoothing the nap of his hat the while⁠—“the Government regard the circumstances as unusual, but they have accepted the situation with great philosophy.”

The government acknowledges the unusual situation but chooses to tolerate it.

_Shows the government's pragmatic acceptance of the Four Just Men's actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_council_of_justice_se/chapters/vii-the-government-and-mr-jessen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_council_of_justice_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_council_of_justice_se/chapters