The Dain Curse · Chapter
VI: The Man from Devil’s Island explained
The narrator and his companions arrive at the Leggett home to find Owen Fitzstephan, who reveals that Edgar Leggett has committed suicide.
What happens
The narrator and his companions arrive at the Leggett home to find Owen Fitzstephan, who reveals that Edgar Leggett has committed suicide. In the laboratory, the police and Mrs. Leggett are present, and the narrator reads Leggett's confession letter aloud. The letter reveals Leggett's true identity as Maurice de Mayenne, an escaped convict from Devil's Island, who murdered his first wife, fled, and later killed a blackmailer named Ruppert before taking his own life.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Illusion
Edgar Leggett's entire life is built on false identities—Maurice de Mayenne, Walter Martin, Edgar Leggett—hiding his past as a murderer and escapee.
Crime and Detection
The chapter revolves around a suicide, a confession letter detailing multiple murders, and the police investigation into Leggett's affairs.
The Curse and Fate
Leggett's confession reveals a pattern of inescapable fate: his past crimes and blackmailers repeatedly catch up with him, leading to his suicide.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Arrives at the Leggett home after an accident, learns of Leggett's suicide, and reads the confession letter aloud.
- Owen Fitzstephan
Opens the door, informs the narrator of Leggett's suicide, and assists with Gabrielle.
- Eric Collinson
Arrives with a bloody face, tries to shield Gabrielle from the scene, and is forced to stay by the police.
- Gabrielle Leggett
Brought into the laboratory, appears drugged but begins to show awareness of her surroundings.
- Mrs. Leggett
Sitting in the laboratory, sobbing quietly into a handkerchief.
- O'Gar
Police detective present in the laboratory, reviewing papers and allowing the narrator to read the confession.
- Pat Reddy
Standing with O'Gar at the window, involved in the investigation.
- Edgar Leggett
Found dead at the laboratory table, having committed suicide, with a confession letter detailing his past as Maurice de Mayenne.
Key passages
“After some delay—I had to ring twice—the Leggetts’ door was opened by Owen Fitzstephan.”
The narrator rang twice before Owen Fitzstephan answered the door.
Sets the scene for the arrival at the Leggett home.
“Leggett’s committed suicide.”
Fitzstephan whispers that Edgar Leggett has killed himself.
Key revelation that drives the chapter's action.
“My name is Maurice Pierre de Mayenne. I was born in Fécamp, department of Seine-Inférieure, France, on March 6, 1883, but was chiefly educated in England.”
The confession begins with Leggett revealing his true identity and background.
Establishes Leggett's hidden past as a French convict.
“I am not going back to Devil’s Island.”
Leggett states his determination to avoid returning to the penal colony.
Explains his motive for suicide rather than facing capture.
