The Four Just Men · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Four Just Men by Edgar Wallace.
Chapter 1
I: Thery's Trade
In a café in Cádiz, the Four Just Men—Manfred, Poiccart, Gonsalez, and a reluctant Thery—discuss their philosophy of vigilante justice. They recruit Thery, a skilled criminal, to help prevent an English minister from passing a law that would endanger the Carlist leader Manuel Garcia. Thery is initially hesitant but is coerced by the threat of exposure.
Chapter 2
A Newspaper Story
A small paragraph in a London newspaper about threatening letters received by Sir Philip Ramon sparks a media frenzy. The Megaphone newspaper publishes an exclusive interview with Sir Philip, revealing the existence of 'The Four Just Men,' a group of vigilantes who have committed numerous murders across Europe to enforce their own justice. The chapter details the group's history, their threat against the Aliens Extradition Bill, and the public revelation of their crimes.
Chapter 3
The Faithful Commons
Sir Philip Ramon remains resolute in pushing through the Extradition Bill despite threats from the Four Just Men. At the House of Commons, a letter from the Four is discovered, warning of a bomb placed in the chamber. A search confirms the device, though it lacks a detonator. The Prime Minister orders a reward for the culprit's arrest, while the members react with panic and debate.
Chapter 4
One Thousand Pounds Reward
The chapter describes the public and media frenzy following the bomb outrage in the House of Commons, the government's offer of a £1,000 reward for the capture of the Four Just Men, the difficulty of identifying them, and Sir Philip Ramon's stoic but fearful attitude. Detective Superintendent Falmouth expresses frustration at the lack of leads, while newspapers exploit the story for sensationalism.
Chapter 5
Preparations
The Four Just Men establish a front business, the Fine Arts Reproduction Syndicate, in Carnaby Street to prepare for their mission. They manage the restless Thery, who grows increasingly suspicious and demands answers about his role. Manfred reassures him with a veiled threat, while the group discusses their future plans, including a case in Holland.
Chapter 6
VI: The Outrage at the Megaphone
The editor of the Megaphone returns to find his office has been rigged with a magnesium flash and a threatening letter from the Four Just Men, demonstrating their ability to have killed him. Later, Miguel Thery, one of the Four, visits the office seeking the editor but is intercepted by Manfred, Poiccart, and Gonsalez. Thery had been given a newspaper containing a reward offer and free pardon, leading him to attempt betrayal. Manfred confronts the editor, secures Thery's return, and the editor, recognizing a journalistic opportunity, secures a promise of an article from the Four.
Chapter 7
VII: The Clues
The public is consumed by the impending threat of the Four Just Men. Sir Philip Ramon, despite his outward defiance, is deeply affected by the constant surveillance and the pressure of the situation. He reluctantly moves to Downing Street for security. Meanwhile, in Carnaby Street, the Four Just Men prepare their method of execution, with Thery reluctantly cooperating. The chapter also reveals Sir Philip's character as a cold, uncompromising statesman and includes the circulation of a reward notice for Thery.
Chapter 8
The Messenger of the Four
Sir Philip Ramon and Detective Superintendent Falmouth debate the credibility of the Four Just Men after a newspaper article appears in The Megaphone, in which the Four claim they will deliver a final warning in person by eight o'clock that evening. When the deadline passes without incident, a telegram from the Megaphone editor questions whether the warning was delivered, leading to confusion and tension. Falmouth reveals that an impostor disguised as an MP smuggled a bomb into the House of Commons, and a cable from Pinkerton's in Chicago warns of the Four's punctuality and lists specific dangers. Sir Philip resolves to see the matter through despite the threat.
Chapter 9
The Pocketbook
Sir Philip Ramon receives a final warning from the Four Just Men, detailing his security arrangements. The news spreads, causing public and political excitement. Meanwhile, pickpocket Billy Marks steals a pocketbook containing coded police security plans, which is later recognized by Constable Howard as crucial to the case. Howard brings it to Superintendent Falmouth, who realizes it contains their secret instructions.
Chapter 10
The Cupidity of Marks
Billy Marks, a pickpocket who stole from one of the Four Just Men, is interrogated by Detective Superintendent Falmouth. Falmouth releases him on bail, hoping he can identify the man he robbed. Meanwhile, Manfred, Gonsalez, and Poiccart regroup at their Carnaby Street workshop, learning that the thief has been arrested and released. Poiccart follows Marks and tests his recognition, concluding that the thief has not identified them but may have been paid by the police.
Chapter 11
A Newspaper Cutting
The chapter presents a detailed account of the coroner's inquest into Sir Philip Ramon's death. Evidence is given by the assistant-commissioner of police, Sir Francis Katling, and Superintendent Falmouth. The court learns of the discovery of Thery's body on Romney Marshes with a similar stain on his hand, and the jury returns a verdict of 'Death from some unknown cause, and wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.' After the inquest, the coroner meets a man named Carson and they discuss the foreman of the jury, who is revealed to be Manfred.
Chapter 12
Conclusion
Falmouth and the Commissioner review a farewell letter from the Four Just Men, who admit to Sir Philip Ramon's death but claim it was an accident caused by Thery's bungling. Falmouth searches Ramon's town house and discovers the telephone has been destroyed by a high-voltage electrical current, leading to the realization that Ramon was electrocuted. The police raid Carnaby Street but find only a deliberate clue left by Gonsalez. The Four Just Men escape to New York, and Falmouth laments that such men could not work with the law.
Chapter 13
List of Illustrations
A page listing illustrations that include cabalistic characters and key street names such as Portland Place, Regent St., Carnaby St., Shaftesbury Av., Coventry St., Whitcomb St., Pall Mall, Cockspur St., and Whitehall.
