# The Messenger of the Circle explained — The Crimson Circle

> Chapter companion for The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Derrick Yale and Harvey Froyant argue over the plan to use Thalia Drummond as bait to catch the Crimson Circle. Froyant reluctantly hands over banknotes intended as a ransom. Yale, Parr, and Jack Beardmore set a trap in Yale's office for the Circle's messenger. Despite precautions, Yale is overpowered, handcuffed, and chloroformed, and the money is stolen. An aged postman leaves the building unnoticed, likely the culprit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

The chapter depicts a meticulously planned crime where the Crimson Circle outwits the police, stealing the ransom money despite a trap.

### Deception and Identity

The Crimson Circle's messenger evades detection by disguising as an aged postman, and Thalia's loyalty is questioned.

### Power and Control

Yale attempts to control the situation by setting a trap, but the Circle demonstrates superior power by neutralizing him.

## Character check-ins

### Harvey Froyant

Froyant angrily confronts Yale about using Thalia, reluctantly hands over the banknotes, and mentions his losses from Marl's schemes.

### Derrick Yale

Yale orchestrates the trap for the Crimson Circle's messenger, is overpowered and chloroformed in his office, and the money is stolen.

### Mr. Parr

Parr assists Yale with the trap, inspects the office, and discovers Yale unconscious after the attack.

### Felix Marl

Mentioned as having swindled Froyant and being involved in land swindles in France.

### Thalia Drummond

Yale sends her home to avoid involvement; Jack Beardmore thinks of her and doubts her guilt.

### Jim Beardmore

Mentioned as having introduced Froyant to Marl.

## Key lines

> You’re a fool, sir, and an idiot. I thought you were a clever detective, but you’re a fool!

Froyant insults Yale, calling him foolish and unintelligent despite his reputation as a detective.

_Froyant's anger at Yale's plan to use Thalia as bait._

> I don’t want a girl mixed up in the business of this afternoon. There may be a little rough-and-tumble work.

Yale sends Thalia home to keep her safe from potential violence during the operation.

_Yale's protective attitude toward Thalia._

> Three seconds later, an aged postman left the hall of the building, carrying his letter-bag on his shoulder, and the police who were watching the house, let him pass without question.

The Crimson Circle messenger, disguised as an elderly postman, escapes unnoticed by the police surveillance.

_The clever disguise and escape of the culprit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se/chapters/xxii-the-messenger-of-the-circle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se/chapters